On Sunday 6th October, we celebrated our Harvest Festival at St. Cross.
It is one of the highlights of our year when members of our congregation bring flowers and greenery with some from their gardens, to decorate the church the day before. And then on the Sunday produce is brought and offered back to God as this is laid down on the floor in front of the Nave Altar as we sing our opening hymns of praise. Most of the produce will be given to Hope Central for distribution in our local community. The remainder along with the flowers / plants will be given to housebound parishioners and those who have recently been bereaved.
It was particularly heartening to see so many families today and one of our Readers, Mary, gave an excellent talk helping us to think about 'loving our neighbour', as Jesus taught us. As well as supporting Hope Central we will be raising money, through a coffee morning for the 'Send-a-Cow' charity to help people in Rwanda harvest coffee to earn a living. Turning Coffee into Hope.
After the service this morning some of our young people, flower arrangers and ministry team gathered by the altar with all the gifts generously given by St. Cross parishioners. The banner 'Love our neighbour' was drawn and coloured by two of our children.
