Bishop in Harvest Mood

The Bishop of Ely, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, is aware more than most of the importance of Harvest Festival Services in many parts of his Diocese.

So when he joins the congregation of St Nicholas’, Glatton for a Family Harvest Service on Sunday 25 September he is looking forward to celebrating “creation, the joys of rural life and God’s great blessing”.

 Churchwarden Shirley Dexter said that the congregation was looking forward to Bishop Stephen’s visit enormously.

 “On the Saturday we will have the church decorated for harvest with scarecrows in and around the church. The church will be open for the village to visit and bring their annual Gift Day donations which will be received by the Treasurer this year, since the Rector, Canon Malcolm Griffith, retired in May and his successor has not yet been announced. There will be refreshments and activities for children in church during the afternoon.”

 “We have lots of farmers in our congregation, and the decoration of the church is mainly produce. We do also collect tins and packets for a homeless charity in Peterborough,” Mrs Dexter said.

Bishop Stephen will have an opportunity to talk to local farmers and all those involved in the food collection project during his visit. 

She added: “After the service the church is stripped of produce and pot plants and we all move to the Village Hall opposite the church where we have a Harvest supper.”

 Money raised from this event will be sent to Our Father’s House in Brazil, a foundation which provides schooling and shelter for the street children.

19th September 2011