The Season of Creation is Here!
Written by Ellen Van Velsor > September 9, 2022
The Season of Creation runs from September 1 to October 4. The theme for 2022 is Listen to the Voice of Creation – to creation speaking through the impacts of climate change on wildlife, on frontline communities, on forests, oceans, and shorelines. It is an opportunity for us to lift up concerns, hopes, and commitments through songs, prayers, sermons, daily reflections, events, and personal actions.
Why celebrate? “The answer is found in our faith, as scripture guides us to be good stewards of the earth, to love our neighbors, and to take care of those in need. Sadly, 2020 unleashed a worldwide pandemic, record fires, floods, droughts, and hurricanes that have left a trail of human and ecological suffering. We are at a crossroads, and our UM Book of Discipline encourages us to make changes that support a more ‘sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God’s creation.’ United Methodists across America and the world are responding to the call, and there are many ways to get involved.” (https://umcreationjustice.org/seven-ways-to-embrace-the-season-of-creation-this-fall/ )
So what is our church doing to celebrate and how can you get involved? There are so many ways!
Bring your dead batteries to church and deposit them in one of our battery recycling bins during the next couple of months. These are located in the West Narthex, the church office lobby, and the entryway to the Corner (Modern Worship space).
Be present, in person or online, to enjoy the Season of Creation sermon on Sunday, September 25, 9am & 11am.
Sign up to join our Big Sweep team to pick up litter at the Lake Daniel park/greenway area on Saturday, October 1. Contact Ellen Van Velsor (ellenvanvelsor@gmail.com) to register and get required release forms and further details.
Sign up to join our NeighborWoods tree planting team. This event will be held Saturday, November 5. Contact Ellen Van Velsor for details.
We are also planning a hike later this fall, so if you are interested, contact Ellen. Date & location TBD.
Have other ideas? Join our team! We’d love to hear from you!
Beyond church activities & events, there is more you can do to celebrate the season, personally and at home. Here are some suggestions from the UMC Creation Justice ministry:
Pray for creation regularly.
Enjoy time in nature and learn how to make your backyard a haven for wildlife. http://www.nwf.org/garden.
Read what United Methodists believe about the environment in the “United Methodist Book of Discipline, Social Principles: The Natural World.” https://www.umc.org/en/content/social-principles-the-natural-world.
Find your Carbon Footprint at home by using an online calculator like the one at www.coolcongregations.org/calculators/ and then set goals to reduce it.
Watch an environmental film. “Global Weirding with Katharine Hayhoe” are short PBS videos that can be found on YouTube that answer big questions like “The Bible Doesn’t Talk About Climate Change, Right?” and “What’s the Big Deal with a Few Degrees?” Beautiful nature shows like the “Planet Earth” series celebrate the diversity of ecosystems, as well as hopeful documentaries like the Netflix “Kiss the Ground” narrated by Woody Harrelson that explores how soil health can capture carbon and heal the planet.