Harvest Thanksgiving

The Gathering

Our worship begins at the sound of the bell, please stand as the sacred ministers enter, during which the introit hymn is sung.

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest-home!
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come;
Raise the song of harvest-home!

We ourselves are God’s own field,
Fruit unto his praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Grant, O harvest Lord, that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take his harvest home,
From his field shall purge away
All that doth offend, that day;
Give his angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store
In his garner evermore.

Then, thou Church triumphant, come,
Raise the song of harvest-home;
All be safely gathered in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin,
There for ever purified
In God’s garner to abide:
Come, ten thousand angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest-home!

Words: H. Alford (1810-1871)
Music: G. J. Elvey (1816-1893)
Hymn Tune: SAINT GEORGE’S WINDSOR

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

God is able to provide us with every blessing in abundance,
so that by always having enough of everything,
we may share abundantly in every good work.

cf. 2 Corinthians 9.8

Let everything be said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus

giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ.

Let us bring our gifts to the Lord

that they may be used for his glory.

May the Spirit of God fill our hearts

as we come to meet him in this place.

Words of Welcome

Invitation to Confession

As those who know the generosity of God,
let us confess our sins,
especially the ways in which we take his good gifts for granted.

Father, in creation you are generous towards us,
yet we have sown sparingly;

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, you show us the way of humility,
yet we have given reluctantly;

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit, you show us the gift of grace,
yet we have loved grudgingly;

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Almighty God,
who in Jesus Christ has given us
a kingdom that cannot be destroyed,
forgive us our sins,
open our eyes to God’s truth,
strengthen us to do God’s will
and give us the joy of his kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

God of grace, ever creating and restoring,
you breathe life into all things
and embrace us with an everlasting love;
help us to grow in wonder and awe,
to embody a spirit of gratitude,
and to dream generous dreams;
that, in gathering what we have,
we may graciously offer ourselves
to accomplish what you will,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please sit.

A reading from the book of Leviticus.

The Lord spoke to Moses: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall raise the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may find acceptance; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall raise it. On the day when you raise the sheaf, you shall offer a lamb a year old, without blemish, as a burnt-offering to the Lord. And the grain-offering with it shall be two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire of pleasing odour to the Lord; and the drink-offering with it shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. You shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears until that very day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your settlements.

Leviticus 23.9-14

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand as the gradual hymn is sung. During the hymn a procession will make its way to the centre of the nave from where the Gospel for the day is read. To symbolise our desire to turn to Christ in our daily lives, at the end of the hymn we remain standing and turn to face the place where the Gospel is proclaimed.

Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for he is kind;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

Let us blaze his name abroad,
For of gods he is the God;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

He with all-commanding might,
Filled the new-made world with light;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

He the golden-tressèd sun
Caused all day his course to run;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

And the moon to shine at night,
’Mid her starry sisters bright;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

All things living he doth feed,
His full hand supplies their need;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for he is kind;
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

Words: J. Milton (1608-1674) based on Psalm 136
Music: from ‘Hymn Tunes of the United Brethren’ (1824)
adapted by J. B. Wilkes (1785-1869)
Hymn Tune: MONKLAND

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6.28-35

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Please sit after the preacher leads us in prayer.

A Litany of Generosity

Please kneel or sit after these words of introduction.

Let us give thanks to God
for his gifts so generously given to us,
and for the blessings we are called to share.

For recognising that all things come from you,
for remembering that we are stewards of your gifts,
for wisely using the resources entrusted to us.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For rejoicing in the beauty of creation,
for the care of your world,
for sharing the fruits of creation equally among all people.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For encountering the joy of giving,
for humility in putting others’ needs before our own,
for embracing the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For courage in offering sacrificial generosity,
for giving to be an act of worship,
for grace in offering our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For all financial gifts offered to your Church,
for freely giving as we have received,
for giving and not counting the cost.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For releasing our hold on material possessions,
for contentment in what we have,
for trust in letting go.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For gathering the harvest,
for thankfulness in all you have given,
for reflecting on what you are calling us to create.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For generosity in love, encouragement and hope,
for openness in invitation and hospitality,
for wisdom in the gift of friendship.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For serving you as you deserve,
for following our calling as your disciples,
for serving you with gladness of heart.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For being a blessing through the blessings we receive,
for generosity which enables mission,
for sharing abundantly in every good work.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

For living a generous life,
for our actions to point beyond themselves,
for our generosity to be an expression of love and gratitude.

We offer ourselves to you, O God.

Further brief intercessions are offered, ending with;

Source of all life and giver of all that is good,

hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

Please stand with the president.

The Peace

The harvest of the Spirit is love, generosity, peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

This is usually a handshake shared with those near you.

Preparation of the Table

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

Harvest gifts for the Foodbank based at St. Richard’s in Seacroft are brought forward and placed under the altar.

A hymn is sung. During this hymn a collection, our financial offering in support of the work of the Church both at St. Mary’s and across our diocese, is taken.

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
Sing and praise your God and mine!
Great the Lord in love and wisdom,
Might and majesty divine!
He who framed the starry heavens
Knows and names them as they shine.
Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
Sing and praise your God and mine!

Praise the Lord, his people, praise him!
Wounded souls his comfort know.
Those who fear him find his mercies,
Peace for pain and joy for woe;
Humble hearts are high exalted,
Human pride and pow’r laid low.
Praise the Lord, his people, praise him!
Wounded souls his comfort know.

Praise the Lord for times and seasons,
Cloud and sunshine, wind and rain;
Spring to melt the snows of winter
Till the waters flow again;
Grass upon the mountain pastures,
Golden valleys thick with grain.
Praise the Lord for times and seasons,
Cloud and sunshine, wind and rain.

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
Peace and plenty crown your days!
Love his laws, declare his judgements,
Walk in all his words and ways;
He the Lord and we his children,
Praise the Lord, all people, praise!
Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
Peace and plenty crown your days!

Words: T. Dudley-Smith (b. 1926)
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
arranged by C. Tambling (1964-2015)
Hymn Tune: ODE TO JOY

Taking of the Bread and Wine

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the splendour, and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.

All things come from you
and of your own do we give you.

The Eucharistic Prayer (E)

Please sit.

The Lord is here.

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

Eternal God and Father,
all things are in your making.
In fulfilment of your promise
you have showered us with blessings
and filled us with your gifts.
You form us in your image, the first fruits of your creation,
and by your Holy Spirit embed within us generous hearts
that we may be channels of your self-giving love.
Through your Son Jesus Christ,
you have freed us from our sins
and made us a kingdom of priests
to serve you with joy for ever.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and singing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

We praise and bless you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
and as we obey his command,
send your Holy Spirit,
that broken bread and wine outpoured
may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he praised you.
He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
Again he praised you, gave it to them and said:
Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,
in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice
made once for all upon the cross.
Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection
until he comes in glory.

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.

Lord of all life,
help us to work together for that day
when your kingdom comes
and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.
Look with favour on your people,
gather us in your loving arms
and bring us with Blessed Mary, St. Francis of Assisi,
George Bell, William Tyndale and all the saints
to feast at your table in heaven.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Silence is kept.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

O taste and see that the Lord is gracious;

blessed is the one who trusts in him.

The Agnus Dei is sung as the bread is broken for distribution.

Jesus, Lamb of God,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,
grant us peace.

Invitation to Communion

Jesus is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

The president and people receive communion. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament. Please follow the guidance offered by the stewards.

If you are not baptised, or would prefer to not receive then do still come forward for a blessing bringing this book with you so the president knows your intention.

The sacrament is available in both kinds, however if you wish to only receive the bread please do so and then return to your place. Receiving in one kind is still considered to be full communion by the Church of England. Please do not dip bread in the wine (sometimes called ‘intincting’).

For those at home it might be helpful to use this prayer during the distribution.

Lord, as you send rain and flowers
even in the wilderness,
renew us by your Holy Spirit,
help us to sow good seed in time of adversity
and to live to rejoice in your good harvest of all creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Choir Anthem

Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it, and blessest it:
And crownest the year, the year with thy goodness.

Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it, and blessest it:
Thou crownest the year, the year with thy goodness.

Words: Psalm 65 verses 9 and 12
Music: M. Greene (1696-1755)

The following communion hymns may be sung as time permits.

Fair waved the golden corn
In Canaan’s pleasant land,
When full of joy, some shining morn,
Went forth the reaper-band.

To God so good and great
Their cheerful thanks they pour;
Then carry to his temple-gate
The choicest of their store.

Like Israel, Lord, we give
Our earliest fruits to thee,
And pray that, long as we shall live,
We may thy children be.

Thine is our youthful prime,
And life and all its pow’rs;
Be with us in our morning time,
And bless our evening hours.

In wisdom let us grow,
As years and strength are giv’n,
That we may serve thy Church below,
And join thy saints in heav’n.

Words: J. H. Gurney (1802-1862)
Music: J. Watson (1816-1880)
Hymn Tune: HOLYROOD

All that I am, all that I do,
All that I’ll ever have I offer now to you.
Take and sanctify these gifts
For your honour, Lord.
Knowing that I love and serve you
Is enough reward.
All that I am, all that I do,
All that I’ll ever have I offer now to you.

All that I dream, all that I pray,
All that I’ll ever make I give to you today.
Take and sanctify these gifts
For your honour, Lord.
Knowing that I love and serve you
Is enough reward.
All that I am, all that I do,
All that I’ll ever have I offer now to you.

Words: S. Temple (1928-1997)
Music: S. Temple (1928-1997) arranged by C. Tambling (1964-2015)

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand with the president who introduces a time of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

Loving and righteous God,
here at your table we have tasted your goodness and generosity

which exceeds all that we can desire or deserve;

liberate us from all jealousy and greed,

that we may respond cheerfully by offering ourselves,
and love and serve others to witness to your glory,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A hymn is sung.

We plough the fields and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God’s almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heav’n above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love.

He only is the maker
Of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower,
He lights the evening star;
The winds and waves obey him,
By him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, his children,
He gives our daily bread.

All good gifts around us…

We thank thee then, O Father,
For all things bright and good:
The seed-time and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer
For all thy love imparts,
And, what thou most desirest,
Our humble, thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us…

Words: M. Claudius (1740-1815)
translated by J. M. Campbell (1817-1878) alt.
Music: J. A. P. Shulz (1747-1800)
harmonised by J. B. Dykes (1823-1876)
Hymn Tune: WIR PFLÜGEN

The Dismissal

The Blessing

May God the Father,
who clothes the lilies of the field
and feeds the birds of the air,
provide you with all we need for life in its fullness.

Amen.

May God the Son,
who fed the five thousand and turned water into wine,
feed you with his life and transform us in his love.

Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit,
who hovered over the waters of creation
and formed the world from chaos,
form you in the likeness of Christ and renew the face of the earth.

Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

The Dismissal

Freely you have received, freely give.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.