Every Harvest we launch two projects. The Jar of Grace appeal means that we add coins to a jar every time we say grace before a meal. Last year we exceeded our £4000 target. Half of the money will to Uganda and half to Tear Fund.
We also organise Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes full of toys are distributed tround the world to children whose parents do not have the money to give them the kind of presents that children in the wealthier countries receive. As you will see from the video we will be showing in church, a lot of local pastors use the opportunities provided by the Jar of Grace to teach the faith to local children.
Remember, Remember, return your box in November!! We ask everyone to return their shoeboxes by Remembrance Sunday, when we will, as ever, form a human chain and transport them out of church, to the collection centre at Abbey Meads and on into the wider world. You can even find out exactly where your box has ended up, using your PC to track it. Please take a fold up Operation Christmas Child Box and a leaflet. You will need to include money for postage. There is also guidance about what to include and what not to include.
Cath has knitted some girls scarves and will leave them in a box on the table so if anyone would like one to go in their box they can just take one. (Anything left will be taken to a charity shop).
We want to give a very warm welcome to the members of our Uniformed Organisations who will be with us this morning at our Harvest Thanksgiving, and again on Remembrance Sunday. Our own Jo Bennett helps with a Beaver Group that meets at Uplands School, so it is a delight to have her group and others with us on Sunday morning.