Season of Creation
Borrowing from an ecumenically sponsored movement and website:
In the fall of the year, when the harvest is gathered and the glory of fall color surrounds us, our hearts turn in thanksgiving to the Creator and Giver of all. Many churches use these last weeks of the Season after Pentecost to celebrate a Season of Creation. Just as Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Lent are centered around the life and ministry of Jesus, and Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit, the Season of Creation is a time to focus on God the Creator.
Two special dates make this time of year especially appropriate for the Season of Creation:
- St. Francis Day -- October 4. St. Francis of Assisi is well-known as a friend of animals and a lover of the natural world. In that tradition, we bless animals on or near St. Francis Day.
- Thanksgiving -- our national holiday of thanks for the abundance of the earth.
The Season of Creation is a time to:
- Celebrate Earth as a sacred gift filled with God’s vibrant presence.
- Unite with all creation in praising the God of creation.
- Confess our sins against creation and empathize with a groaning creation. (Romans 8:22)
- Embrace our kin in creation as our extended family.
- Proclaim the good news that the risen Jesus is the cosmic Christ who fills and renews all creation.
- Go forth on a mission to be partners with Christ in the healing of creation.
This year at Saint Anne’s, our Season of Creation will be October 6 through November 24. The themes for each Sunday weave together to tell our salvation narrative.
Creation 1, October 6 -- The Pre-eminence of the Non-Human Creation
Blessing of the Animals at all services -- 8:30 and 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM
Creation 2, October 13 -- The Advent of Humanity in Creation
Creation 3, October 20 -- Eden: The Ideal of Shalom in Creation
Creation 4, October 27 -- Human Alienation from the Rest of Creation
All Saints Sunday, November 3 -- A Celebration of the great saints of the church, and the saints of our lives
Creation 5, November 10 -- God’s Covenant with All Creation
Creation 6, November 17 -- Humanity’s Covenant with the Planet
Creation 7, November 24 -- Hope for Creation
Bishop Brian Prior has given permission to Saint Anne’s to use alternate readings during our Season of Creation. The themes for each Sunday are adapted from the work of the Rev. Gregory Youngchild of the Diocese of Michigan. The lessons we will be using each week will be posted on our website soon. To read the lessons appointed in the Revised Common Lectionary for these Sundays, visit www.lectionarypage.net
