Like many of us growing up in urban areas such as Birmingham, there can be a disconnect when celebrating harvest. The absense of farms, fields full of crops, tractors and combine hrvesters would hinder our understanding of where much of our food consumption originates from. Similarly, growing up in the middle of the country, we would again be blissfully unaware of the hardships fishermen endure, going out in all weathers so that our supermarkets would have a steady supply of fresh fish. Back in the 1970's, our local vicar would at Harvest time place on the altar a lump of coal alongside a glass of water and a loaf of bread. This was to celebrate our industrial heritage and the part it played by producing the machinery needed to sow the seeds and bring in the harvest. We may not have known how hard and how precarious the work of farmer and fisherman was, but we did know the efforts of the many factory workers living in our community.

Sadly much of that heavy industry has disappeared, and we need different way of illustraiting the effort that goes into filling our supermarkets with food and other produce necessary for us to live comfortably. Rising fule prices, the extremly hot and dry summer are again reminders of just how precarious and uncertain the production of our food supply is.

We must never forget just how fortunate we are and how dependent we are on the hard work and dedication of others. I would encourage you to join us for our Harvest Celebration on Sunday 18th October at 10.00 am in church. All are welcome! It will be an opportunity to celebrate all that God provides for us. Indeed as we are reminded of God's generosity, so we must consider how we can share what we have been given with those who are less fortunate than our selves.

Rev. Tony Rindl, Vicar of St. Leonard's

Dates for your Diary

Our Folk

Please pray for: Roy Allen, Cellia Barnes, Lesley and Joe Farndon, Ethel Gough, Daphne Halton, Patricia Musgrove, Joan Pace, Jenny Ratheram-Brown, Stella Reece, Beryl Robinson, Rob Sale, Rick Smallwood, Vicki Spedding, Derek Taylor, Ann Thomason, plus any others you know who are sick, housebound or in care facilities.

Rest in Peace: Sister Christine of the Community of St. John the Divine, Marston Green. Prior to the Covid epidemic, she was a regular worshipper at St. Leonard's, serving as a member of our choir. Earlier in her life she had worked in Poplar, London, with the Nuns whose work has been the basis of the much-loved television series 'Callk the Midwife.' Sister Christine's funeral is on Friday, October 9, 11 am at St. Leonard's Church.

Community News

St. Leonard's Christmas Craft & Gift Fair will be held on Saturday, November 21, 10 am - 2 pm, in the Parsih Hall. There will be a wide variety of stalls, raffles & tombolas; enjoy a selection of food and refreshments in the Elmdo Lounge Cafe; take a look at Jim Campbell's Model Railway and be entertained by the Choir from Marston Green Junior School. We look forward to welcoming you.

Marston Green 50 Plus

On Monday, October 12, the speaker is Quintin Watt with Tales from the Coroner's Court - unexpected deaths i the Black Country 1800-1842, including accidents, manslaughter, murders and suicides. Join the coroner's jury and reconsider some of the cases! The meeting on October 26 will be a Race Night, starting at 7 pm, followed by Fish & Chips at 8 pm.

Literary Society

On Friday, October 16 the topic is 'Famous Explorer'. 7.30 pm Elmdon Lounge. Please bring your own drinks and items for a shred supper.

Gardening Club

Monday, October 19 Potato Competition. At the beginning of the year, participants planted a potato head in a pot. Each will now be weighed and the heaviest wins a cup.

Parish Hall Events

Fundraising events for the month are; | Date | Event | |---|---| | October 30, 7 pm | Hallowe'en Supper | | October 31, 2 pm - 5 pm | Afternoon Tea |

Marston Green Library

2026 Shoebox Appeal

We are launching the annual ShoeBox Appeal again this year alongside the charity Teams4U, to put a smile on the face of a vulnerable Child in Eastern Europe. If you would like to take part, further information and leaflets are avaiable from Pat Raymer, 779 2987 or at St. Leonard's or Wednesday Welcome.

Eco Church

Tackle climate change and reduce your heatig bills this Autumn by finding and reducing the drafts in your home. Find the gaps that let cold ait in and warm air out; key holes, letterboxes and gaps around windows, doors, loft hatches and floorboards, for example. Do what you can to fix these gaps or call in an expert.