Thursday, August 14
The Prophet Amos, in the face of a troubled and tumultuous time cried out: “Let Justice roll like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24)
He proclaimed these words thousands of years ago, but these prophetic words continue to speak into our world today. We still need justice and righteousness to roll as our world continues to be plagued by wars, and violence, hardship and distress. Yet as we reflect on all these troubles, our eyes are being opened to the reality that the troubles of the world are not just affecting humans but also nature. Devastating fires, hurricanes and earthquakes abound, wreaking havoc on communities and the environment and all living things. In the face of this despair, churches across the globe from multiple denominations are coming together to name our collective sin of putting human need and greed above our Christian call to care for the Earth and all that is in it. 
This month, as Deacon Joanne shared in her Labour Day sermon, is part of a new liturgical season in the church called the Season of Creation. It spans five weeks, from September 1st to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It encourages Christians to take both personal and individual acts to reduce our carbon footprint AND to advocate for climate justice on a wider scale with governments and corporate powers. God made the Earth and all that is in it and saw that it was good. It remains good and full of life and potential. Reflecting on the Amos passage above– which is the theme for this year’s Season of Creation — we can take comfort in the fact that a mighty torrent can move mountains and create change in our landscapes. This is our call to action: to learn more and act in ways to help our planet. I encourage you to check out more about the season of creation here or visit Kairos, a Canadian ecumenical faith-based organization, on how you can join the advocacy efforts for ecological justice and human rights. PrayerLord of all love and glory, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Creation; increase in all true unity; nourish the world with all goodness; and bring forth the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
This month, as Deacon Joanne shared in her Labour Day sermon, is part of a new liturgical season in the church called the Season of Creation. It spans five weeks, from September 1st to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It encourages Christians to take both personal and individual acts to reduce our carbon footprint AND to advocate for climate justice on a wider scale with governments and corporate powers. God made the Earth and all that is in it and saw that it was good. It remains good and full of life and potential. Reflecting on the Amos passage above– which is the theme for this year’s Season of Creation — we can take comfort in the fact that a mighty torrent can move mountains and create change in our landscapes. This is our call to action: to learn more and act in ways to help our planet. I encourage you to check out more about the season of creation here or visit Kairos, a Canadian ecumenical faith-based organization, on how you can join the advocacy efforts for ecological justice and human rights. PrayerLord of all love and glory, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Creation; increase in all true unity; nourish the world with all goodness; and bring forth the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. The Creation Collect from the Episcopal Church
