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Creationtide or the Season of Creation
This 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.
The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is to hope and act with creation.
The firstfruits of hope
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). We are not caring for the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather using it as a resource to be exploited.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.
The Season of Creation 2024 Celebration Guide has been released
Ecumenical religious leaders from around the world gathered in an online event to launch the Guide, with a moment of reflection and prayer, in preparation for the Season of Creation, which will take place from September 1st to October 4th with the theme “To hope and act with Creation”.
Creationtide Resources
“Praying for the Earth (Remembering the Environment in our Prayers of Intercession”
It’s available in various formats, including from Amazon France in Kindle form for 4,99€, and Paperback, 14,53€.
Study Courses
Sarum College Salisbury is offering a short course this autumn.
“The Sea, Theology and Spirituality – The Sea in the Bible”
The course will run over ZOOM from October 21st and there will be 3 sessions over 3 months, (1 session per month in Oct, Nov, Dec) so not too onerous a commitment. The cost £20 per session or £50 for all 3.
CRES (Christian Rural and Environmental Studies)
For anyone looking more in depth environmental studies with a faith perspective, CRES offers 2 courses – The CRES Certificate and the CRES Diploma.
Both are 2 year courses, usually the certificate course precedes the diploma.
Both course are distance learning courses, and tutorials by ZOOM can be arranged.
All details regarding registration and fees are easy to find on the website:
Creationtide in the Diocese in Europe
Many chaplaincies in the Diocese in Europe are championing climate change by taking steps that we can all adopt, like participating in clean-ups, planting trees, and opting for locally sourced flowers. Watch this video for their suggestions for simple swaps we can all take.
For more information
Please contact the Mission and Outreach team for more information: aquitaineprayer@gmail.com
