Well, the weather has finally turned. The gales have brought the leaves down, and the leaves left on the trees are tinged with an autumnal hue. As we enter this new season in the calendar of the church, we press pause and take some time to reflect on the many gifts we have received, especially for the harvest which is safely gathered in. Harvest festival was one of my favourite services of the year as a child. I loved entering a church filled with colour and texture and smells of fruits and flowers. Why not come and join us at one of our Harvest Services in the parish?
Harvest services …
… will be happening in our parish this Sunday (24th September) and next Sunday, too (1st October). As we gather to give thanks, I offer you this ancient prayer written by St Boniface that seems apt in this season of thankfulness:
Eternal God, the refuge and help of all your children,
we praise you for all you have given us,
for all you have done for us,
for all that you are to us.
In our weakness, you are strength,
in our darkness, you are light,
in our sorrow, you are comfort and peace.
We cannot number your blessings,
we cannot declare your love:
For all your blessings we bless you.
May we live as in your presence,
and love the things that you love,
and serve you in our daily lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The week coming up
This Saturday it is St Michael’s Coffee Morning at Adam’s Hall in Arlecdon at 10-11:30am. It’s an opportunity to meet with friends and support your local church. There will be a craft table for those who are younger in years or young in heart! We look forward to seeing you there.
This Sunday (24th September) the Harvest services will be:
- 9:15am A Celebration of Harvest and Holy Communion at St Paul’s Frizington. Matt Stemp, our Eco Church rep, will be our preacher.
- 11:15am An All Age Harvest Sunday celebration at St Leonard’s Cleator … fun and worship for all the family.
Services next Sunday (1st October)
- 9:15am St John’s Cleator Moor: A celebration of Harvest and Holy Communion
- 11:15am St Michael’s, Arlecdon: An All Age Harvest Thanksgiving Service. This will include a short act of commemoration for Benny Walker, our generous benefactor, whose support has made possible the refurbishment of the church.
Harvest collection
In our harvest services over the next couple of weeks we would encourage you to bring along tins and dried food (long-life food) that we can take to our local Food Pantry, which supports local people facing economic challenges. In addition, we will be asking for donations for the emergency appeals launched to support communities devastated by floods and earthquake in Morocco and Libya.
An Engaging Faith Community 