Planning for the Autumn?
Join the Worldwide Church in the Season of Creation from 1 September - 4 October
Why not widen your celebration of Harvest Thanksgiving, and observe the whole Season of Creation, exploring the good news of the hope of the gospel though the lens of the 5th Mark of Mission?
In the Season of Creation resources we read:
‘In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.’
The Season of Creation encourages us to:
- pray, hope and act for a sustainable future
- engage in prophetic action for our common home drawing on the riches of our biblical and theological understanding
- commit and follow up on our responsibilities as co-creatures and carers with Creation
- focus on building encounters, rather than events, to cultivate listening in the spirit of ecumenism
- take part in a joint advocacy initiative to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which calls for a halt to new fossil fuel projects
1 September - The Feast of Creation also known as Creation Day or World Day of Prayer for Creation
The Feast of Creation is the big celebration that inspires and nourishes the larger season that flows from it. This year, September 1 happens to fall on a Sunday, so there is a great opportunity to encourage your church or community to celebrate the glory of mystery of God’s creation in Sunday worship.
Some ideas:
- Hold the service outdoors, in the sacred “Cathedral of Creation”. Before you begin, read an excerpt of a message from Church leaders
- During the Confession express lament for the ecological crisis and repentance for our sins against God’s Creation
- If outdoors, include at least one moment of silence to contemplate the “hymns of praise” of other creatures
- Bring Creation into the celebration through other gestures; e.g. including symbols from nature to be taken to the altar alongside bread and wine as part of the offertory
- Work with all ages to set up an artistic “Creation Scene” symbolizing God’s creation of the world, as an opportunity to teach about this important theme; consider placing it in a visible place in or near the church
- Have a look at some of the spiritual and liturgical resources on the Season of Creation website, especially in the denominational pages found there as well
- Host an ecumenical gathering for prayer
- Join the Online prayer with Christians across the world.
Sermon notes based on the Revised Common Lectionary can be found on the Preaching for God's World website
21 September - Global Day of Action to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT)
The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly will be taking place from 10 - 24 September and it is within this context that Christians across the world will raise our voices. All signatures will be used to influence decision-makers at the next UN conference on climate change, COP29, scheduled for November 2024 in Azerbaijan. Faith leaders and church communities can endorse FFNPT through the Faith Letter, available on the FFNPT website
4 October - Saint Francis Day
Many traditions view Saint Francis as an inspiration and guide for those who protect Creation. October 4 is his feast day and the last day in the Season of Creation. You are invited to join together in an online prayer event prepared by the Season of Creation Ecumenical Youth Committee.
More resources, for use at any time of year, are available on the CofE website
Do share with others in your Oversight Area what you are doing, and let your DEC (Deanery Environmental Champion) know too. Your DEC is also a source of support and resources.
Catherine Grylls
Mission Support Developer
Ministry Development Lead (Lay)