Harvest 2021
As our parishes become more internet-savvy, the line between 'in person' and 'online' is becoming blurred - but in a good way. Face-to-face services are often broadcast to those at home, and quality photography brings home the care taken in displays, activities and services.
Part of the Harvest display in Branksome St Aldhelm
Harvest is a time of celebration that can take many forms.
The likes of Devizes St John, St John's Church Tisbury and St Mary's Sixpenny Handley shared sets of photos of stunning flower displays and foodbank items, and St Andrew's West Stafford took the opportunity to spruce up their churchyard, as you can see here.
In the Beaminster Area Team, the Revd Jo Neary said:
"I am always hugely grateful for the talented people who arrange flowers in church. Their artistic skills bless us and enhance our beautiful worship spaces.
"Lord God, thank you for the gifts of creation and the gift of creativity. Give us a glimpse of your glory today. Amen."
Flower display in Tisbury
Foodbanks continue to be a theme, with St Francis' Church Salisbury collecting food and issuing a helpful list - similarly in Branksome St Aldhelm - and, at Holy Trinity Weymouth with St Nicholas, Father Andrew and Connor visited Weymouth foodbank on the Granby Industrial Estate. A Facebook post spoke of
"This amazing stash of goodies to those most in need in our community. Thank you to everyone who donated to our Harvest Festival celebration last Sunday. Your support makes a massive difference, it really does, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Not to be outdone, Durrington CE Junior School in Wiltshire asked for donations for the elderly of the Friday lunch club in the village, with great success.
Visiting the foodbank on the Granby estate
In the White Horse Team newsletter, also in Wiltshire, the Revd Rebecca Harris remarked about the 'Jeremy Clarkson's Farm' TV programme opening eyes to the reality of farming and the need to support our framers.
And St John's Wimborne made sure that parishioners supported the local foodbank and Tearfund as part of their drive to help the needy, in the newsletter and in their services.
There were live broadcasts from St James' Church Poole Harvest All Age Service, St Andrew's Melksham with the Revd Alison Sowton,
St Thomas' Church Ensbury Park Harvest communion, and at Branksome St Aldhelm:
"All ages, all types and all joined in thanksgiving and celebration. Oh, and a typically thoughtful, funny and challenging address by Rona Orme."
Christ Church Warminster held their Harvest Festival at Dilton Court Farm, with sanitiser and service sheets administered by the Revd Lorraine Dobbins, as you can see here.
Attendee Gail Luke said:
"It was an absolutely cracking Harvest Festival, church at its best. Thank you every single soul who made it so special. Wonderful friends, fellowship and food. Bless you all."
Still to come, the likes of the Red Post Benefice are holding events. There is a Harvest Festival Arts Weekend at Winterborne Zelston on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October.
Salway Ash altar display
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