It was great to gather together this Sunday for our Harvest Festival celebration, giving thanks to God for all that he gives to us, and seeking to share our good gifts with those who are less fortunate than we are. At our Eucharist we made a collection of food to be donated to our neighbour Crossroads, who seek to offer supported accommodation for young people aged 16 to 21, preparing them to move into more permanent accommodation.

In addition, we also made a collection for this year's Bishop's Harvest Appeal, where the Bishop of Blackburn is supporting the Diocese of Multan in Pakistan, seeking to raise levels of literacy, especially among women and children. For further details of this appeal click here.

The celebration in the Eucharist was followed by the congregation joining together for bacon sandwiches, offering an opportunity for fellowship with each other, as we seek to share the love of God in our daily lives.

Harvest thanksgiving will continue throughout this week, as we look forward to welcoming St Nicholas's School to St Andrew's on Wednesday 9 October at 10.00 am for their Harvest Eucharist.

Any further Harvest gifts, either for Crossroads or for the Bishop's Harvest Appeal can be brought to church over the coming week, or if that is not possible, please contact Fr David or further information.

Further Harvest Services within the Parish of the Good Shepherd:

Wednesday 9 October at 10.00 am: St Nicholas's School Harvest Eucharist in St Andrew's Church

Thursday 10 October at 10.00 am: St Mary Magdalen's School Harvest Mass in St Mary Magdalen's Church

Sunday 13 October at 11.00 am: Family Celebration Harvest Mass in St Mary Magdalen's Church, followed by a free meal

Thursday 17 October at 9.05 am: St Peter's School Harvest Mass in St Peter's School