Every year the Season of Creation runs from the Orthodox New Year on 1 September until St Francis Day on Sunday 4 October. Creationtide was initiated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and has gradually been adopted by the Anglican Communion, Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations.
The Season of Creation brings Christians together to pray and work for the protection of the environment that sustains everyone. Pope Francis gave a major boost to the profile of Creationtide in 2016 when he declared 1 September an annual “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation”.
Climate Sunday
In addition, for the first time parish churches are being encouraged to hold a local “Climate Sunday” during the season of creation starting on 6 September.
Why not worship outside (weather permitting) and at the same time reduce the risk of catching Covid-19? Resources for outdoor worship are available here.
The following liturgical resources are available for use by clergy and readers.
Watch a video made by the Most Revd Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to support the Season of Creation.
Specially selected Bible readings, Collects and Post Communion Prayers for the five Sundays in 2020 are as follows:
Sunday 6 September (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation)
Readings
Job 37:14–24
Psalm 130
Revelation 4
Matthew 8:23–27
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Post communion prayer
Father of light,
in whom is no change or shadow of turning,
you give us every good and perfect gift
and have brought us to birth by your word of truth:
may we be a living sign of that kingdom
where your whole creation will be made perfect
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sunday 13 September
Readings
Job 38:1–18
Psalm 139:1–14
Romans 1:18–25
Matthew 5:13–16
Collect
God our Father,
you never cease the work you have begun
and prosper with your blessing all human labour:
make us wise and faithful stewards of your gifts
that we may serve the common good,
maintain the fabric of our world
and seek that justice where all may share
the good things you pour upon us;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Post communion prayer
God our creator,
you give seed for us to sow and bread for us to eat:
as you have blessed the fruit of our labour in this eucharist,
so we ask you to give all your children their daily bread,
that the world may praise you for your goodness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sunday 20 September (Harvest – optional)
Readings
Deuteronomy 28:1–14
Psalm 65
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Luke 12:16–30
Collect
Eternal God,
you crown the year with your goodness
and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season:
grant that we may use them to your glory,
for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Post communion prayer
Lord of the harvest,
with joy we have offered thanksgiving for your love in creation
and have shared in the bread and the wine of the kingdom:
by your grace plant within us a reverence for all that you give us
and make us generous and wise stewards
of the good things we enjoy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sunday 27 September
Readings
Leviticus 25:1–7
Psalm 95
Hebrews 4:1–11
John 6:1–15
Collect
Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts
whereby we call you Father:
give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,
that we and all creation may be brought
to the glorious liberty of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever
Amen
Post communion prayer
O God, whose beauty is beyond our imagining
and whose power we cannot comprehend:
show us your glory as far as we can grasp it,
and shield us from knowing more than we can bear
until we may look upon you without fear;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen
Sunday 4 October (Feast of St Francis)
Readings
Micah 6: 6-8
Psalm 100: 1-3
Galatians 6.14-18
Luke 12: 22-34
Collect
O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself
to the childlike and lowly of heart:
grant that, following the example of the blessèd Francis,
we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and
know only Jesus Christ and him crucified,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Post communion prayer
Lord God,
you made your Church rich
through the poverty of blessed Francis:
help us, like him, not to trust in earthly things but to seek your heavenly gifts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Tenants of the King” is a new Bible-based, Jesus-centred resource from Operation Noah. This four-part study series is designed to help you and your church consider what the Bible has to say about today’s climate crisis. Through interactive group sessions, video interviews with leading Christian thinkers and insightful Bible commentary, this resource will help you and your church to reflect on the challenges of a changing climate, and how Christians can respond with hope to one of today’s greatest challenges.
Material for seasons and festivals of the agricultural year from “Common Worship: Times and Seasons”, commended by the House of Bishops for use at the discretion of the minister
Resources for worship and prayer produced by the CofE Environment Task Group
A series of liturgical resources for Years A, B and C, including collects, post-communion prayers, forms of intercession and additional material for the Eucharistic Prayer, produced for trial use by the Diocese of Guildford
In addition to the resources from this country, the Environmental Network of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has produced a rich collection of liturgical resources for use in that church
Find out more about the Season of Creation
Support is available from the Diocesan Environmental Adviser, the Revd Arthur Champion: ku.gr1728609621o.coi1728609621dsolg1728609621@noip1728609621mahca1728609621 or tel. 01242 870402.
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