Churches across our diocese have been celebrating the season of Harvest, a time when we celebrate God’s abundant provision, giving thanks for all the good gifts we have received…
St James Church, Pokesdown
St James‘ held a Harvest Lunch which was open to the whole community, as well as welcoming the children of St. James’ Primary Academy and East Cliff Pre-Schools for Harvest services during the week, which involved donating items to Bournemouth Foodbank.
Church of the Ascension, Burghclere
The Church of the Ascension hosted a fabulous Harvest Festival on 1 October, with donations for the West Berks Foodbank (including produce donated by the Burghclere & Newtown Horticultural Society), music from the Newtown & Burghclere Handbells, and a traditional Harvest Loaf from the Empire Cafe & Bakery!
St John’s Alresford’s Apple Day
Despite the shortage of apples this year, St John’s Alresford hosted a successful ‘Apple Day’ event which included apple pressing, stalls and live music from several bands including a ‘Ukulele Jam’, Four Marks Folk Band and the Sunshine Singers. There was even maggot racing and very creative apple craft competition!
North Stoneham and Bassett Parish
Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated on 1 October in North Stoneham and Bassett Parish – there were two services in the morning at St Michael’s, including a stonking anthem from the choir, as well as a really busy Community Lunch at All Saints’. Thanks to everyone who helped to decorate the churches, make music and cook lunch. The Rector is still recovering from a full but joy-filled day…
All Saints’ Church, Minstead
On Sunday 1 October, a wonderful Harvest Festival was held at All Saints’ Church. The church was specially decorated with flowers, produce and forest fruits, to illustrate God’s bountiful gifts this Harvest season, followed by a bring and share lunch. All donations went to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
St John’s Church Hedge End
St John’s Church looked beautiful for their Harvest Festival, filled with flowers. They also set up a prayer space in the shed, which was filled with prayers of gratitude and hope, written on fruit shaped paper and hung up under the banner ‘Good Gifts From God’. All donations went to the Society of St James, Hampshire’s leading homelessness charity.
St Thomas’ Church Lymington
On Sunday 1 October, St Thomas’ Church held a Harvest Bring and Share lunch with all donations given to the New Forest Basics Bank – Andy and Barbara Clapper (pictured below) needed four trollies to deliver all the donations!
Romsey Abbey
On 30 September the Harvest celebrations at Romsey Abbey with a service which featured wonderful Harvest displays from the flower arrangers and a magnificent Harvest Loaf. The theme of the service was ‘Tend the earth and care for God’s creation’, with a talk from Dr John Gould from their Net Carbon Zero group.
St James Church, West End
There was a celebration of Harvest on 1 October at St James Church collecting goods for Eastleigh Basics Bank. The church’s bounty of harvest also included donations from Sunnycroft Residential Care Home, including a harvest loaf baked by Lisa.
The church was beautifully decorated by the church’s talented flower team, reflecting the words of the Bible regarding abundance: ‘Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, and God, our own God, will bless us.’ Psalm 67:6.
Christ Church Chineham
Christ Church Chineham celebrated Harvest during their morning service on 1 October, after which there was a Bring & Share lunch. All donations went to Basingstoke Foodbank, as well as a collection of carrier bags for Community Food Link Basingstoke to use in their hubs and schools.
Parish of Chandler’s Ford
The church bells of St Boniface were ringing at the start of this Harvest season to mark some very special visitors: Revd Hayley and Revd Penny had the pleasure of meeting the children from Little Delwood Kindergarten as they brought their Harvest gifts, and lots of joy, into church!
Silchester Church – St Mary the Virgin
Thank you to all who attended the Harvest Festival service at St Mary the Virgin on 1 October. The gifts of food were distributed to the Basingstoke Foodbank and the Tadley Pantry. Special grateful thanks as always to Mick Oram for his beautiful straw artwork, which was displayed throughout the church.
