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             Harvest celebrations are almost here. Traditionally the churches celebrate Harvest long after the fields of grain have been gathered in as this depends on the weather and the speed with which the cereal crops grow and ripen whereas the orchard fruits are gathered throughout September and October. It is good to remember the plenteous harvests that grow in this country along with the wide variety of produce from other countries that is imported for us to enjoy.           
             Giving thanks for all that we are blessed with is as important as remembering those who have much less and struggle to feed their families or cope with adverse weather that affects their harvests around the world. A little support can make a big difference to a family living in poverty. Each year we try to raise money for those who need our help, focusing on charities that help children medically or provide safety and education for those living on the streets; or to provide services such as clean water, or practical technology that transforms lives or farming skills that improve crop yields or animal care in the poorest of countries.

            10 years ago we collected enough to provide a goat for quite a large number of families through FarmAfrica so the milk could improve the nutrition of the families and any excess could be sold to improve their quality of life thus lifting them out of poverty. FarmAfrica still work with poor rural farming communities living in Eastern Africa providing people with the training, seeds, tools and livestock to farm their way out of poverty and we are again going to support them this year and help to ‘Give Poverty the Boot’. If you want to know more about FarmAfrica check out their web site www.farmafrica.org.uk .

            Decorated wellies could be worn to church for the Harvest service and there will be a small prize for the best decorated boots. There will be a Boot-ometer in each church to chart how much we have raised from donations and collections. Let’s "give it some welly" in 2010 - and help to Give Poverty the Boot!

Every Blessing ,
Barbara

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Dates for your Diaries

Harvest service dates

As in previous years, any fresh produce that is donated will be taken to an inner city Birmingham parish, St. George’s, New Town which has links with many very poor people in their neighbourhood, asylum seekers, refugees and families living in real poverty. 
Our produce is very gratefully received and shared with the most needy.

Worcestershire Historic Churches Cycle Ride    September 11^th  

This annual event invites the energetic to cycle (or ride or walk) to as many churches as possible and be sponsored for doing so to raise funds for this important charity that gives grants to help offset the repair costs to our churches. Both Belbroughton and Fairfield have benefited from a grant in the past and so we encourage as many people as possible to take part or sponsor those who do. Please put the date in your diaries. More details next month.

Confirmation 2011

The next Confirmation service is due to be held in either Hagley or the Broome, Blakedown & Churchill Benefice in February 2011. (We always join with those parishes and take it in turns to host the service.) Now is the time to begin to explore whether this is the right step, and the right time to take it for those who are thinking of Confirmation next year. Think about it, pray about it and please contact the Rector as soon as possible to discuss it. The next Alpha course which begins in September (see below) would be a good way to prepare for this step or if that is totally impossible perhaps attending classes either with the Hagley or Broome, Blakedown & Churchill candidates, maybe with your sponsor (who could be a parent or an adult friend), or separately with the Rector and/or Lay Reader to learn more about the basics of faith and the church. A final decision to go on to Confirmation can be taken a few weeks before the service.  

Benefice Pilgrimage to National Memorial Arboretum
Saturday October 9^th
Don’t forget to book your place for this special trip in October.

Full details are in all three churches or you can contact Philippa at the Church office (01562 730777)  
The cost for the coach can only be determined when we know numbers and everyone is invited to make a donation to the Royal British Legion, who run the National Memorial Arboretum, instead of an entry fee before they leave
It should be a fantastic day to a very special place. Obviously we hope for a lovely crisp autumn day but please do remember to wear stout shoes, warm clothing and be prepared in case of showers.

Sunday Afternoon Teas at St. Leonard’s

  As in previous years the Mission Group is heading up the provision of teas for those who call at the church on a Sunday afternoon over the summer months. This is a service of love and welcome that reflects God’s love and welcome to us.

Offers of help would be appreciated. There is a list in church for volunteers to help each Sunday afternoon and/or provide a cake

ALPHA

Anyone who would like to come to the Alpha course as a refresher course, but who is already confirmed, is also very welcome to attend.

Alpha in the autumn