Weoley Hill Order of service
Harvest Parade service 12 October 2025 led by Ann Evans
Welcome and notices given by Elder on duty Cheryl Thornett
Introduction/ Call to Worship
A Harvest festival today is an opportunity to give thanks to God for his provision for all our needs, and to take practical action to help people in need. This service focuses on the work of Trussell, a charity who support a network of 1,400 food bank centres all over the UK. They are also working to raise awareness of the reasons people have no option but to turn to a food bank, as well as campaign for a future where everyone has enough to cover life’s essentials. As the cost of living continues to soar, food banks have seen a decrease in donations alongside an increasing need in their communities for support.
Hymn 124 We plough the fields and scatter
The colour party will present the flags during this hymn.
Opening prayers - Ann
Eternal God, you crown the year with your goodness and give us the fruits of the earth in season: grant that we may use them to your glory, to benefit everyone we share our community with: through Jesus Christ your son , our Lord, who us alive and reign’s with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen
Let us take a few moments to ask God’s forgiveness for the injustices we see in our world today.
God has blessed us, but still God’s children go hungry. Lord, have mercy.
God has blessed us, but still the poor cry out for justice. Christ, have mercy.
God has blessed us, but still we see inequality and oppression in the earth. Lord, have mercy.
Amen.
Prayer for forgiveness
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Short talk about things that have been made including a video.
Bringing in the sheaves.
In a few moments we will be singing the hymn ’Bringing in the Sheaves.
Some of us who are older will probably know what a sheaf is. It is a large bunch of grain stalks gathered together and left standing, so the ears of grain dry out before they are stored.
At harvest in days gone by it was customary to make a special loaf of bread for harvest made form the flour of the new season’s wheat and it was offered in thanks for a successful harvest.
Traditionally it was made for Lammas Day (1 august). Loaf mass (communion) which has become Lammas day. First fruits day and is one of the church quarter days of the year. The bread made would be brought to church to be blessed and maybe have been used a communion bread. There would also be a procession to the local bakery to bless the baker and his workers and his premises.
Dovesfarm.co.uk
The scouts have made such a loaf and here is a video of them making it.
It is made from salt dough so is not made to be eaten. They have also made some small pastry ones which are edible.
There are also other things that have been made
Hymn Bringing in the sheaves
The young people will bring forward things that have been made also bring harvest gifts to be presented onto an empty table
Sharing Good News
Reading. Luke 12: 13-21 read by Abigail McMillan
Hymn 85 God in his love for us lent this planet
Reflection - Ann
Hymn 123 Think of a world without any flowers (specific verses)
Prayers for the people - young people collect post it notes that have been written on to put on the prayer tree. The young people write things they are thankful for and colour theirs during the reflection. Other people can write about their concerns
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Offertory prayer
Generous God, all things come from you and of your own do we give you. Thank you for these donated goods and for this collection We ask that each gift may be used wisely and may be of help to someone in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Hymn 40 Come ye thankful people come (flags are returned during this hymn and leave after the blessing)
Blessing
Freely you have received, freely give. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.