We have something very precious in Holy Trinity Church: we have a tradition of praise and thanksgiving to God that has stood the test of time and has been passed down the generations for over a hundred and thirty years.

How wonderful it was on Sunday to see our young people continuing this tradition as they processed into church singing the well-loved Harvest hymn: “We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land.”

Following the clergy and choir, the children of the Sunday School, led in by Christina, placed their harvest gifts on a table in front of the Altar.  What a beautiful sight this was, adding to the decorations all over the church, lovingly prepared by the Flower Team under Gwen’s skilled leadership; flowers, berries, fruit and vegetables filled the church.

 Following Fr John’s greeting and our prayers of penitence, the young people led the readings and intercessions and what a wonderful job they all did.  Thanks to Rev Jane, Sandie, Christina and all the helpers who have worked so hard in preparing the children.  First, the Junior section presented readings from Deuteronomy and then we heard a dramatised version of the Gospel presented by Trygs Youth Group, with young people from the Junior Section giving the responses.

Phil, a member of Trygs, led the moving prayers of intercession and then we all shared the Peace.

At the Offertory, Ray played an upbeat version of “He’s got the whole world in his hands,” accompanied on percussion by the youngest members of our Sunday School.

Oh that we, bruised and world-weary adults, could once again experience such abundant joy in our worship.

Following the Holy Eucharist and Communion, we were treated to the beautiful Anthem “All things bright and beautiful”.  How fortunate we are in having such a wonderful choir; it was great that the congregation dared to show their appreciation on this occasion.

We ended with the hymn “Come ye thankful people come,” thereby completing the tradition of harvest hymns passed down to another generation.

On our way out, we admired the colourful collages, depicting God’s gifts to his people, that the Sunday school had made in craft sessions over a number of weeks.

May I share with you a verse from the prayer of Archbishop Romero:

This is what we are about:
We plant the seeds that one day will grow;
We water seeds already planted knowing that they hold future promise;
We lay foundations that will need further development;
We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.

Angela