The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
-Psalm 19
Dear Keystone Family,
September marks the celebration by many churches around the world of the “Season of Creation.” The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the Cry of Creation: the ecumenical family around the world unites to listen and care for our common home. The celebration begins this Sunday, September 1st, and ends on October 4th, which is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
The theme for this year’s International Season of Creation is “To Hope and Act with Creation,” and the symbol is the “Firstfruits of Hope,” inspired by Romans 8:19-25. The biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning in childbirth (Romans 8:22). St. Francis understood this as he referred to the Earth as our Sister and our Mother, and we will have a chance to sing a number of songs based on his beautiful prayers this month, as we are joined by the choirs of both Prospect UCC and Living Water during our hybrid services on the 1st, 15th, and 29th of September.
The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used. “Creation is groaning” because of human selfishness and greed, and the unsustainable actions that harm the Earth. Along with our Sister, Mother Earth, creatures of all kinds, including humans, cry out because of the destructive actions that have led to the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, and human suffering.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life is coming forth. Creation is standing on tiptoe waiting for the manifestation of the children of God! The children of God are those who stretch up their hands towards the Creator, recognizing themselves as humble creatures, to praise and respect God, and at the same time to love, respect, care, and learn from God’s gift of Creation. Creation is not given to humanity to use and abuse; rather, humanity is created to be part of Creation. More than a common home, Creation is also a cosmic family that calls us to act responsibly. This is how the children of God have an intrinsic vocation and important role to play in the manifestation of the kingdom of justice (Rom 8:19).
For Keystone’s Green Team, every day is a celebration of the Season of Creation, and the Green Team will be front and center this month as they invite us to join with them to oppose Initiative 2117, a dangerous initiative on the ballot this fall, that would prohibit any kind of carbon tax credit trading, also known as “cap and trade.” After the service on Sunday, we will have an opportunity to hear more about how, as people of faith who are committed to caring for the beauty and diversity of creation, we can support the “No on Initiative 2117” movement and protect our communities and the environment. The Green Team also invites you to join them on Zoom on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:30pm for their regular monthly meeting.
There’s a phrase commonly attributed to Saint Augustine that says: “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” As we witness the cries and sufferings of Earth and all creatures, let holy anger move us toward the courage to be hopeful and active for justice. We believe that the incarnation of God’s Son offers guidance enabling us to face the troubling world. God is with us in efforts to respond to the challenges of the world we are living in (Rom 8:23).
Looking forward to celebrating this blessed Season of Creation with you all!
Blessings,
Rev. Adina Meyer
Transitional Pastor