In a not uncommon spell of moderate September sunshine (27th) Brookside Methodist Church was the setting for our joint Anglican/Methodist Harvest Festival and Holy Communion Service. As anticipated all seats were taken and a faith lunch followed in the Wyburn Hall.
The partnership of our denominations at St. Mary's Church and Broo
kside is one of the success stories of the Anglican Methodist Covenant signed by the Queen in 2003.
Revd. David Newton presided together with Anglican clergy Revd. James Mustard, Revd.Sam Korn and Revd. Dr. Jenny King. Alan Danson led a children's choir.
Sheila Mortimer and Sam represented the two denominations with the readings and Jenny read heartfelt prayers of intercession.
These and James' sermon centering on Matthew 6 (God and Possessions) reading from verse 24 (q.v) left much to reflect on; one might venture - Jesus invites us to own to our covetous worldliness and anxious minds and to seek above all things the Kingdom of God. A concept approachable in many ways.
Children wearing bakers' hats bringing forward their small loaves to
the communion table, a product of their own hands, was a joy to behold (doubtless too for angels and archangels alighting with all the company of heaven!). Many thanks to Jen
ny, Sunday School leaders and helpers for this initiative.
The many harvest gifts that the congregation presented will be distributed to the Chipping Barnet Foodbank and to Homeless Action Barnet.
Edward Eldred.