Beep your horn to say 'Amen'
With churchgoers still unable to enjoy singing hymns inside churches due to Covid-19, some of our local communities are being invited to attend special ‘drive-in Harvest Festival’ services - a 2020 take on a favourite autumn tradition to say thanks for the harvest and to all local farmers who have continued working during the pandemic.
Original image courtesy Diocese of Norwich
Team Rector Ali Bridewell and Curate Adrian Burholt of the Wellsprings Benefice have organised an event in the grounds of Five Lanes Farm, courtesy local farmers John and Theresa Chandler.
Ali says:
“Because we cannot sing in churches it takes a lot of joy out of our worship. Being together and giving thanks for the land, harvest, and seasons of life, gives us a message of hope that seasons will come and go.
“People will be able to sit in their cars with the window up and sing hymns including We Plough the Fields and Scatter, All Things Bright and Beautiful and Come Ye Thankful People, to give thanks during this special service.
“The event will be limited to 300 cars due to restrictions. Service-goers will be able to enjoy the service with social distancing in place and sing to their hearts’ content within their own vehicles, via a centralised radio system. Vehicles will be arranged in graduated semi-circles with an ‘aisle’ down the centre, and an altar at the front made out of hay bales.
“The service will be interactive for those sitting in their cars. Windscreen wipers, indicators and hazard lights will all play their part along with two beeps of the horn for a resounding ‘Amen’.
“There will be the usual collection of food and cash to help food banks across Devizes, with gifts being presented to the altar on a tractor and trailer. It is hoped to continue the agricultural theme with a plough and an assortment of tractors.
“The drive-in is being held on Sunday 4th October, starting at 11am, with gates opening at 10.30am.
“All are welcome!"
The Wellsprings Benefice includes 5 unique and inspiring churches in the heart of Wilshire, comprising the parishes of Bulkington, Potterne, Poulshot, Seend and Worton & Marston.
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