Over 200 joined the congregations of the Church of England between Alicante and Valencia to celebrate Harvest Festivals on Sunday.

The churches in Albir, Calpe, Denia, El Campello, Gandia, Javea and La Fustera (Benissa/Moraira) met at their usual Sunday worship times for a service of praise, thanks and joy.  

As an example, an impressive display of fresh produce was donated and artistically displayed at Albir church (which meets at the Norwegian Seafarers church), blessed by Fr Don and then given to the men’s refuge/hospice, run by the Franciscan brothers at Palma de Gandia. The non-perishable goods were handed over to the local foodbank.

In Gandia the congregation’s gifts have also been given to the Franciscan Hospice.  Fr Rodney, who presided, admitted Linda Tyler to Holy Communion at the Service.

Calpe church celebrated Harvest festival at their morning service inspired by Fr. Marcus. Our Harvest Thanksgiving bring and share lunch followed, a first for Calpe. After a sung Grace everyone tucked into an abundance of delicious food!

Fresh and non-perishable food stuff was donated and artistically displayed at La Fustera church (which serves the communities of Moraira and Benissa), blessed by Fr Jim and then given to the Franciscan hospice at Palma de Gandia.

In El Campello the congregation’s gifts, which were received and blessed by Fr Don, have been given to the Red Cross.  They congregation are aware of the work of the Red Cross to support people so badly affected by the Gota Fria floods just a couple of weeks’ ago.

The generous gifts at Denia church (which meets at les Rotes) were blessed by Fr Robin and then given to the men’s refuge/hospice at Gandia and the Salvation Army.

In Javea the congregation meets at the Ermita on the Jesus Pobre Road. Their gifts have been given to Caritas locally.  Fr Jim, who presided, had the joy of admitting a young man, Oliver Foster (Aged 12) to his first communion.

All the churches collected non-perishable produce, in cans and packets. These have all been given very quickly to local foodbanks, Caritas, the Red Cross and the Gandia Hospice. Following the floods in the area and nearby, we know that it will be gratefully received, both to help people affected by this situation and by the ongoing challenges of day to day life.

All the information about these and other events and services, plus location and contact details can be easily found on the Chaplaincy website. Service times and details of locations can be found by clicking the “ABOUT US – Churches and Services” tab on the website – https://costablanca-anglicanchaplaincy.org/.

You will be very welcome at any time of the church year.