It was worth it! The weeks of preparation, the early start, the coordination and the clearing up! Yes, the carnival on Sunday 26th June was a great opportunity to bless those that walked past – and we certainly did that. The Café was buzzing throughout the day, both inside and outside and there was a lovely atmosphere of peace and joy on the high street where we had activities and games and craft and spaces to pause and pray. A huge thank you to all who were involved!

The day started early (8am for some) with a team who had to work out how to stop the marquees blowing away in the strong gusts of wind that morning – but a few sandbags and some good old gaffer tape helped! The weather looked promising – blue sky with just a few clouds around, and no rain! By 10:30 pretty much everything was ready with the final touches of decorating going up!

After three years of not doing this we were perhaps all wondering would anyone actually come to the carnival this year? There was no need to worry though, because there was a steady stream of people all morning and well into the afternoon who stopped by to enjoy what we were offering. By the end of the day we had used up all the cake, as well as the chalk for drawing outside, and the ducks on the ‘hook a duck’ pond were exhausted; they had been popular all day long! It doesn’t seem possible but within a few hours everything was packed away again as if it never happened and church was ready for the evening service.

But it did happen. Probably more happened than we will ever know, as we served our community. Throughout the day, many of us were privileged to be able to bless people with conversations, show them the church and talk about faith. Lots of people paused to pray and were asking about church and what we do. Being such a visible and present part of the community of Harborne is a great witness that we are open and welcoming. We will also be able to send over £300 to the foodbank from donations received on the day. All in all, a great day and a great sense of being community.

Nathan Burden
Community Pastor

If you have a testimony or story to share from the Carnival contact Nathan on nathanburden@stjohnsharborne.org

Harborne Carnival 2022!