That Was Then...

Harvest Thanksgiving was once a regular inclusion in all corps calendars, as the pictures above show. To be honest I can't remember the year that we last celebrated Harvest in our territory, but would guess the practice faded out during the late 1970s/early 1980s.

I was interested to note that our territory's website contains the following information about The Salvation Army.
"Festivals and Ceremonies
As well as the great commemorations of the Church ~ Easter, Christmas and Whitsunday ~ and observances such as harvest festivals and young people's anniversaries and picnics, The Salvation Army has particular events that give a sense of rhythm and order throughout the worshipping year..."

In addition, our online Guidelines for Salvationists (Part B) state the following
"THE THREE BASIC AREAS OF GIVING REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN THE MISSION OF THE ARMY ARE:
1. REGULAR COMMITMENT...
2. ANNUAL APPEALS
To meet specific needs which may be outside the local corps situation, eg. Harvest Thanksgiving, Missionary Appeals, Red Shield Appeal.
3. ONE-OFF OFFERINGS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OR PROJECTS ..."

Yes! We want to keep "a sense of rhythm and order throughout the worshipping year" and "sustain the mission of the Army" as we give honour and glory to God through our Harvest focus this year.