Sunday 19th after Trinity – The harvest thanksgiving mass attracted a large congregation. The youth organisation groups were on parade and were well supported by family and friends.

The mass began with the singing of the favourite harvest hymn “We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land”, during which the flags of the groups were brought to the altar for laying up. They were received by Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge, who was president and preacher for the mass. The greeting of the congregation was delivered by a girl member of the Scouts; Barbara Martin offered the harvest thanksgiving and praise prayers. A male member of the Scouts led the prayers of penitence and also read the lesson, which was from Paul’s letter to the Philippians chapter 4 v 4-9.

Fr Stephen proclaimed the gospel, John chapter 6 v 22-35. During his address he tested the knowledge of the youngsters regarding the sources of our food. He mentioned the results of similar tests taken nationally which had shown a lack of knowledge, especially among some urban children who credited supermarkets with more than their due. Prayers of intercession were led by a girl Scout and an adult helper; the Eucharistic prayers were led by David Cunliffe, deputy church organist. Chalice administrators when the priest celebrated at the Eucharist were Helen Bancroft and Jane MacLennan; Jane was also server for the mass; sidespersons were Alan Bukac-Williams and Frances Martin; organist was Matthew Seaton. After the singing of another favourite harvest hymn “Come ye thankful people” concluded the mass by playing Toccata in F major by Widor.

After the service the congregation sat down to a harvest lunch arranged by the ladies of the social committee. The harvest gifts that had been brought by youth and senior members of the congregation were presented to Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank for distribution amongst those in need.