Monday 6 October 2008

Celebrating Harvest in the City

Miles from the nearest field of corn ripe for Harvest it would surely seem more than a little strange to be celebrating the traditional Harvest to the strains of 'Come, ye thankful people, come' which is why we didn't!
Blended with a lively mix of fun and laughter the serious message of thanking God when he sends rain to water the earth was the theme our Harvest Musical - 'The Little Black Cloud' performed by members of the congregation to an appreciative audience. (pics on our website)
Supper followed with everyone contributing to the common meal with a dish of their choosing. Reflecting the diversity of cultures represented the table fayre tempted the taste buds and only a very few crumbs were left at the end of the evening.
In slightly more serious tones our Harvest worship reminded us that amidst our thankfulness for all that God provides we as Christians are called to make our own response.
Addressed by Revd Dr John Weaver, President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, we were reminded through his illustarted sermon that 'God is Green' and that climate change is having a dramatic effect on the world and will continue to do so unless we act and changes our ways and campaign for others - especially our politcal leaders - to do the same. (MP3 recording on website).
Spotlighting the work of Christian Aid and its partners working in Burkina Faso members of the Northern Homegroup introduced the evening congregation to one man's persistence to improve the farming potential in his community and reminding us that through our persistence as individuals and as a community of God's people we can make a difference to society and the world too.
If we do then surely we might truely be in a position to 'raise the song of Harvest home'.

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