"We are not masters of our food supply, God is! Celebrating harvest reminds us of this truth," says John Newton, pastor of Ashtead Baptist Church. "Too much or too little sun and water at the wrong time and that seed withers or rots, as we discovered during last autumn's floods that ruined winter crops in this country."

The idea of a thanksgiving service is only 160 years old. Long before then harvest suppers were held by farmers to provide a celebration for the workers who had reaped and collected the harvest. Today, John says, "we need reminding that behind the cellophaned salads, there are human hands working for long hours".

This year, in addition, to the regular harvest services and activities, all the Ashtead Churches are meeting together for a Harvest Supper intended to be an evening of fun and fellowship. This will be held on Friday 5th October at 7.30 in St George's Christian Centre. Do come and join in.

See also Festivals: Harvest