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From September 1 to October 4, Christians across the globe join in a special time of prayer, worship, and action known as the Season of Creation. This relatively new addition to the church calendar begins on the World Day of Prayer for Creation and concludes on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi — the saint whose life reflected a deep love for God’s creation and a commitment to peace.

Why a Season of Creation?

I often say: what we pay attention to shapes us. By setting aside a season to focus on creation, we allow our worship to remind us that the earth is not merely the backdrop to our lives, but the ongoing work of God’s hands.

In this season, the church listens for the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We are called to renew our commitment to live with humility, justice, and hope - recognising that caring for creation is inseparable from caring for one another.

Theme for 2025 - Peace with Creation

This year’s theme is drawn from Isaiah 32:14–18, where the prophet describes a land laid waste because justice has been abandoned and the relationship between God and humanity broken. It is a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences for the earth.

And yet, Isaiah dares to hope:

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

In Scripture, peace comes when justice is restored. Hope is never passive - it calls us to pray, to act, to change, and to reconcile with both Creator and creation in unity, repentance, and solidarity.

Symbol for 2025 - The Garden of Peace

The chosen symbol for this year is the Garden of Peace: a dove carrying an olive branch, bringing life to a barren land. This image recalls the story of Noah, when the dove returned to the ark with a fresh olive branch - a sign that the flood was receding and peace was returning to the earth.

The dove reminds us that God’s peace is always within reach, and that we are called to be its messengers in our world today.

Walking Together in This Season

Here at St Laurence, our worship this September will join the global church’s call to Peace with Creation. Through our prayers, readings, and songs, we will:

  • Give thanks for the gift of creation

  • Lament the harm done to the earth

  • Renew our commitment to live as people of hope

We warmly invite you to take part in this season - to worship, to reflect, and to act.

Perhaps you might spend time outdoors this week, giving thanks for the beauty around you, and listening for how God may be speaking through creation.