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Viewpoint from Rev Mandy Bishop 09/10/2015 

Dove rightRev Mandy Bishop
Rector of the Flegg Group, Ormesby

 

October: the month of harvest

 
Harvest services are about reminding ourselves of the abundance we have, thanking God for all he provides and giving some of that to share with others in need
 
Jesus says in Matthew 25:  35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’; and when asked when he did that, one of Jesus followers was told, when you do it for others less fortunate than yourselves, you do it for me
 
The words “thanks, giving and sharing” reminds us that giving thanks comes from thinking about our blessings
 
dove leftBut sometimes it seems that the greater God’s gifts, the less they are regarded by us; it’s known as the law of reverse proportion: A hungry man is more thankful for his crumbs than a rich person, like you and me, for his overstocked fridge!
 
In many churches this month Christians will celebrate harvest, if you had not already planned to do this, go along to your local church, join with your neighbours and friends and give thanks for what God has done for you
 
And as you look around at food parcel you will take to give, be encouraged not only to think of this present harvest that you can afford to purchase and consume, but to the Christian service of the Salvation Army who gather many of the gifts given, and distribute to them to those who cannot afford to buy them
 
Giving thanks to God is shown through, giving and sharing with others. It is an important part of the Christian faith. Harvest helps us think more about thanking God, but also to the Salvation Army for all they do too
 
I pray you all enjoy your harvest celebrations
 
God bless you