This morning in wet and windy weather most of us met indoors for our Harvest Celebrations. Non the less 12 hardy souls, 2 children did process from the Barn,  and at suitable distance we had our procession of  Harvest gifts which were received at the sanctuary steps by Mrs Field. The Choir sang Come ye Joyful People Come as the gifts were placed in front of the Altar. We then proceeded with our family service. 

Mrs Field told us about arrangements for the return of Sunday School after half term, then she talked about the work the children have been doing at home this month. The art work they have produced on the theme of seeds was displayed on the board, and she told us about the many references to seeds through out the Bible Old testament and New. She also asked us to consider that the symbol of the seed might also be used for many things, but especially in these difficult times for Hope. The Choir then sang a Harvest anthem 'Thou Visitest the Earth' with the solo sung by one of our Basses, Fred.

The Choir also sang another Harvest hymn for the Offertory To the Oh Lord our Hearts we Raise, with the excellent tune by Sir Arthur Sullivan.

Following the communion our final traditional hymn 'We Plough the fields and scatter' sent us back out into the wind and rain for another week.

 Matthew 6:25-33

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples:

 "Do not worry about your life, 

what you will eat or what you will drink, 

or about your body, what you will wear. 

Is not life more than food, 

and the body more than clothing? 

Look at the birds of the air; 

they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,

 and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

 Are you not of more value than they? 

And can any of you by worrying 

add a single hour to your span of life? 

And why do you worry about clothing? 

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; 

they neither toil nor spin, 

yet I tell you, 

even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, 

which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, 

will he not much more clothe you—

you of little faith? 

Therefore do not worry, 

saying, "What will we eat?' 

or "What will we drink?' 

or "What will we wear?' 

For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; 

and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be given to you as well.