October always holds such promise: changing colours, darker nights and keeping warm around a cosy fire. The glorious Harvest Festival season is well and truly upon us, and we will be reflecting upon this special time, with write-ups about harvest festival services, harvest suppers and traditional harvest food.
We will be visiting Ruth and Naomi (Old Testament) workers of the fields; meanwhile, there will be a charming reflection on the beauties of October.
The celebration of our Saints and Holy Days continues as we learn about St. Francis of Assisi (with a link to Petton Church), St. Edward the Confessor, the Apostle Luke, St. Eata and the Patronal Saints of Cockshutt Church, Ss Simon and Jude.
There are two key national events commemorated this month; Prisons Week (8th-14th) when we will remember prisoners and their families and give thanks for Elizabeth Fry, the 18th century Prison Reformer, whilst on 29th October we will be observing Bible Sunday. With so much to say, we will be posting various articles about the Bible throughout the month, including, on 6th October, a tribute to William Tyndale and the magnificent Authorised Version of the Bible.
In the meantime, we will be learning about the wondrous Book of Common Prayer, its history, legacy and how it forms the basis for our services today.
Have you ever thought about where you sit in church and what you sit on? Later in the month there will be a fascinating article on both church seating and its history!
There’s so much more: Family Fun and Children’s Corner, Treasures of the Benefice as well as being led across the celestial skies by our local astronomer.
In response to requests, we will be making the Collect and Bible Readings (both the Authorised Version and NIV) for each Sunday available.
Many special thanks to our special contributor Christopher Jobson for his herculean efforts in writing such informative articles, not forgetting all other contributors. Thank you one and all!
With every blessing during this season of Harvest,
The Editor and Team
Meres and Meadows Messenger
Featured Image: Autumn Oaks c.1878, George Inness (1825-1894) Creative Commons, WikiCommons, PD