Rachel Mash

From the Temple flow streams of living water Under the theme of “Living Water” the Season of Creation was launched in Cape Town with an Ecumenical Service with Archbishop Sipuka , Catholic Archbishop of  Cape Town and chairperson of the South African Council of Churches. The service  was held at the Groote Kerk,  at the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in the country with a past history of providing theological support for apartheid. As the Archbishop climbed the many steps to the pulpit towering above us I reflected on how in the past streams of poisonous theology had flowed from that very pulpit -causing  suffering to generations. In past decades the  church has sharply pivoted away from that past and is a now a site of reconciliation, hope and interfaith dialogue. How wonderful then to see the Archbishop use that very same pulpit to launch the ecumenical Season of Creation – instead of pain flowing from the  temple, now streams of living water would flow. The Season of Creation is a season of unity, as we hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. In his powerful message the Archbishop reflected on Living water -reminding us that water can also become destructive  due to our failure to care for Creation – he spoke of the pain of the people of Nepal and Tibet who have lost their lives as the melting glacier fell into the river creating devastating floods. He also talked of the fear of too little water here in Cape Town as we face the potential of drought ahead as El Nino draws closer. He challenged us to take seriously the call to care for Creation and  and to open our concept of Ubuntu beyond humanity to all of creation. Because of Water – we are . Local ministers from the city centre churches led the service – Rev Riaan de Villiers – Groote Kerk,  Dean Robert – St Mary’s Cathedral; Rev Sikawu – Central Methodists,  Rev Annie Kirke -St George’s Cathedral, Rev Sybil – Lutheran Church, JP Roberts representing the “Together for Creation” ecumenical youth  and Rev Rachel Mash -from the SACC Climate Commission who introduced the history of the Season of Creation and the Feast of Creation/World Day of Prayer for Creation       

Please find sermon notes from the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, based on the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary    

Please find this year’s Season of Creation resource from ACSA based on the Revised Common Lectionary readings on the theme of Living Water        

These prayers have been offered for use during the Season of Creation . You can use them as they are or else add in regional/local biodiversity. An offering by Anglicans from three continents!    

Season of Creation Resources from around the Communion : Find here: SEASON OF CREATION RESOURCES   Feast of Creation resources from around the Communion  -find here: FEAST OF CREATION RESOURCES

We are delighted to present a new course for Confirmation Class based on the Bible and the catechism section of the Anglican Prayer Book This confirmation course, “Enjoying Creation and Taking Care of It,”teaches young people that the world is God’s creation and is sacred. It isbuilt around five main sessions: Creation, Sin, Salvation (Repentance),Mission and Ministry, and Practical Action. The course begins by helping candidates understand that God createdeverything and declared it good, and that human beings are part ofcreation, called to live in harmony with it. It then explores how sin hasdamaged our relationship with God, one another, and the environment,highlighting human responsibility for harm done to creation. The course moves on to salvation through Jesus Christ, teaching thatrepentance is not only saying sorry but turning back to God and livingdifferently, helping to restore what has been broken. It then emphasisesthat caring for creation is part of the Church’s mission, rooted in the callto love God and neighbour and to safeguard the earth. Finally, learners are guided to take practical action by planning andcarrying out a project that cares for creation in their local context.Overall, the course forms candidates to see themselves as part of God’screation, redeemed by Christ, and called into active responsibility for thecare and restoration of the world.