Hamburger Michel celebrates Harvest Festival with bread and its own honey - St. Michaelis Church Celebrates Harvest Thanksgiving, Urges Mindful Use of Creation's Gifts
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Michaelis, Hamburg, recently held a Harvest Thanksgiving service. The event, themed 'Break bread for the hungry', saw a significant turnout and notable participants, including Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) and Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt.
The service was adorned with freshly baked bread, an array of fruits, and farm-fresh vegetables, all offered as a sign of appreciation towards creation and producers. The bees from the church's three beehives contributed around 60 kilograms of honey, which was sold in the visitor center along with Michel honey.
Bishop Kühnbaum-Schmidt called for more mindfulness and responsible use of the gifts of creation. She drew attention to the issue of food waste, noting that wasted baked goods alone require an area the size of Berlin for cultivation in Germany. She encouraged collective effort to reduce food waste as a sign of appreciation towards creation and producers. The altar and balconies were beautifully decorated with flowers and a large harvest wreath, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The Harvest Thanksgiving service at St. Michaelis Church was a testament to the community's appreciation for the gifts of creation. With the theme 'Break bread for the hungry', it served as a reminder of the importance of responsible use and reduction of food waste. The event was a heartwarming display of unity and mindfulness, with notable figures like Senator Andreas Dressel and Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt lending their support.
