East Garston

East Garston Church has undergone many changes in recent months. Changes that were necessary for several reasons, one being of course the need to stem an ever downward spiral in attendance figures. The basic idea here at All Saints' is to create and sustain a more open - more welcoming environment., especially where younger members of the community are concerned.

The Family Service concept introduced last year continues to gather momentum and this year's Harvest Festival Service was yet another very well attended, cross generation event.

The service was conducted by Reverend Tony Cumberlidge and the organist was Dr.Stephen Holmes. The Choir of St. Michael and All Angels Church - Lambourn. were in attendance throughout. East Garston Bellringers preceeded the service with a spirited 25 minute ringing programme.

The Theme of this years' Harvest Festival Service was about "Sharing" and the vicar's sermon utilised the story of the feeding of the 5000 to demonstrate the point very effectively. Our vicar's ability to deliver an interesting and animated sermon that can put across a serious message, but at the same time, weave in a high and respectful degree of humour, is a skillful art....and he appears to do it all without resorting to notes.