Harvest memories come flooding back.

Like many churches at this time of year we had our harvest thanksgiving service last Sunday. What however came flooding back to my mind took place during communion. We had the lovely hymn/song ‘Beauty for brokenness’ as the elements were distributed. But then with time still to fill ‘We plough the fields and scatter’ was then played and sung.

Flooding back came the memory of my first harvest service at St Ives Methodist Church in Cambridgeshire as the new Minister. Not that we actually sang it but because I was firmly reprimanded by Olive and Cyril that it wasn’t a harvest service because we didn’t  have ‘We plough the fields and Scatter’. 

Oh how divisive music is in worship and everyone has their own views on what should or should not be included. 

The power of music and words lies in its capacity to carry memories and create moods. 

What I guess will never change is that keeping everyone happy is a non starter. 

We all know the old joke 

‘Whats the difference between a terrorist  and an organist? You can negotiate with a terrorist.’ 

I believe everyone needs to recognise that just to sing a familiar hymn or song is not good enough if it just feeds a sense of playing it safe. The words need to provoke, comfort, challenge, educate and so much more.

I always recall the words of John Bell songwriter, worship leader and member of the Iona Community “If you wouldn’t write ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ today then why would you sing it?” 

He also said what we sing today we will sing in our old age so make it something that feeds and sustains. Now that is a challenge to those leading worship.

Singing the hymn ‘We Plough….’ .made me not just recall Olive and Cyril but the whole Harvest ritual. 

The front of the church would be filled with fresh foods etc and then on  Monday evening the Harvest Supper followed.  Another new ritual came my way as a young enthusiastic minister. The catering group would meet each year to discuss what we would have but always ended with a plate of salad!!! Worse was still to come as we had the auction of the food including the obligatory piece of coal……. How I survived I really don’t know. 

Thankfully the church was growing and couples joined the church. So finally the catering committee was bypassed one year and a curry was made from the produce and we had entertainment instead of the auction. We never went back to a limp lettuce leaf. I think I was forgiven though the church hall did have a hint of curry in the air for a week or so. 

As the years have passed harvests have changed moving away from fresh produce to celebrations of all things we enjoy, and the giving of money, so what is really needed can be provided to those most in need. 

Yet there is still the need to bring to God the ‘First fruits’ that we might never be disconnected from the creator whose provision has gifted all we enjoy. From a place of true gratitude we can give thanks to God and truly share what we have that all might enjoy the goodness of God. 

In the words of a Stephen Fishbacher song 

Isn’t this just a wonderful world

A wonderful world that we live in

And whoever made this wonderful world

Is someone that I can believe in.