11^th August 2019 saw around 60 people of all ages join us for the continuation of the wonderful ancient Christian tradition of the Lammas Service at Codford St Mary’s. The service was presided over by Rev Trudy Hobson our new Priest-in-Charge with Rev Jayne Buckles, one of our retired clergy serving as Deacon.

The sermon highlighted how through ordinary bread we can meet our extraordinary God. Bread, a staple in many people’s lives not only nourishes our bodies, but also is vital in nourishing our spiritual lives for Jesus Himself tells us “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35 NRSV). And on the night before Christ died, He had supper with His friends, “He took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me”” (Luke 22:19 NRSV). Word’s that are said the world over in the Eucharistic Prayers of the Anglican Communion. And it is during the Eucharistic prayer, that ordinary bread and wine become, by the grace of God, the body and blood of Christ. It is through this sacrament, this timeless, eternal food, that the Christ of faith is present with us. We are so very blessed that we live in a country where we can worship God openly and receive the Body and Blood of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Communion every Sunday (and every day if we so desire).

In accordance with local tradition, local farmers brought up the first sheaf of wheat and batch of corn, and local parishioner baked the first loaf, all of which was presented to God at the altar with the prayers and blessing of the First Fruits. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to ensure that this wonderful Lammas Mass was once again a service of joyful praise and celebration, thanking God for all His blessings in our lives.