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The Salvation Army in South Woodham Ferrers
A THANKFUL HARVEST INDEED!
Many people joined together on Tuesday 1 October
at the Evangelical Church in Hullbridge Road, to
celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving with The Salvation
Army’s Tuesday Group – the Home League. The best
way of showing our appreciation for all we have in
our lives is to not only thank God for our situation,
but be practical in helping those around us.
Those who attended this special service certainly
showed love to others by the wonderful gifts of
food for the Gateway Food Bank held at The
Salvation Army’s community hall at Wickford, and
the amazing crafted and bought items presented for
the Mission Romania shoeboxes. This display of care
was furthered by the freewill offering of £139 made
following the pictures and commentary given by
Major Brian Miller who co-ordinates the team’s
personal visit to Romania for delivery of the
shoeboxes, clothing and food to those in poverty
known to the Salvation Army officers working there.
The service was led by Home League Secretary
Mary Parker, with Home League members
participating throughout. Two beautiful solos were
given by Maureen Rock, accompanied by Jill
Cuthbert (pianist for the afternoon), prayers offered
by Divisional Envoy Olive Anstead, and Daphne
Bilney read one of her own harvest poems.
Traditional harvest hymns were enjoyed by all and a
responsive Bible reading engaged the whole
congregation.
The whole afternoon concluded with refreshments,
and soon the complete display was packed ready for
its destination to Wickford and Romania.
Thanks are due to everyone who made such an
effort to make it a success; it was not only those who
were present, but so many people had already
contributed items of food or crafted items and
handed them in before the actual day.
Secretary Mary Parker brought a thought-provoking
final message based on the initials H.A.R.V.E.S.T.
which had been presented by Rita Slieker, Brenda
Neale, Mary Attrill, Pam Hart, Yvonne Whale and
Olive Anstead throughout the afternoon. We must
never forget God who provides all the gifts of the
earth for us to share.
As we approach winter days, we continue to meet
on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm for our informal
gathering in the Evangelical church, to which anyone
is welcome, and we are preparing for services that
many of you would particularly like to attend. On
Tuesday 12 November, there will be a Remembrance
Service, and on Tuesday 3 December, there will be
our Annual Carol Service; a warm invitation is given
for each occasion.