Thoughts from the Vicarage
In spring, our famers sow seed in the fields in and around our villages and, in the summer, the seed grows into crops and bears fruit. In August and September our farmers gather in these crops which have been growing quietly in he sun and the rain during the summer. And, then, in October, when we are glad that all is safely gathered in, our minds turn to thoughts of Harvest Thanksgiving. This doesn’t just mean being thankful for the crops which will feed us during the winter: it means being thankful for all we have got. But even more than this, it means sharing what we have with those less fortunate than ourselves. To this end the church gathers together food and toiletries and clothing at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service which, In Mount Bures will be at 9:15 am on Sunday 4th October, in Wormingford, will be at 11:00 am on Sunday 4th October and in Little Horkesley at 11:00 am on Sunday 11th October.
The fruit and tins and toiletries and warm clothing we collect at Mount Bures will then be given Nether Priors, Halstead. They, in turn, will use these gifts from you to feed the residents they look after. Among the most useful gifts are tins of food so that they can be stored for use throughout the year.
The fruit and tins and toiletries and warm clothing we collect at Wormingford will then be given to the nuns at St Saviour’s Priory in Hackney, East London. They, in turn, will use these gifts from you to feed the hungry and homeless who knock on their door and attend the Dunloe Centre. They tell me that this is the first year they have noticed their stock of clothing is running low, nor because they haven’t been given clothing but because the demand is so great – it’s the recession, you see. Among the most useful gifts are tins with ring pulls so that the food inside can be eaten cold with a spoon. I am pleased that the children at the school have decided to join us in a joint venture this year at Wormingford.
The fruit and tins and toiletries and warm clothing we collect at Little Horkesley will then be given to The Colchester Soup Kitchen who will use these gifts from you to feed and clothe the poor and homeless who knock on their door and The Colchester & Tendring Women’s Refuge who will use your gifts to feed and clothe the women and children who look to them for sanctuary. Among the most useful gifts are tins of food so that they can be stored for use throughout the year.
Please give us what you can for us to pass on to the unfortunate people the St Saviour nuns look after. Be thankful for what you have and ever mindful of the needs of others.
If you like a good sing, come to the 6:30 pm Benefice Harvest Choral Evensong at Little Horkesley on Sunday 11th October where our usual choir will be joined by the superb West Mersea choir under the direction of Professor John Davies. It will be well worth the three mile drive.
I hope to see you at one of the services and at one of the Harvest Suppers: 7:00 pm for 7:30pm in Wormingford village Hall on Friday 9th October and 7:00 pm in Lt Horkesley Village Hall on Friday 16th October. I know you will enjoy the entertainment and the home cooked meal. Bring you own bottle. The cost for adults is a very modest £8.00 and there is no charge for children under 14.
God bless
Henry
