Maureen Ferguson from Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn, Tallaght sent us this report:
A number of parishioners collaborated in planning and organising this year’s Harvest Festival at the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn. It was a week-end of thanksgiving, not only for the bounty of the earth, but also for the many gifts and talents that are shared by individuals and groups on a daily basis in the local community. ‘Euchariston’ (Giving Thanks) is the expression that underlined all the week-end’s celebrations. Groups and service organisations from our cluster of parishes and the wider community were invited to come along and celebrate the goodness, kindness and generosity which is the bed rock of the community.
A focal point in the church was a representation of a traditional barn built by two parishioners and stocked with the harvest’s bounty. It included every detail down to the snail on the head of cabbage! The gifts brought to the altar included flowers, fruit and vegetables, along with symbols for earth, air, fire and water.
In spite of the fact that Storm Brian arrived just in time to wash out the planned blessing of the animals, it did not succeed in dampening the rest of the activities. Groups as diverse as St John’s Ambulance and the Tallaght Marching Band joined in. Ethnic cultural groups from the cluster joined the church choirs and the children in providing entertainment, and later fed us all before we went home. Curry, yam and plantain were on the menu alongside Irish stew and coddle.
Among the groups were representatives of The Hope Foundation. The foundation has planted the Tree of Hope in public places all across the district, from church grounds to The Square shopping centre. The Tree of Hope is planted as a symbol of support for all affected by a suicide or who are living with mental health issues such as depression.
The Indian girls from Springfield and the African women from Brookfield entertained with a variety of dances.
Prayer of the Conference of Animals on World Extinction
Heavenly Father, we ask you to protect us from the two legged animals called humans, who, it is rumoured, You created in your own image. We ask you to save our hides, preserve our feathers and protect our tusks from the power you have given humans over all other animals. We do not wish to become fur coats, handbags, ladies hats, piano keys, ashtrays, belts and shoes, wall hangings and rugs for the fireplace. We ask you, Lord, to show them that their survival depends on our survival, and our salvation is tied to their salvation, for those who do not love nature cannot love each other. Amen
