At the United Reformed Church’s General Assembly in July 2026, we rejoiced in a shared commitment to creation with friends across many other Churches.
As we resolved to encourage United Reformed congregations “to observe the Feast of Creation in Christ on the first Sunday in September from 2026”, we focused on God’s creation and how deeply we belong within it; our lives inextricably and wonderfully part of all life on Earth.
We warmly welcomed the global ecumenical focus upon the importance of creation care and the suggestion that we mark the first Sunday of September each year with special attention in our worship upon creation and all it means to belong within it. This can lead on into whatever ways this theme can be explored locally in subsequent weeks.
In the light of recent heatwaves and the unfolding of climate and ecological crises, there could hardly be a more critical time for us to bring out this profound theme within our theology and our reading of scripture.
I was kindly invited to write something for Eco Congregation Scotland as this year’s Season of Creation approaches. I hope this meditation might also speak more widely…
You speak, and the stars begin their burning.
You speak, and lands emerge from the waters of chaos.
You speak, and the emerald greens of plants beyond number dance in fresh breeze.
You speak, and the seasons begin to weave their rhythms.
You speak, and the oceans and rivers team with amazing life.
You speak, and the stunning flocks fly free across a dazzling sky.
You speak, and the myriad creatures roam within the gardens of your glory.
You speak, and we arrive.
You see the intricate beauty and delicate balances, the interconnection that brings life to a world of wonders; everything depending upon the flourishing of everything else.
And you see that it is good.
We want to see as you see.
We want to listen to the heartbeats of your world, feel the beauty as much as see it, love the fragility and the splendour as you do.
Let us touch your Earth gently.
Teach us the wisdom we risk forgetting;
that life is made from sharing,
restoring what is damaged begins with understanding,
understanding our powerful selfishness is humbling…
humbling and transforming.
Transforming, because we find the place you always made for us:
our home within creation’s sanctuary,
our work with the wonders of your world of generosity,
our peace in treasuring the gifts of your abundance,
our life within the sharing.
You speak, and long for us to listen.
Image: Sudipta Mondal | Pexels