What does Harvest mean to you?

1 Sep 2023 • Articles

Dear friends,

It’s fair to say that our experiences of Harvest will vary according to our context and background, and that our understanding of Harvest has changed over time. Traditionally, Harvest was a time of hard work bringing in the crops which had been carefully tended throughout the summer, followed by the opportunity to celebrate the fruits of those labours with a church service and a Harvest feast. For those living in rural areas, or who work in agriculture, or those who grow produce in their gardens, community orchards or allotments, Harvest will continue to mean much the same. Growing produce is no mean feat, and those who live and work on the land very much know the delicate balance of the right weather, good soil and careful timing which results in a successful crop. A bountiful Harvest is a true cause for celebration, for both the work of the farmers and the providence of our good God.

But those of us less connected with how our food is grown and produced (which I suspect is a large majority of us), will experience Harvest differently. Food is generally bought in a shop, with little knowledge of the energies that have gone into producing it. With the ability to ship produce across the globe, we are not always bound by what crops are in season, or by worries about whether the weather has been kind this year. I remember one all-age talk I experienced many years ago where the leader held up a bunch of bananas and asked, “where do these come from?” “Tesco!*” a young child enthusiastically replied!

Some have argued that Harvest Festivals are less relevant these days. However, I’d disagree! Being increasingly disconnected from the origins of our food, it’s very important to consciously take time to pause and give thanks for the food we so often take for granted and those who have laboured to produce it. Our Harvest Festivals may have evolved quite a bit in recent years, with an emphasis on bringing non-perishable packets and tinned goods rather than the fat marrows, potatoes and cauliflowers of yesteryear, but the principle remains the same: to give thanks for our food, for those who have worked to produce it, and for God’s goodness in providing it.

And of course, our proper response to God’s generosity to us is to be generous to others. After all, “ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” we hear in Matthew’s gospel. Traditional Harvest Festivals included giving to the poor and needy. Today we do the same as we share our food with local Foodbanks and other projects. Let’s try to be creative with our Harvest thanksgiving this year – St Peter’s Marchington for instance will come together at their ‘Gather’ Forest Church and ask for donations of our decluttering: bedding, clothes, toiletries as well as the usual food and money donations – what will you do? What does Harvest mean to you? Every little helps!*

With love,

Jules

Rev Jules Walker, Interim Team Vicar for UAP

* other supermarkets are available 😊