Dear Friends,

During September, we celebrate our Harvest Festival, when we give thanks for the food we need to stay alive and for our farmers who produce it. In particular, we remember all those involved in getting our food to the shops and super-markets for us to buy.  

We also remember those countries where harvests are not always plentiful and food is in short supply, due to famine, war or to a change in climate. In particular, we think about the agencies working in those countries to address these problems. This year, the Bishop of St. Albans is asking us to support the work of a leprosy mission run project in Sri Lanka which helps those who have leprosy to grow their own food and to raise their standard of living.    

In our own country, food poverty is an ongoing problem. As a result of the current cost of living crisis, the price of food has steadily increased which in turn has lead to more and more people using the network of food banks that exists across the country in order to feed themselves. The nearest food banks to Barton are in Hitchin, Letchworth and Luton.

This Harvest Time, may we remember all those involved in the food industry, as well as all those who are trying to relieve food shortages across the world. We also thank God for those people who have set up food banks in order to tackle food poverty in their locality.

God Bless,

Andrew