Posted on: 28th September 2021

All things bright and beautiful… the Lord God made them all.

Many of us will be singing those words as we celebrate Harvest Festivals around this time.  Such celebrations are a surprisingly late addition to the Church’s calendar, having been devised by the vicar of Mowenstow, Robert Hawker, in 1843.  He asked that the first-fruits of harvest should be brought into church and given to the poor. We are grateful at St George’s Crypt for the generosity of those Churches and schools who give to us regularly at this time of year.

Parson Hawker celebrated God’s creation in unusual ways, and was frequently accompanied to church by his pet pig and a flock of cats.  It is said that he built a hut of driftwood, and smoked opium in it.  This seems unlikely: very few clergymen are capable of building a hut.

Now harvest time has taken on a greater significance for us, as we realize how tragically we have failed to be good stewards of creation, and how unwillingly we share what we have - whether that be food or vaccines.  Jesus took what little was offered, and fed a hungry multitude.  He takes whatever we offer now, and blesses our giving - however unwilling our generosity may be - with immeasurable blessing; full measure, pressed down and overflowing.

May God bless your giving, your harvest, your stewardship; may we be moved to give with glad and generous hearts, and be faithful stewards of this beautiful planet.

Rev Roger Quick

St Georges Crypt