October is the month when the Church has traditionally given thanks for the harvest “safely gathered in”.
A farmer I knew well in Norfolk told me that it was about the only time in his year when he could pause for breath, take a very short break and reflect on the harvest and start to make his plans for the following year. Whether you’re involved in any way with the farming industry or not, I hope we will all make the opportunity to pause, reflect on the past and make plans for the future.
The author of a book I’ve been reading recently decided to find 1,000 reasons to give thanks to God. She is married to a farmer in the US and it’s fair to say that she doesn’t have an easy life. Yet, she determined that she was going to deliberately find things to thank God for throughout her year. Even in the midst of difficulties she was able to give thanks for the good things in her life. I am not in any way dismissing the difficulties that many of us face through the year, nor the pain which they bring. However, this author’s experience was that by giving thanks for the good things, she was able to put her problems into perspective and not allow them to be “all consuming”.
This also seems a good opportunity for me to thank all of you, individuals and local organisations, for your amazing generosity to the Food Bank we operate at St. Peter’s. You have donated several tonnes of food over the past year and we are very appreciative. The Food Bank was in huge demand over the summer holidays and continues to be very busy. If you know someone who is struggling, please refer them to the Food Bank. Vouchers are available from various places including Yaxley Group Practice, local schools, Luminus, Social Services and the Benefits Agency in Peterborough. Please call the number below if you need further information.
Our harvest celebration and thanksgiving at St. Peter’s will be on Sunday October 1st at 11.00am. You are all welcome to join us.
With my continuing prayers,
Jon Randall (Vicar) 07939 449255; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk
Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.