kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth

Thank you for the harvest

Today is our Harvest Thanksgiving Festival at Godmanchester Church. I shall miss the celebrations this year, as I don’t really feel well enough to go. But, even without going, I know that the Church will look stunning for today. And will look quite bare in comparison tomorrow, as so much is taken to be given to those who need it more than us.

I’m always aware, though, that as much as we do try and do to help others as a Church, there is still more that could be done. We often help out those in need locally, but there is so much need, greater need perhaps, worldwide.

I was browsing on YouTube and came across a whole host of videos put on there by Christian Aid; and they certainly got me thinking. Here’s one, below, that highlights need, and some of the practical ways help can be given. But do please have a look at more of the Christian Aid videos by clicking here.

It’s quite incredible to think that just £7.50 could provide enough drought-resistant millet seed for a farmer in Burkina Faso to harvest a year’s food for four people – from the desert. And it makes you realize that helping, really helping, isn’t out of reach.

Creator God,
you made the goodness of the land,
the riches of the sea
and the rhythm of the seasons;
as we thank you for the harvest,
may we cherish and respect
this planet and its peoples,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Additional Collect for Harvest Thanksgiving
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council

Here I Stand

I first came across the group, Iona, soon after they released their first Album back in 1990. Since then I’ve bought several (six) of their albums. They’re all on my little 2gb mp3 player, and are all played frequently.

While browsing YouTube recently, I came across this promotional video for the group.

The Wild Goose, in the song lyrics, is the symbol used in Celtic Christianity to represent God’s Holy Spirit.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.