Harvest Festival service at Hatley St George – 9 October 2011

Words Peter Mann, photographs Philippa Pearson

The Reverend Steven Rothwell led a traditional Harvest Festival service in Hatley St George on
9 October.  The church, as you can see from our photographs below, was beautifully decorated with flowers and produce.  Naturally, We Plough the Fields and Scatter was among the hymns sung by a moderately large congregation – not all of whom necessarily believe in God.

Dr Malcolm Guite (who arrived on his Harley Davidson!) gave an outstanding sermon, beginning with the observation that there are few churches today where the flowers and produce on display were from the fields and gardens near the church – and then to explain how for many years, the first sheaf of corn to be cut was waved above the farmer's head to thank God for all the fruits in the field.

Thanks must go to Philippa Pearson, Penny Hewlett, Pam Offord, Caroline (Caro) Drake and Olivia Drake for the floral displays and Pauline Pinney for cleaning the church and polishing the brass – and not forgetting all those who contributed the lovely flowers and produce... as well as the nibbles and wine for after the service.

In Spring 2012, Philippa will be holding a Sponsored hymn sing – when, brave lady, she will sing all 628 hymns in the Common Praise hymn book at Hatley St George church to raise funds for the church.  Please contact her with your offers of support – Phone 01767 651253, e -mail philippa@philippapearson.co.uk.

▲  A beautiful arrangement of Autumn colours by the altar in Hatley St George church.  Harvest Festival, 9 October 2011.

▲  A simple display of flowers and fruit arranged under one of the windows in Hatley St George church....

▲  ... behind and around the lectern.

▲  The altar, ready for Communion... and a sack of locally grown corn (despite the sack saying 'potatoes'!).

▲  After the service, everyone was invited to stay for a glass of wine, locally made apple juice and a bite to eat.  The Reverend Steven Rothwell (facing camera, right), the vicar of St Mary's Gamlingay, led the service. 

▲  Olivia Drake with Dr Malcolm Guite.  Olivia's beautiful calligraphy of Malcolm's poem about the church, written earlier in 2011, now hangs in the church.  Hatley St George.

▲  Malcolm Guite arrived on his Harley Davidson – complete with dog collar under his leathers.

Hatley St George – Dr Malcolm Guite's poem.