At St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Kingswear, beautiful flower arrangements, hymns, Bible readings and poems helped us give thanks for God's blessings and share them with others.

The Harvest thanksgiving service was held in early October when, as well as offering harvest prayers that helped us focus on caring for God’s creation, we also offered donations of items for Brixham Food Bank and a cash collection to help them continue serving those most in need this autumn.

We also used two Malcolm Guite poems to help us give thanks and reflect on God’s creation. The first, called 'Good Ground' can be read Malcolm Guite’s website:

https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/tag/harvest/

The second poem is copied with poet's permission here:

The earth will yield her still-unfolding seed,

And barley sheaves grow golden in the field,

The vineyard and the fruit trees, all we need

The earth will yield.

A soft wind sends the summer through the weald,

In valley folds the sheep and cattle feed.

The shoreline shines, Your wonders are revealed,

The waters are unbound, the ocean freed

To thunder praise, in whose depths are concealed

Your mysteries. Your praise in word and deed

The earth will yield.