Resources for 'Creation Time' 1 September - 4 October

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has put together a programme of resources to encourage and assist churches to observe a Time for Creation in 2009, between 1 September and 4 October. The theme for 2009 is 'Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action'.

In 1989, the Ecumenical Patriarch suggested that 1 September, the first day of the Orthodox Church's year, should be observed as a day "of protection of the natural environment".

Ten years later the European Christian Environmental Network widened this proposal, urging churches across Europe to adopt a Time for Creation stretching from 1 September to the feast of St Francis on 4 October.

This was endorsed by the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly in Romania in 2007, which recommended that the period "be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change".

In preparation for the UN Climate Change Summit which will take place in Copenhagen in December 2009, the resources include material to enable churches, groups and individuals to focus on issues relating to the decisions which need to be taken in Copenhagen. In the face of mounting evidence that we are heading for runaway climate change and massive losses in biodiversity, there is the need for an international treaty that will bind governments to drastic and immediate cuts in carbon emissions, but this will require courageous and far-sighted political leadership to transform our economy and many aspects of our culture. More than ever, therefore, Christians are called to demonstrate their commitment to care for creation, by living simply and sustainably themselves, and by pressing politicians to take the measures necessary at national and international level.

Central to the resources are sermon notes, with a choice of two five-week frameworks, one based on the Lectionary readings, the other linked specifically to the theme. It is possible either to follow the whole five weeks or to dip into the material as required. The final 'theme' sermon works particularly well as a stand alone Harvest resource. Other items include a Creation in Crisis - resources LOAF service which would be suitable for a Churches Together event, action ideas, additional prayers and liturgical material and discussion group ideas. The material is available as free downloads. Resources for Creation Time 2009 'Creation in Crisis: a time for prayer and action' are available on the website of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland - www.ctbi.org.uk/creationtime

DIARY DATE:

Remember, remember the 5th of December - Join the wave!
The UK's biggest ever climate rally will be taking place on Saturday, 5 December.
There will be an ecumenical service in Westminster Central Hall at 11am and then participants join a human 'wave' around Westminster calling for action in Copenhagen.