On Sunday 5th October, we gathered in the Princess Hall for our annual Harvest Festival Service at CLC.
While the origins of Harvest Festival lie in the rhythms of the agricultural calendar, today’s food systems are far removed from the fields and furrows of old. Yet, as we sang ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’, we were reminded that the spirit of harvest, gratitude, generosity, and community, remains as vital as ever.
In recent years, our Harvest Festival has evolved to focus on giving and connecting with the needs of our local community in Cheltenham. This year, we had the privilege of welcoming Jude Parkin to join us for our service. Jude works at the School House Café in St Paul’s & Fresh Hope Pantry. St Paul’s is an area of Cheltenham where 40% of children live in poverty after housing costs, and 26% before housing costs, making it one of the most deprived wards in Cheltenham. St Paul's is also among the top 10% most deprived areas in England, with unemployment rates six times higher than in more affluent areas. These challenging factors, in turn, contribute to struggles with physical and mental health, underachievement in school and unemployment for local youth. Jude’s work, alongside others like the Elim Foodbank and Cheltenham Open Door, is a lifeline for many.
In the service, Bee, one of our Senior Prefects, led a moving interview with Jude, highlighting the transformative impact of their community projects whilst also sharing the hope of her own Christian faith. The Gospel Choir also lifted our spirits with their joyful singing, and Glenlee offered heartfelt readings and prayers. It was especially inspiring to see so many students eager to connect with the School House Café and explore ways to contribute beyond the service.
Surrounded by generous donations of hot dog sausages, pot noodles, custard, and tins of ravioli, we were reminded that it is a privilege to gather and a privilege to give!
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