Harvest Sunday was on Sunday 6th October, 2019. The Eucharist service included the traditional harvest hymns “Come Ye Thankful People Come” and “We Plough the Fields and Scatter”. The choir sung the cheerful anthem “Thou Visitest the Earth”. After the service there was a celebratory harvest lunch. It was also the first Sunday of our stewardship campaign – “Stepping Out and Stepping Up Together” – encouraging people to look at their talents and abilities to work out how the church can be supported in the future.
The church was beautifully decorated with flowers and fruit. Apples from the church, vicarage and members’ gardens lined the church window and porch ledges. A wide range of fruit and vegetables decorated the church and was offered at the altar. These included pumpkins, squashes, courgettes, pears and tomatoes.
A wide range of food items such as canned foods, pasta, rice, flour, tea and coffee was also offered at the altar. The food would be used in our community kitchen which feeds the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.
The celebratory harvest lunch took place at the end of the Eucharist service. It was a bring-and-share lunch and displayed a delicious and marvellous selection of foods. There was a range of dishes which included fried and barbecued chicken, an array of salads, coleslaw, quiches, sandwiches, nuts, cheese and sausages on sticks, savoury fritters and various breads. A wonderful selection of cakes was also included. The menu showcased the culinary skills and talents of members of the congregation. The lunch was a great occasion to socialise and join together in fellowship.
Before the service started, the brochures on “Stepping Out and Stepping Up Together” and the accompanying commitment cards were handed out to the congregation. The brochure showed the many ways in which the church carries out its ministry and serves the community. The expenses incurred are greater than the income generated by church activities. As church members, we are invited to consider how both individually and as a family, we can help. This may take many forms ranging from monetary giving to the giving of our time, skills and talents.
Altogether, it was a busy, fruitful and enjoyable harvest Sunday.
Jennie Collins
Our thanks also go to the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and to Mill Field Primary for their contributions to the food collection
St Martin’s Church aims to praise God, to share the good news and to be a welcoming loving church serving all.
