Slide2: Harvest against the odds


Slide3: We praise you Lord for the miracle of growth the blossoming in Spring and ripening in Autumn and we give you thanks for an abundant harvest, for food and shelter and for our celebration together. Prayer of praise


Slide4: We commit to you those whose harvest is not fruitful, whose lives, land and future are under threat and we pray for all those who work to bring a harvest for the people who most need it. Amen


Slide6: 1. Where is El Salvador? a) in Australasia between Australia and New Zealand b) in Central America between Honduras and Guatemala c) in Europe between Italy and Spain


Slide7: 1. Where is El Salvador? b) in Central America between Honduras and Guatemala


Slide8: 2. What is the main crop grown in El Salvador? a) maize b) tomatoes c) celery


Slide9: 2. What is the main crop grown in El Salvador? a) maize


Slide10: 3. Why is using chemicals a problem for farmers in El Salvador? they are expensive they wash into drinking water farmers can’t afford safety equipment d) all of the above


Slide11: 3. Why is using chemicals a problem for farmers in El Salvador? d) all of the above


Slide12: 4. Why do farmers in El Salvador cut down trees? they don’t care about the environment b) they need the wood for fuel and the land for farming c) they sell the wood for profit d) all of the above


Slide13:   4. Why do farmers in El Salvador cut down trees? they need the wood for fuel and the land for farming


Slide14: 5. How does MRDF help farmers in El Salvador? encourages them to give up farming b) buys less damaging chemicals for them to use c) teaches low-cost environmentally-friendly farming techniques


Slide15: 5. How does MRDF help farmers in El Salvador? c) teaches low-cost environmentally- friendly farming techniques


Slide16: 6. How is Harvest traditionally celebrated in El Salvador? a) sharing maize to make a soup b) cutting down trees throwing tomatoes at your neighbours all of the above


Slide17: 6. How is Harvest traditionally celebrated in El Salvador? a) sharing maize to make a soup © LWF-ACT


Slide18: 7. Scientists believe that climate change is causing more of what in Latin America? floods b) droughts c) hurricanes d) all of the above


Slide19: Scientists believe that climate change is causing more of what in Latin America? d) all of the above


Slide20: 8. How many people (according to the World Health Organisation) already die each year as a result of climate change? a) 50,000 b) 100,000 c) 150,000


Slide21: 8. How many people (according to the World Health Organisation) already die each year as a result of climate change? c) 150,000


Slide22: 9. How much does it cost to train a whole community in El Salvador in soil conservation? £30 b) £60 c) £120


Slide23: 9. How much does it cost to train a whole community in El Salvador in soil conservation? b) £60


Slide24: 10. In which areas does MRDF help farmers achieve a better harvest? in Latin America b) in Africa c) in Asia d) all of the above


Slide25: 10. In which areas does MRDF help farmers achieve a better harvest? d) all of the above


Slide26: Loving God, forgive us: when we don’t notice the wonderful world in which we live, when we don’t think about the impact of the things we do, when we deliberately contribute to the destruction of your world, Prayer of confession


Slide27: Let us remember: that the ground we stand on is holy ground, let us keep it, guard it, care for it, for it keeps us, guards us and cares for us. Amen © Nigel Evans


Slide28: Deuteronomy 16:13-17 Luke 17:11-19 Readings


Slide29: You have the words of life, Lord – To whom else should we go? You demonstrate God’s Kingdom In action here below; You dazzle us with kindness, You challenge us to care, To love our neighbour as ourself, To suffer , serve and share.


Slide30: But we are slow to follow, Bewildered by the need – The weight of human sorrow The scale of human greed; And we ourselves are guilty Of always wanting more – Yet still these selfish, helpless hearts Crave justice for the poor.


Slide31: In courage and compassion The seeds of hope are sown, Through partnership and patience The fruit of life is grown; When ordinary people Commit themselves to act, The mountains crumble to the plain And visions turn to fact!


Slide32: The fact of decent living, Of fair reward for toil, Of healthy, smiling children, Of rich and fertile soil – Fresh water in the desert, Green trees from dusty earth, New harvests in the human heart Of dignity and worth.


Slide33: So give us grace and passion To follow where you call, To celebrate your promise – Abundant life for all! Till righteousness and justice Like mighty rivers flow: You have the words of life, dear Lord – To whom else should we go? © Clare Matthews/Anthony Eddy


Slide34: Father God, you sent your Son Jesus to give up everything for us: may the gifts we bring today, whether great or small, be the very best that we can offer and a sign of your grateful love; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Offertory prayer © Jenny Dann


Slide35: Creator God, We thank you for the harvest and for all your good gifts to us. Father God, We thank you that we can celebrate together today, young and old, rich and poor, all different, valued members of your family. Prayer of thanksgiving


Slide36: Universal God, We thank you that we belong to a community which stretches beyond our congregation and our country. Transforming God, We thank you for giving each of us something to offer so that no one sits on the sidelines in your service.


Slide37: Self-giving God, We thank you for your sacrificial love in Christ which brings us hope and new life forever. Amen


Slide38: Prayers of intercession


Slide40: Grant them hope and success


Slide42: Grant healing and new life


Slide44: Grant them wisdom and compassion


Slide46: Grant us love and grace to equip us for action


Slide47: Go out from here with a pocket full of free gifts to give to those you meet. Give freely your love and concern as a token of the great love of God. Give freely your time and effort as a token of the sacrifice of Jesus. Give freely your help and friendship as a token of the upholding Spirit. Blessing


Slide48: And may all you give and all you do cause others to seek out the true gift of God who blesses without end. Amen © Duncan Tuck