The Whole Creation Is God’s Beloved

Summary: During the Season of Creation, I invite us to notice that God’s love and salvation embrace not only humanity, but the whole beautiful, interconnected creation to which we belong.

Dear Beloved,

You may have noticed that our worship looks and sounds a little different this month. September is part of the Season of Creation, and this year we are using a special liturgy authorized by our Bishop to help us pray more intentionally with and for God’s creation.

So, what exactly is the Season of Creation?

The Season of Creation is an ecumenical Christian observance that begins September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and continues through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Its roots go back to 1989, when Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I established a Day of Prayer for Creation. Over time, Christians around the world expanded that observance into a season of prayer, worship, and action. 

What I especially love about this season is that it reminds us that creation care is not something separate from our faith. It is part of our faith.

Scripture begins with God delighting in creation and calling it “very good.” Humanity is placed within creation, not above or outside it, and entrusted with its care. The Season of Creation reminds us that God in Christ loves, redeems, and sustains the whole of Creation, not only human beings. 

That changes how I think about salvation. The Gospel is bigger than just “God saves me.” In Christ, God is reconciling all things. Our relationship with God, our relationships with one another, and our relationship with the earth are all connected. Christian hope points toward the renewal and restoration of all creation. 

That is why you will hear different words in our liturgy this month. We will pray for the earth, its creatures, its waters, and the communities most affected by environmental harm. Our worship asks us to recognize creation not merely as something God gave us to use, but as something God loves.

My hope is that this season helps us pay attention. Notice the trees. Notice the birds. Notice the changing light. Notice the ground beneath your feet.

And perhaps whisper, “Thank you, God. Help me care for what you love,”

Pastor Anny+

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, open my eyes to your presence in the world around me. Teach me to love, cherish, and care for all that you have made. Amen.