Garvaghy Parish celebrates Harvest with a Scarecrow Festival
Garvaghy Parish had a novel idea for celebrating their recent Harvest Festival and raised funds for Air Ambulance NI at the same time.
The country parish populated the church with specially made scarecrows who starred in clever displays on the theme “Thanks be to God”.
Parishioners had great fun representing the things they wanted to give thanks for: Gardening, Children, Marriage, Fellowship, Heath and Health Care Providers, Fishermen and the Harvest of the Sea, Music, Farming and Food, All Creatures Great and Small, Education, Rest and Relaxation and Sharing. Jesus birth was represented and, rather movingly, a scarecrow figure knelt, head bowed, at the Cross.
Despite a very wet Saturday afternoon, a steady stream of people came to see the exhibits and to enjoy refreshments in the hall.
The Harvest services were well attended and a variety of singers and musicians contributed to the worship alongside the Garvaghy Parish Choir.
The Scarecrow Festival raised £903 for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and a slightly smaller amount for the parish.
Have a look at some photos here.
With thanks to the rector, the Revd Capt Colin Taylor. Photos courtesy of William McElroy