The large congregation braved torrential rain and wind to attend the Harvest Festival at St. Mary's on Sunday morning. As it was the first Sunday in the month, it was also a family service. The service began with the processional hymn 'Come ye thankful people come.' The service was in the care of Canon David Jenkins. He welcomed all to this special service and thanked all who were responsible for decorating the church so beautifully for the occasion. An abundance of russet and gold displays enhanced by vegetables, fruit and wheat.
He then called upon Amelia Vickery to welcome everyone on behalf of the Sunday Club. Sunday Club had been very busy of late and had raised over £230 with their 'Line of Coins' and the sale of their 'Book of Prayers' for The Mission of Seafarers.
Mrs. Christine Kirkby read the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy and Mrs. Ellen Powling read the second reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians. The singing of the Gradual Hymn 'Fill your heart with Joy and Gladness' followed the readings.
Mrs. Jennifer Baxter gave the sermon. She asked us to bring our own personal gifts to the altar. Gifts of sharing and giving, helping and nurturing. We are blessed with material and environmental gifts, but to help a neighbour, aid the sick or support a young mother would be the perfect way of giving. 'When was the last time you did something for the first time?' she asked. Get involved, join in.
Sunday Club members Hollie and Nathan recited a poem called 'Harvest,' and then the club sang 'Love Him.' Jemima, Matthew H., Lilliray, Caitlin, Adam Rees and Bethan Griffiths offered prayers.
The offertory hymn was 'Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.' Canon David invited all members of Christ's family to join with him in communion at both altars.
During communion, the choir sang 'O Lord my God to Thee' by Arcadelt, 'Holy, holy, holy' by Schubert and 'Cantate Domino' by Pitoni. The final hymn was 'We plough the fields and scatter.'
In the evening, there was a service of readings and music for Harvest. The service began with the choir singing the beautiful Introit 'Thou visitest the earth' by Maurice Green in St. Anne's Chapel. The soloist was Mr. Jack Docherty. Canon David welcomed all and asked us to share with those in need.
There were seven readings read by Mr. John Beynon, Mrs. Valerie Paley, Mrs. Gwen Nicholl, Mrs. Audrey Hussey, Mrs. Ruth Webb, Mrs. Julie Watts and Rev. Michael John. The readings were interspersed with harvest hymns and the choir sang 'Now the green blade riseth' and 'There's a wideness in God's mercy.' Rev. Dennis Baxter led the prayer - 'you have blessed us richly, teach us to remember others.' The service ended with the hymn 'Crown Him with many crowns' and a blessing from Canon David.