Harvest Festival 2009

On Sunday 4th October 2009 we will celebrate our Harvest Festival. There's a lot going on that weekend:

The Bishop's Harvest Appeal

Give water for life: The cash collected at all the harvest services will be donated to The Bishop of St Albans Harvest For the Hungry Appeal. This year, the appeal will work with Christian Aid's partner, Water Action, and will help to provide clean water for Ethiopia. They are building a water supply for almost 55,000 people. The appeal will particularly benefit Ethiopian women who carry most of the water.

Gifts for members of the Parish

Suitable donations include gifts of small tins of food, small pots of preserves, tea, coffee and chocolate drinks, special biscuits, chocolates, soft and boiled sweets, vegetable and fruit. Gifts may be brought to any of the Harvest services.

Gifts for Watford New Hope Trust

Men's clothing is welcomed. Other suitable gifts include sugar, soup, instant coffee, soap, toothpaste, bath oil, washing powder, deodorant, tinned foods (within the 'best before' date please), shaving foam, face flannels etc. Gifts may be brought to any of the Harvest services.

Decorating the Church

The Church will be decorated on Saturday 3rd October. Flowers, foliage, fruit and vegetables are welcomed to make our Church look special. Please bring them along on Saturday morning or leave them in the base of the Tower on Friday.

Harvest Lunch

The Catering Team is providing a sit-down lunch on 4th October. This will take place after the 10.00am service with a short break for a drink and chat before the meal. If you would like to come, please sign the list at the back of Church. The cost will be £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Money will be collected on the day.

Sorting and Delivering Gifts

On Monday 5th October (from 9.30am) we'll be sorting all the gifts for delivery to the Watford New Hope Trust or distribution locally. It is a tradition at St Mary's to deliver a small gift or flower arrangement to people in the parish. If you know of anyone who would welcome such a gift, or if you are free to help with sorting or delivering gifts, please speak to Jennett Day (01923 237248).

If you've got any spare small flower baskets in which we can place gifts, they will be welcome.

Celebrating Gifts and Skills

In addition to the show of gifts and produce, this year our Harvest displays will be enhanced by people's creative work - painting, drawing, sewing, woodturning... whatever your skill and gift, share it wish us!

Bring one or two pieces to church on the morning of Saturday 3rd October between 9.00 and 10.30am.

The Church will be open on Saturday from 2.00-4.00pm for people to come and have a look and again after the services on Sunday morning. We are arranging a rota of people to keep an eye on the displays. Again, if you are able to help with this, please sign the list at the back of church.