Plough Sunday gives hope and a promise of the growing season to come in the midst of winter.
This morning, All Saints Church in Hanley William will celebrate this festival with members of the farming community. The service will acknowledge the importance of God in the rhythm of the agricultural year, giving thanks for God’s many gifts.
Four of Teme Valley South’s seven churches are in, or right next to, farmyards and the others all have beautiful views of surrounding fields. A freshly ploughed field is very hard to miss, especially as often ploughs can be spotted down the country lanes!
During the service, congregation members will move outside for the blessing of the plough which will be attached to the back of a vintage tractor. A local farmer will explain about the various parts of its machinery, before the service ends with the traditional words, ‘God Speed the Plough’.
A warming cup of tea and other refreshments will be provided as the congregation troop back indoors.
Please pray for the agricultural community, that Plough Sunday might provide light in the darkness of winter.
Stourport Deanery Rural Dean: Ted Whittaker Lay Chair: Andrew Quinn
- Melbourne (Australia): Archbishop Philip Leslie Freier
