It’s been a long time since we were all together in one place as a church to worship God. 561 days in fact. So our Harvest Service in the Priory Garden was a real opportunity to thank God for His goodness and gifts to us, and to gather together again.
On arrival, we were greeted by ‘Boaz’, the Harvest mascot, and a chance to grab a tea or coffee, and play some harvest-themed games, or just greet friends that we haven’t seen for a while. Find a penny in a haystack, chuck-a-spud, Covid-safe apple bobbing, or some stylish Harvest wreath making were all accompanied by a bingo-style card to collect stamps on.
We then gathered to worship God in song, and to reflect together on the ways that He has blessed us. Singing together, praying together, watching children run and play, with the late September sun shining on us, Ian reminded us that even through tough times, God wants to bless us, and we can give thanks to Him for His constant goodness.
Harvest is a time traditionally when we take stock of the year, give thanks, and look forward to a new season. As we prepare to return to all meeting together again (with live-streaming of our services continuing), we are thankful for God’s hand on our lives, and for the wider family that we are part of as Headington Baptist Church. We look forward to a season of Rebuilding and Returning!