Celebrated in the early fall, from September 1st to Saint Francis Day, October 4th, the Season of Creation is an opportunity to focus our prayer, reflection and action on our relationship with all of creation – waters, animals, the cosmos and more. This year, the hottest ever recorded, the Archbishop of Canterbury has joined with Pope Francis, leaders of the Orthodox Churches and members of the World Council of Churches to encourage Anglicans around the world to participate with other people of faith worldwide in the urgent, vital work of caring for the earth.
We at Ascension will be including different aspects of creation care in our prayers during this time. Our trip to Bluestone Farms, on September 17, gives an opportunity to revel in creation’s beauty, to learn about food and farming, and to tend the land together.
Our first intergenerational event for our kids and families (and everyone else!), on Welcome Back Sunday, September 25th, will focus on creation. We hope to have some parishioners participate in the Diocesan Conference on Greening our Buildings on Saturday, October 1. And we will, of course, celebrate St. Francis’ Day on Sunday, October 2 with the Blessing of the Animals. Please join in praying for and acting on behalf of God’s creation.
For more information, prayers, and events, please check out the following links: acen.anglicancommunion.org/ and www.facebook.com/GreenAnglicans/.
Almighty God, who created all things with wisdom and who watches over and guides them by your all-powerful hand, grant well-being that all creation may prosper and remain unharmed by hostile elements; for you, Master, commanded that the works of your hands should remain unshaken until the ends of the age; for you spoke and they came into being and they receive from you mercy for the turning away of all harm, and for the salvation of the human race which glorifies your name which is praised above all. Amen. — Collect from the Orthodox Office of Vespers for the Preservation of Creation
