26th October 2017

Parishes gathering in money for appeal as Harvest Season continues

Parish churches and church schools across Lancashire are currently celebrating the Harvest Thanksgiving Season – a significant period in the church calendar.

The photos show a harvest scene on a farm near Preston, Lancashire and the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev julian Henderson with the Harvest Appeal organiser, Arton Medd, from Lancaster.

Earlier this summer Bishop Julian Henderson launched his annual Harvest Appeal which this year is supporting Christian Aid in Burundi and Tree Aid in Ghana.

The appeal, organised by the Diocesan World Development Group (WDG), always supports two worthy causes outside the UK and it has been running for many years.

Christian Aid in Burundi is teaching farmers the specialist agriculture knowledge they need to help increase the levels of crops they can grow, and to boost their earnings. 

Tree Aid in Ghana helps families grow and use trees for nutritious food all year round, fighting hunger and malnutrition.

Bishop Julian said: “Even where peace prevails, millions are desperately short of food. This why I am pleased this year’s appeal is supporting projects in two of the countries worst affected, Burundi and Ghana.

“The money raised will help very poor people to grow enough for their families tomorrow and for years to come and as they share a small surplus with their near neighbours they will enable whole communities to thrive.”

Parishes and schools were contacted in advance by the appeal organising committee to ensure they had resources to help with the Harvest Appeal collection.

Appeal organiser, Arton Medd, from Lancaster, added: “Many thanks to everyone for their efforts so far in 2017 through church collections, special events or via individual donations to the appeal.”

Last year the Bishop's Harvest appeal raised a magnificent £25,290 for good causes.

There is still time to donate this year and if you want to help the people of Ghana and Burundi you don’t have to be a churchgoer or at a church school to do so. Every single penny you can give counts.

Donations can be made direct via cheques made payable to the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance (Bishop’s Harvest Appeal) and sent to Mila Farnhill, Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn BB1 2QE.

For more information on the Harvest appeal go to this page on our Diocesan website or contact Rev. Gary Lewis at garylewislewis@btinternet.com