Worship: Season of Creation (September-St Francis of Assisi) & Blessing of the Animals

Season of Creation is a combined series focusing on the Season of Creation written and compiled by Michelle Cook.

Four weeks of resources looking at Forest, Land, Wilderness and River – suitable for Year A Pentecost 14, 15, 16 and 17.

This is a free resource.

Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. 

As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice.

Season of creation 2023 Celebration Guide

Check out these FREE resources

Congregations/communities are invited to use these resources and share them to join the Season of Creation, and even spread the word to local media.

• Promotional resources
• Liturgical resources
• Advocacy resources

 "Blessing the Fields”: A Liturgy for Community Farms and Gardens

With tips for Creating Your Own “Blessing the Fields” Liturgy

Your ministry might not take place at a farm, but wherever you are is a part of God’s creation too. How might you bless it, even as it has blessed you?

By Nurya Love Parish (she/her/hers); Feb 08, 2023

Season of Creation: Focusing Worship on God as Creator

The Season of Creation started in the 1990’s and has multiple expressions. It is typically celebrated from the beginning of September until St. Francis of Assisi Day. Click here for updated liturgical and preaching resources such as:

• creation focused commentaries for every week and lectionary cycle
• subscribe to the YouTube channel
• links to materials/samples* to be used whenever you determine to celebrate the Season of Creation
• Facebook posts lifting up ecumenical stories and examples from across the country
• • Events listings: check it out; add your own
  • Ecumenical seasonofcreation.org; download the newest Celebration Guide
  • Free materials to download from the The Creation Care Committee of the Northern Illinois Synod for every Liturgical Year (A, B & C) 
  • Materials to watch/share with council/planning team descriptive of the Season of Creation
  • Explore YouTube Channel playlists
  • The Lutheran World Federation offers a wealth of resources for celebration the Season of Creation.
  • From ecumenical sister site, LetAllCreationPraise.org: Ecumenical resources for the Season of Creation – Also Spanish translations!
  • For your pastor or worship committee, see The Season of Creation: A Preaching Commentary edited by Norman Habel, David Rhoads, and Paul Santmire (Fortress Press, 2011): commentaries on the biblical lessons written by global interpreters

Blessing Animals at the Zoo - a liturgy adapted by the Rev. David Romanik from the Episcopal Book of Occasional Services (pages 102-11), click here to download.

From Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints: a free, downloadable lesson, his book profile, and a coloring page based on St. Francis of Assisi.

Blessing Animals at the Zoo by Corrie Cabes of BuildingFaith

Readings and Sample Service for Blessing of the Animals (thanks Pr. Sandi Olson-Decker)