Season of Creation
The Season of Creation, a churchwide time for prayer and action on the environment, began on September 1st and runs through October 4th this year. As noted by Dr. David Scott, the UM Director of Mission Theology at the General Board of Global Ministries, “the need for Christians to act on creation care has never been as pressing. Climate change is not something that will happen if we do not take action. It is something that is already happening and will get much, much worse without significant action.”
A worldwide, ecumenical event
Yet, celebrating the Season of Creation is not simply a United Methodist event. Celebration of the season is an ecumenical event, happening worldwide in many places and denominations. The theme this year is Let Justice & Peace Flow. So, this year we are called to “speak with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and loss of biodiversity.” A short video explaining this year’s theme from various perspectives can be found here.
"A mighty river" is the symbol chosen to go with this theme, representing biodiversity at risk. The urgency is growing and we must make peace with the Earth and on the Earth visible, while justice calls us to repentance and a change of attitude and actions. When we join the river of justice and peace with others, it creates hope instead of despair.
A mighty river can move mountains
Our individual actions during the Season of Creation are important. Celebrating creation, participating in cleanups, planting trees, and reducing our carbon footprint are some of the immediate actions we can take. Although scheduled for later this fall, one opportunity we have as members of West Market Street United Methodist Church is to join our tree planting team during this year’s event hosted by Greensboro Beautiful on Saturday, November 4th. Look for our call for volunteers in early October.
Families can work together to learn how your current lifestyle and the institutions you are part of are connected to the climate crisis. You can use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your emissions and take steps to reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint.
Another opportunity one might consider is climate advocacy. The UMC provides an easy way for us to let our US House members and Senators know we support action on climate, as United Methodists.
What else can we do, as a church? Can we pledge to stop using plastic water bottles for all church meetings and social gatherings? Can we find ways to reach out in our community to those most impacted by environmental harm? Do you have other ideas? Our Care for Creation team meetings are open, and we welcome new members or even occasional visitors. Join us on Sunday, September 10th, at 8PM to discuss ideas. Contact Ellen Van Velsor to RSVP (ellenvanvelsor@gmail.com).
In fact, that would be a wonderful way to celebrate the Season of Creation!