Rural ministry: Harvest
‘Food from the earth and wine to gladden the human heart’ Psalm 104:14-15
Summer and autumn gives us plenty of opportunities for mission communities and benefices to come together. Lammas services and harvest suppers can build new friendships while preparing, serving and eating together!
In early August Lammas Day or loaf-mass day is the wheat festival and the first harvest festival of the year. Get together for a ‘fair and local’ supper, barbecue, or a farm walk finishing with a short service of thanksgiving for the first fruits of the season with the entire mission community invited.
Later in another location prepare a service for harvest followed by a harvest supper, or perhaps a barn dance with Devon pasties and good old Devon cider again inviting the whole mission community. Harvest Festival is second to Christmas as the most popular time for going to church so make it something special. Next year swap venues.
Historically the Church has played a key role in reinforcing the connection between people, the land and the food it produces. British Food Fortnight is an ideal opportunity for your mission community or parish to link with local shops, pubs, farms, markets, restaurants, hotels and schools. Even parishes in coastal and urban areas can find a local farmers’ market to visit.
Useful links
Discover your local farmer’s market
See lovebritishfood
Useful documents
Harvest Report 2011
Harvest Report 2010
Harvest Report 2009
Harvest Hymn
For advice about how to support the rural community in Devon all year round contact
Sue Tucker Diocesan Rural Officer 01822 860177
Your Ministry
Vocations 
Harvest 
