Whilst the hot, dry summer of 2022 meant that many local farmers harvested their crops some time ago – earlier than ever this year – the annual ‘harvest celebration’ in Ruddington will be taking place this weekend.
The ‘Altogether Service’ in St Peter’s Church is from 10.30am on Sunday 4th September and, in line with its theme of ‘God’s Generosity’, church members will be offering breakfast to anyone who would like it before the service (instead of their usual pastries and coffee). A highlight promises be the ‘puppet theatre’ presentation – featuring numerous ‘Muppet-like’ characters entertaining and inviting participation from the congregation.
Liz Mack, from the St Peter’s Leadership Team, explains: “The puppet theatre was gifted to us by Audrey Prior. She had used it for years, engaging with kids about faith in a unique way, and she worked alongside Lynn Smith at the Honeycomb in the village. Now Lynn is doing the same, and it’s proving a lot of fun and drawing different gifts out of people – a brilliant way to engage both kids and adults alike in all sorts of subjects. We have a small team of enthusiastic puppeteers including some young people, writing some of our own scripts and adapting others, and adding songs and interactive parts for the audience to participate” reveals Liz.
The Puppet Theatre has many different characters – which lend themselves to lots of different occasions – most recently to pay a Royal ‘tribute’ during Ruddington’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. You can watch that presentation by clicking >>HERE<< or on the image below.
Liz says the harvest celebration service will also be very informal, with activities and discussion rather than a talk from the front, sitting around tables. The puppet ‘vicar’ will be sharing his ideas on generosity and gratitude, along with the other puppets.
“Through collecting much needed items for the NG11 Foodbank and The Friary, both of whom we support financially as charities at St Peter’s, we aim to encourage people to give even in tough times such as these” she explains. “We will be sharing whatever donations of food, etc, we receive between the Foodbank and the Friary, and want to encourage people to donate even just one small item, if possible, to make the lives of those really struggling a little more hopeful. Donations can be left in church for us to distribute.”
Everyone’s welcome along to the celebration this Sunday. If you are willing to donate some food, the latest ‘wish list’ from NG11 Foodbank can be found >>HERE<<.
