Harvest Festival
All Saints' Church Harvest Festival - 2011
On
Sunday 16 October a full church of 80 adults and children gathered
for a traditional but innovative Harvest Festival service conducted
by The Revd Tony Cumberlidge. |
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The
church was beautifully decorated with flowers, foliage, fruit, vegetables
and a stunning Harvest Sheaf, baked by the Chievely bakery. Children
arranged windows with their favourite farmyard toys and produce from
their gardens or allotments. |
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Additionally,
harvest decorations described by Victorian clergyman Francis Kilvert
in his famous diaries were introduced for the first time: a cross
of white flowers floating on the font, sheaves in St Andrew’s crosses
on the walls of the church, linked by a vine hung with grapes, and
rare and magnificent ferns lining the altar steps. |
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Also for the first time the newly formed East Garston Active Music Club, took part in the service. The young people performing were all aged 13 or under. The club has been started by Mrs Pat Glover, who lives in East Garston and is keen to give young children the opportunity to play a musical instrument. The children opened the service by playing Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and also played the first verse of Come Ye Thankful People Come. |
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Mr
Cumberlidge’s address on the importance of saying thank you, involved
children of all ages in discussion on the Parable of the Ten Lepers,
when only one man remembered to say thank you to Jesus for healing
him. The congregation were then reminded how important it was and
still is, in country parishes to give thanks to God for a fruitful
harvest, as so much of the rural economy depends upon it. |
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After
the service, a superb Harvest Lunch was served in the Village Hall
to fifty adults and children. A complete cross section of people from
within and beyond the parish, were there. The occasion illustrated
the importance to parishioners of a vibrant church celebrating an
ancient village custom. |
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photos
: Martyn Wright
text : Sally Wright
Main Site Menu : 2011 church archive menu
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