Rachel Mash

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.  

Today the South African Council of Churches’ climate commision met for its strategic planning for the next three years   Rev. Philani (MCSA) led us in a reflection on Job 37 – where is God in the Anthropocene?   We reflected on the impact of climate change on migration. Malawi Mozambique and Zimbabwe were badly impacted first by cyclone Freddy and then by the worst drought in 100 years. Predictions are they will be the worst hit by the Super El Nino that is brewing.   We mourned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and reflected that we cannot tackle migration if we dont tackle climate change.   We reflected on our tree growing campaign: to move from tree planting to tree growing (right species; right time) and plastic campaigns – can we adopt cemeteries as part of our ecumenical ministry? How to tackle e_waste?   We heard inspiring stories from each denomination   We discussed the environmental impacts of data centres   Eco theology: to run an online course for eco champs: plan an eco theology conference: work towards a TEE course   We discussed the need for disaster planning   Food security: To fundraise to train women’s fellowship members as trainers of the trainer in clinate smart food growing.   We committed to working together and growing the Climate Yes movement   We committed to supporting the Feast of Creation and promoting pulpit swops during Season of Creation   “If you want to go fast, walk alone: if you want to go far -.go together  

On the 6th of June , a vibrant Clean-Up Campaign took place under the leadership of Bishop Sibeko  and the diocesan environmental coordinators. The day brought together a wide range of partners, all united by a shared commitment to caring for creation. The Bishop led the way in getting his hands dirty  together with his clergy and the Green Anglicans team, setting a strong tone of faith-filled action. Members of the Mothers’ Union and various diocesan guilds—including the Bernard Mizeki Guild, Mary Magdalene Society, and Anglican Women’s Fellowship—joined in alongside enthusiastic youth representatives, showing the strength of the church community across generations. The initiative was further strengthened by the Joe Gqabi Municipality, whose workers arrived with trucks and essential working tools to support the clean-up efforts on the ground. Government officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Environment & Forestry, and Social Development also participated, offering education and encouragement on the importance of environmental stewardship and community responsibility. A special moment of the day was the handover by the Bishop of garden implements, fencing, and about ten trees to three archdeaconries, equipping them for ongoing care and greening initiatives in their local contexts. It was truly a collaborative effort, marked by unity, service, and shared purpose—and the day was a resounding success. Pamella Nobongozi