Harvest Celebration Stories
Harvest season is a time to express our gratitude to God for His abundant provision. It’s been great to see parishes celebrating in different ways that reflect not only thankfulness for God’s good gifts but also a spirit of sharing and generosity toward one another and those in need.
Below are some highlights!
St Mary’s Church, Bulwell
St Mary’s Church, Bulwell has been celebrating an extended time for its Harvest Festival (28thSeptember – 18th October) as Fr Andrew has visited schools around the parish celebrating Harvest, and also welcomed schools into church for their special Harvest services.
At a special Harvest Festival Mass & Harvest Brunch in church Sunday 4th October, St Mary’s gathered donations of in-date packets and tins of food for the Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank. Fr Andrew did some Gospel Magic, producing something out of nothing, and we celebrated the baptisms of Ezri Dissanayakamudiyanselage, Ebony Walker and Sanaz Noroozi.
The church received Harvest Festival donation for the Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank that operates from St Mary’s church, from the staff and residents at Hall Park Care Home in Bulwell.
St John’s, Carrington
St John’s Church, Carrington, celebrated its Harvest Festival on Sunday 4 October, bringing the congregation together to give thanks for God’s creation and the gifts of food, friendship and community.
Bread, fruit and vegetables formed a colourful display before the altar, including a striking harvest loaf shaped like a sheaf of wheat. These familiar gifts offered a reminder of our dependence on the earth and on the people whose work brings food to our tables.
The celebration encouraged people to carry their thanksgiving beyond the church doors. Members of the congregation were invited to bake bread to share with a neighbour, offering a simple, personal way to strengthen local connections and put generosity into practice. A bring-and-share lunch extended the opportunity for fellowship, with a welcoming spread of food to enjoy together.
At the heart of the festival was a message of gratitude expressed through action: appreciating what we have, sharing with others and remembering those who have less. It also reflected St John’s commitment to being an inclusive church where everyone is welcomed and valued.
St Michael’s Bramcote
October is Generosity Month at St Michael’s Bramcote, a time to reflect on God’s generosity to us, not least through Jesus Christ, and how this can inspire us to share our own time, talents and treasure with others.
This year, following the Harvest Thanksgiving Weekend, gifts generously donated by the congregation, Bramcote C of E Church School and the wider local community were given to Bestwood and Bulwell Foodbank. The foodbank receives regular weekly support from St Michael’s, with volunteer drivers transporting food and toiletries donated throughout the week.
Following the Harvest Thanksgiving Weekend, below is the note received from the driver who delivered the items:
“All the volunteers at the Bestwood and Bulwell Foodbank were delighted with the quality and the quantity of food delivered to them last week consequent to our harvest collection at St Michael’s and our church school. There was a superb amount, including treats (biscuits and similar) and they were thankful for it. The quantity of fresh fruit and vegetables was a bit of challenge for them, but they were very pleased to have it. (They have nowhere to store it). However, a lot had been given out by the time I made the second delivery. They were impressed by the displays and the generosity of it all. Well done St Michael’s and Bramcote C of E. It was two large estate cars’ full including the front seat. A lot had to be repacked to get it in the car. If the donation is as generous as this again next year, as it was last year, it would be easier with two people and two large estate cars.”
St Cyprian’s Nottingham
At St Cyprian’s, the congregation has been exploring the letter to the Ephesians through a preaching series, reflecting on how the church is called to model God’s new creation within the parish.
Last Sunday, the focus reached the first half of Ephesians 4, explored during a Mass incorporating children’s ministry. Young people played an active role in the service, leading the prayers, ringing bells and helping to lead the worship.
The service also provided an opportunity to reflect on Harvest in a fresh way, connecting thanksgiving with the theme of Caring for Creation. In an urban context, where traditional images of ploughs, fields and harvesting crops may feel far removed from everyday life, the celebration offered a chance to consider what Harvest means today and how faith can shape care for the world around us.
Through the participation of the younger members of the congregation and the shared act of worship, St Cyprian’s explored how the call to live as a new creation can be expressed in practical ways, nurturing a community that values creation and seeks to care for it.
We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Harvest so meaningful. As we continue to reflect on the harvest season, may we be reminded of our call to care for creation and for one another.