Creationtide Resources for Churches in Era of Climate Crisis
Creationtide, or the Season of Creation, is the period in the annual church calendar, from 1st September to 4th October, dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life.
Many churches choose to use this time of year to hold special services and events to give thanks for God's gift of creation, and to renew their commitment to caring for our one planet home.
Back in 2019 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Greta Thunberg said, “Our house is on fire. I am here to say, our house is on fire. According to the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change], we are less than 12 years away from not being able to undo our mistakes. In that time, unprecedented changes in all aspects of society need to have taken place, including a reduction of our CO2 emissions by at least 50%.”
Climate Champion for the Diocese of Llandaff, Gavin Douglas, said, “This summer we have seen that our home is indeed on fire. Many people feel disempowered or suffer from climate anxiety, but others display cognitive dissonance by failing to recognise that their personal lifestyle has an impact.
“Creationtide is an opportunity for congregations and individual disciples to feel empowered by becoming activists in their own lives, in the life of the church, and in their communities and workplaces.”
The Eco Church scheme is a great way to get all parts of your church life working to care for creation. It helps you to engage practically and spiritually, with people in your church and the community beyond.
Harvest Thanksgiving is a further opportunity to thank God for the miracle of photosynthesis and the fact that all life on earth depends on a few centimetres of soil and a few centimetres of rain.
Unfortunately, for many parts of the world, this is no longer the case due to climate change and a warming planet.
During Harvest time, the Pontypridd Ministry Area will hold two days of Thinking, Praying and Living the Faith in the Creation.
This will celebrate the natural world and our place in it. During the days they will explore the Bible accounts and join together in adoration, inspired by Psalms, Hymns and Prayers, by Julian, Francis, the Celts, etc.
David Parry from the Pontypridd churches said, “We will recognise the challenges from the natural sciences, from disasters and suffering, and the present environmental crisis and ask ‘Does a whole Bible perspective help?’”
This ‘Creation’ day is offered by the Ministry Area to anyone interested, whether believers or questioners. It will happen twice with a choice of:
Thursday, September 28th 10am to 3pm at St Luke’s Rhydyfelin.
Or Saturday, September 30th 10am to 3pm at St John’s Graig.
Please register interest with David and Marilyn Parry, 01443-650549 or david@parsonage.org.uk
David added, “Our intention is that this should be the first of four such days of exploration, matching the Church’s seasons 2. The Christian Hope 3. Salvation 4. Sanctification.”
Part 4 of the forthcoming Church in Wales Times and Seasons is dedicated to Creationtide and the stewardship of the environment. In the meantime a wealth of resources for Creationtide can be found on the Church of England and other websites including A Rocha, Christian Aid and Tearfund. For those who have access to Visual Liturgy liturgical material can be found by going to Times and Seasons, Agricultural Year, Creation Resources.
For Churches
This Creationtide Season, why not fill in the Eco Church survey and see how close you are to winning an award or join one of our Eco Church webinars.
European Christian Environmental Network has announced that the theme for the Season of Creation this year is ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’ and the symbol is ‘a mighty river’. Access the ECEN’s Season of Creation Celebration Guide 2023.
Christian Aid Harvest resources:
Climate Justice Prayer Activities (for children, young people, and their families)
If your church has Creationtide events this year you would like us to share, please email marymann@cinw.org.uk