The Farming Community Network Harvest Thanksgiving “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it”

We have so much to thank farmers for We have so much to thank God for ‘He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.’ Psalm 104: 14-15 We have so much to thank farmers for They produce the food we eat. They care for the land. They manage the countryside for our benefit. They help preserve local wildlife. For every £1 invested in farming, farming delivers £7.40 back to the economy.

And yet it is not all easy for farmers

Farmers rely heavily on the weather in order to carry out their work Somerset floods - 2014 Winter 2010-11

2018 has seen the most challenging weather conditions in recent history The wettest March in 10 years “Beast from the East” One of the driest summers on record Lack of water means many farmers are looking at a significantly reduced harvest this year, which will have a negative effect on their income.

How is FCN helping British farmers? FCN has over 400 volunteers based throughout England and Wales, who provide pastoral and practical support to farmers and farming families. FCN has a Christian ministry in farming. Many FCN volunteers are motivated by faith, showing the love of God to farming people in a very practical way. FCN is the church in action!

How you can help Make a donation or fundraise for FCN With British farming facing great uncertainty about its future, both British farmers and FCN need your help this harvest. Make a donation or fundraise for FCN Volunteer with FCN Ask FCN to keep you updated on its work Buy British produce Pray for the farming community and the work of FCN

Harvest Prayer Lord of the harvest, we bring to you our thanks for the food on our plates and for the glory of the natural world around us. You brought this world into being out of your love and asked us to care for it. We ask for your blessing now on all those who work the land to produce our food,  and who care for it to be handed down to the next generation. We pray for the struggles farmers face, economically, emotionally, with weather and with paperwork. Bless the work of FCN that they may walk with the farming community through all these struggles in the name of your Son, who brought again your love for us and told us to love others. Amen.

Talk to us www.fcn.org.uk Helpline Telephone: 03000 111999 No matter what your concern is, FCN is here for you Helpline Telephone: 03000 111999 Email: help@fcn.org.uk Helpline is open 7am-11pm every day of the year General enquiries Telephone: 01788 510866 Email: help@fcn.org.uk FCN head office is open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm Further information about the work of FCN and details about your local group are available at: www.fcn.org.uk @FCNcharity TheFarmingCommunityNetwork