Plough Sunday was marked in rural parishes across the Diocese yesterday with the blessing of the plough and prayers for our farmers.
The blessing of the plough traditionally took place in January ahead of ‘plough Monday’ which was the first day the plough would have been used following the Christmas break. Plough Sunday services continue to be held in a number of our rural parishes as a reminder of the important role that farmers still play in our lives.
In Teme Valley South, people from different churches gathered on a farm in Eastham to sing and pray together as well as bless a modern tractor and plough along with a bucket of soil. The service of blessing was led by the Revd Julia Curtis who reminded those present of the part we all need to play in looking after our land.
Prayers were said for farmers and the issues currently affecting them as well as the crops and livestock that will be growing over the coming weeks and months.
Reflecting on the readings, the Revd Robert Barlow said: “Technology has changed over the years, but there is still a huge among of skill in making sure the best harvest is achieved. Farmers take planting crops seriously – what are we doing as individuals and churches to make sure we are also planting the word of God effectively.”
After the plough was blessed, those gathered warmed up with a welcome cup of tea or coffee and piece of cake!
In the Worcestershire West Rural Team, a plough from Pewcroft Farm which is over 100 years old was blessed with an annual service outside the Talbot pub in Knightwick. Bishop John joined the blessing and reminded those present that the Bible tells us 365 times ‘Do not worry’, and Corrie Ten Boom said “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” We can take our worries to God and He will direct our paths.
At Knightwick there was also Morris dancing to mark the start of the farming year from Worcester-based group 'Faithful City' who practice at the Talbot.
