A PAIR of church services focusing on the environment are scheduled to be held at Winchester Cathedral.

Taking place on October 2, the services will start with a traditional Harvest Festival Service at 11am.

This will be followed by a new ‘Cry of Creation: A Rally for The Earth’ Service at 3.30pm, which will draw to a close Winchester's Green Week.

The Harvest Festival Service is a traditional harvest thanksgiving, bringing together all the well-loved traditions of the Harvest Festival Eucharist, with readings and music.

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The Cathedral invites members of the public to bring non-perishable food donations to be shared with those in need through Winchester Foodbank.

Meanwhile, The Rally for the Earth Service is joining with Winchester Green Week and focuses on the climate emergency and includes a pledge to protect God’s holy creation.

This Service will feature guest speaker Professor Robert Beckford, Director of the Institute of Climate and Social Justice at Winchester University.

The very Revd Catherine Ogle, the Dean of Winchester, said: “Harvest Festival is an occasion deeply rooted in the life of the nation and in local traditions.

“Since biblical times, celebrating harvest has highlighted our basic human need for food, God’s generous provision in creation, and the human responsibility for caring for the poor and for the environment.

“The Cathedral’s Harvest Festival this year includes a new awareness of the need for action on climate change. 

“During the afternoon Rally, we will be making a commitment to take action to avert climate change, already impacting upon the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world. 

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“We do hope that many people will want to join us in celebrating the Harvest and committing to care for God’s creation.”

The Cathedral hopes as many people as possible will attend the day, inviting friends and relatives along too.

The Services will be live-streamed allowing guests to join from anywhere in the world.

Winchester Cathedral is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.

Last entry is 30 mins before closure.

For more information about and the events programme at Winchester Cathedral, visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk/