Now that most of us neither sow nor reap what we eat, it is almost impossible to imagine how crucial this time of year was in the calendar, but by knowing a little of the history and keeping these traditions alive we are honouring those who depended upon it. The golden age of the harvest That was last year - everything’s fine now,' said Samira. 'But I can’t help thinking that what happened to us could happen to - well - anyone.'

A harvest festival is a celebration of the food that is grown on the land. Celebrations giving thanks for our food happen in many countries around the world. In Britain, harvest festivals are often celebrated in churches by bringing baskets of food to give thanks to God. People enjoy singing, praying, listening to stories and decorating the church. When Jesus finished telling these stories, he left there, returned to his hometown, and gave a lecture in the meetinghouse. He stole the show, impressing everyone. “We had no idea he was this good!” they said. “How did he get so wise, get such ability?” But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “We’ve known him since he was a kid; he’s the carpenter’s son. We know his mother, Mary. We know his brothers James and Joseph, Simon and Judas. All his sisters live here. Who does he think he is?” They got all bent out of shape. Traditionally, farmers begin harvesting their crops towards the end of August and in early September. Her Mum snatched Sally’s cereal bowl away and bundled everyone into the car empty-handed. 'Too late now! We’re just going to have to go with nothing.' When the sun rises in the morning, the Queen Mother on the moon can rest. And when night falls, the Queen Mother and her rabbit keep watch over the night sky.Activity trays: Filling a large activity tray with lots of harvest-themed items like fruits, veg and seeds is a great way for children to explore the topic. Try our creative Harvest Activity Tray Plan. How about you? Are you willing to work for Jesus and invite people to come to church? Will you go and tell people about Jesus' love and that he died on the cross so that they could have everlasting life? There are many souls who are need to be brought into God's kingdom, but there just aren't enough workers. Finer gym activities: Harvest-themed finger gyms like this super fun Seed Sorting Activity are great for improving little ones fine motor skills.

It’s almost Fall! In theory that is…here in South Texas, we kind of just pretend to have a fall, but really it’s just a slightly cooler version of summer. We’ll take it though, any reprieve from the heat is welcome! The church festival that is the most common harvest celebration still held today originated in Morwenstow, Cornwall in 1843, when Reverend Robert Hawker invited the parishioners of his church into his home to receive the Sacrament in “the bread of the new corn.” Whether from the Divine, the elements or the mystical, all help was gratefully received.I also wrote a short story to share at our nature-inspired co-op. Mr. Fox & the 10 Suns is a gentle harvest moon story. It was inspired by the Chinese legend of Chang E, but adapted for my little ones (ages 3 and 6). We’re making it work with what we have and will be exploring the Harvest Moon this week as part of our nature study curriculum, Exploring Nature With Children. In our Bible reading today, Jesus sent out people to bring in the harvest. The harvest Jesus was talking about was not cotton, fruit or vegetables. He was sending out workers to bring people into the kingdom of God. He said that there were many souls who were ready to be harvested, but there were not enough workers. One reason it was hard to find workers was that it was very difficult work. Jesus warned that the workers in his kingdom would often be treated very unkindly.

As Mr. Fox sadly cried and his tears fell to the ground, the Queen Mother reached down from Heaven to console him. “There, there,” she said.” “You have saved the Earth from nine of the scorching suns. We will make a deal with the one sun left in the sky to rise and shine on Earth each day for a time called morning and to set and rest behind the mountains for a time called evening. Well, that’s just the thing,” Mr. Fox replied. “My sons have disguised themselves as 10 fiery suns, and will not come down from their perch high in the sky. But I have a plan to get them down.” The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. Another story. “God’s kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread—and waits while the dough rises.” When the full moon approaches, our family loves to plan a full moon night where we take a walk and enjoy the moon together. My children typically go to bed before they get to see the moon so this is a real treat!Select a piece of celebratory or thanksgiving music. Or you could play the instrumental version of one of the BBC songs available. Sheaves were gathered into stooks, between six and 10 sheaves leaning against each other to allow drying air to flow though. Local custom accounted for the differences in number, so that styles of stook varied across the country. In Kent the ‘hooded stook’ was preferred, in which an additional sheaf was laid on the top as a cap to keep rain off. The ‘Irish mow’ in south-west England was a pile of 20 sheaves. Whatever the style, the rows of stooks gave a characteristic pattern to the harvested fields where they remained to dry for about three weeks. Play the video. The duration is 3' 44" and the final words are: '...people can thank the farmers for producing their crops and to feed the planet.' If you love these books, don’t miss our roundup of 50 Fall Books for Kids or our list of Children’s Books about Farms! Then gather your little ones, and tell them the story, from the heart. They won’t know if you miss a detail or mix up the plot a bit. Storytelling is an art, and you are the artist. Have fun with it!