A full and lively church welcomed our new minister, Rev. Rob Cotton to lead our Harvest Festival and Junior Church Anniversary. Rob began with a prayer of thanks for God’s bounty and sought the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. As we sang our first hymn, I the Lord of sea and sky, the children brought in their harvest gifts. Penelope then welcomed us all and offered a prayer acknowledging God’s overall command of all we produce, asking for prudence in managing and sharing that produce. Henry commented on the wide choices available in our food shops, all ultimately made by God. The younger children listed some of the foods we enjoy reminding us always to give thanks to God. They gave a seed to each person present and Lucy reminded us that everything and everyone, no matter how small, has potential and should be treasured as a lesson from God. We sang Think of a world without any flowers … we thank you, Lord, and praise your holy name. Penelope sang the first verse of our next hymn, Colours of day, then Henry and Penelope led prayers of thanks for the seasons.
Rev. Rob produced a colouring book which fascinated the children as each time it was opened it appeared at first to have all blank pages, then pages of outlines to colour, then colour pictures. Rob declared that Jesus came to give us life in all its fullness (John 10 v10), that today we give thanks for God’s creativity and celebrate his goodness and love for all. Izzy gave thanks in prayer that God is always with us in every season and George invited us to sing our final hymn, Majesty, worship his majesty. Rob asked for applause for the children and closed our service with the Grace.
