The Uniting Church of Australia

Website: www.seasonofcreation.com  See below for the Australian origins of the global Season of Creation!

NEW Norman Habel recently shared with us the 3rd volume of his "Habel Hymns."  Especially appropriate for Reformation Day celebrations, the theme for this set is "Songs in Support of the Eco-Reformation & On-going Earth-Care."  You'll find hymns celebrating evolution, cosmic connections, an eco-version of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress" re-envisioned as "A Mighty Wonder is Our Earth," and a number of Australian-specific texts for Black Saturday, the role of Aborigines as stewards, and more. Click here to download.

How did the Season of Creation start? 

From 2001 to 2003, Norman Habel worked with the Uniting Church Commission for Mission in Melbourne, Victoria. After a series of workshops, their leaders agreed to explore the idea of a specific Season of Creation. In 2003 and 2004, the Uniting Church in Melbourne provided the funds to develop the resources needed to celebrate the Season of Creation. In 2005, after being tested in about fifty congregations in Melbourne and Adelaide, the Season of Creation was announced as an optional season for congregations across Australia.

Why a Season of Creation?
"By concentrating our worship on God's creation and our relationship with creation, we can seek ways to heal rather than exploit creation. The Season of Creation helps us care for our planet home rather than destroy it." 

When is it celebrated? 
For four Sundays in September, prior to St. Francis of Assisi Day. Congregations are also invited to celebrate Creation Day, September 1st. 

What resources are available? 
The Season of Creation website (www.seasonofcreation.com) provides a wealth of great resources for worship, study, and ministry. All materials are based on a three-year cycle corresponding broadly to the years of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the Revised Common Lectionary. 

Resources include:

·         Readings