The sun came out to shine on us on Rogation Sunday – very appropriately, considering the theme of the day – and we had a lovely full church to celebrate this ancient festival. The tractors arrived and parked on the grass outside the Hall, the dog, chicken and rabbit made it to the church on time (well, nearly on time, in the case of the rabbit), and the unruly goat waited in the wings.
We began the service in the side chapel, in front of the tapestry with the poppies, before moving to the font where the Paschal candle was lit, the font filled from suitably agricultural watering cans and we heard our first lesson.
We then moved over to the Wade window for our second lesson, before going up to the chancel for communion, where a delicious home made loaf took the place of the more normal wafers and the rabbit went up for a blessing.
After communion we processed out into the glorious sunshine for All things bright and beautiful, played by Michael and Ella on their guitars.
We then moved over to the Hall, to join up with the tractors, the ancient farm equipment, and the unruly goat – who turned out not to be unruly at all!
After the service we had some delicious refreshments, thanks to Michael and Maureen and the New Inn, and over 60 from across the village and beyond tucked in to cake, brownies, sausage rolls and a glass or two (or three).
Many thanks, as always, to Val for organising the service and to everyone who helped to make it such a success.
Now for Harvest festival!!
