Welcome to the Season of Creation

Beloved in Christ,

This past Tuesday a small congregation gathered on the patio of the Parish House for a brief

liturgy in observance of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation—an historic first for

this storied parish—the inauguration of the Season Care of Creation. Over the next five

Sundays, our celebrations of the Holy Eucharist will focus theologically on the Creator and

Creation (in the words of the Eucharistic Prayer, “this fragile earth, our island home”). Expect beautiful liturgies designed to inspire reflection, action and hope. We’ll conclude Creation Season with the annual Blessing of the Pets in the Churchyard on Oct. 4 at 4:30 p.m. All creatures, great and small, are welcome!

In this newsletter, you’ll find details of events and activities related to Creation Season, as well as other ways to grow in faith and serve the community. It’s an opportunity for us all to make a fresh start by centering our lives in Christ and making connections between our Christian faith and God’s good creation.

This transition time in the life and ministry of the Parish turns out to be a soulful season in which we can reflect on the many ways the creatures of God are connected to their Creator and to each other. At the outdoor service for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, participants shared how their experience of the natural world has nurtured their spirits, healed their bodies, filled them with joy and delight, and moved them to action in care of the environment. The group also reflected on how the parish might open its grounds more wildly to the community, including the patio where they gathered for prayer. Creation Season will be a time for dreaming and creating a vision for faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to our care: buildings and grounds. By virtue of its place in the community, St. John’s is positioned to be a leader, a healer and a strong advocate for Creation.

Each Sunday on the front cover of the bulletin there will be a different text designed to engage our minds and hearts. May the Holy Spirit gives us ears to hear, eyes to see, hearts to love and hands to serve.

Faithfully in Christ,

Greg+

The Reverend Gregory Bezilla

Interim Rector