The Season of Creation is a spiritual journey of seven Sundays into all aspects of creation – human, other living creatures, and the natural environment.
This year for the Season of Creation at SsAM, you will be invited to listen, to pray and to reflect on the diverse ways that we are called to care for and to love all God’s creation including the story of creation, the care for mother earth our fragile home, and one another. We will reflect and pray for the entire human family and for the cessation of wars around the world and we will remember the people in our lives who are –and who have been– saints to us. We will express God’s generosity towards us by committing ourselves to give of our time, talent and treasure and we will conclude by committing ourselves to pray for and live into being Christ in the world.
As a special feature of our season, the Earth Charter* will form a context or backdrop of our observance. It provides an opportunity for us to make specific personal and institutional commitments for the healing of our planet, and to join the movement of millions around the world who endorse and commit to its principles. Our liturgy will be a mixture of readings, reflections and prayers during which you will be invited to engage, interact with the theme and commit to action. We hope that you will join us. Fr. David+
*The Earth Charter is a product of a decade-long, worldwide, cross-cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values.
COME AND CELEBRATE GOD’S CREATION!
Season of Creation Services are on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. from October 9 to November 20.
October 9
SEASON OF CREATION I – In The Beginning
The Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson, Rector Emeritus
Celebrating the beginning of time and the creation of the Universe!
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Reflection and Commitment:
The Earth Charter- The Way Forward: “Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.”
Today, I commit to follow this Earth Charter principle in the following ways …
_____________
October 16
SEASON OF CREATION II – Our Living Planet
The Rev. David T. Andrews, Rector
Celebrating the Earth, our planet home!
readings-season-of-creation-ii-10-19-14
Reflection and Commitment:
The Earth Charter – The Global Situation
The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty, ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the cause of great suffering. An unprecedented rise in human population has overburdened ecological and social systems. The foundations of global security are threatened. These trends are perilous—but not inevitable.
Today, I commit to counter this situation in the following ways…
_________________
October 23
SEASON OF CREATION III – Our Common Humanity
Sister Rosie Castelli, OP Lay Pastoral Associate
Celebrating the diverse people of the world, our many cultures and faith traditions!
Readings for Season of Creation III
Reflection and Commitment:
The Earth Charter – Universal Responsibility
To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities. We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.
Today, I commit to follow this Earth Charter principle in the following ways…
_______________________
October 30
SEASON OF CREATION IV – Our World at Peace
Clergy Dialogue: Fr. Andrews and Canon Casson
Celebrating a vision of the world at peace!
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Reflection and Commitment:
The Earth Charter: Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence and peace.
Today, I commit to follow this Earth Charter principle in the following ways…
_________________
November 6
SEASON OF CREATION V – The Saints Among Us
The Rev. Emily Gibson, Associate Priest
Celebrating those who have gone before us and those who walk beside us now; those who have shared wisdom and provided support!
Reflection and Commitment:
Consider these remarks from Christina Brennan Lee in last year’s Prayers of the People: The word “saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” The people we think of as “saints” or who have been given the official title of saint, all seem to be all of that definition and more. Special people who are set apart for a special purpose and given all they need to accomplish God’s purpose, those are saints. Well, except that God has called ALL of us to be saints, to be sanctified (made holy) in Christ, to build up the Body of Christ, and to seek and serve Christ in all persons. Too bad we can’t just leave the work to those who are beatified or canonized by an official Church process.
Today, I commit in this manner to build up the Body of Christ and to seek and serve Christ in all persons in the following ways…
____________________
November 13
SEASON OF CREATION VI – Stewards of God’s Creation
The Rev. David T. Andrews, Jr., Rector
Celebrating our role as stewards of God’s Creation!
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Reflection and Commitment:
What does God’s presence on earth and in all creation mean to you? How can we overcome our tendency to be detached from the earth which arises from our modern ‘supermarket-provides-all’ lifestyles?
My commitment, in the form of my pledge of time, talent and treasure, will be made during the service.
________________
November 20
SEASON OF CREATION VII – The Cosmic Christ
Clergy Dialogue: Fr. David and Canon Casson
Celebrating the reign of Christ as the head of all creation!
readings-season-of-creation-vii-11-20-16
Reflection and Commitment:
‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’Question to ponder: What do you believe? Why do you believe it? What is the source of your belief?
Today, I commit to actively living my beliefs in the following ways…
