The Standard October 17, 2026
On Sunday, October 4th the Church of England parishes of Saint Peter’s in Winchcombe and Saint James’ in Chipping Campden celebrated their Harvest Festival. The impressive stone houses of worship, built respectively in the 1450s and 1500, were specially decorated with fall flowers, sheaves of wheat, pumpkins and gourds.
In the Cotswolds, 80 to 100 miles northwest of London, the farmers faced a particularly difficult summer, with relatively little rain and high temperatures. Still, the rolling hills were green in early October, and it was easy to see why the region was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Despite the hardships caused by the weather, folks gathered to give thanks to God for the season of harvest.
At Saint Peter’s Church parishioners brought canned goods for the local food pantry, which they placed in front of the altar. After the homily the priest had everyone take three flag-shaped triangular pieces of cardstock with holes punched out near two corners, and write things for which they were thankful. We strung the flags and later they were draped around the columns in the sanctuary. The atmosphere was particularly joyful and reminiscent of certain Psalms.
“May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.” Psalm 67:3-7
The priest reminded us that in our gratefulness we also need to share what we have been given. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.’” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Psalm 107: 6-11
Thanksgiving and generosity are two things which greatly improve our world. As we enjoy the beautiful colors around us with the changing season, let us remember the Source of all these good gifts. Thanks be to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
