As a whole church, we have promised to place the care of God's Creation at the heart of our common life. Together, we have taken up church-wide action in order to safeguard the integrity of Creation and to sustain and renew the life of the Earth.
“Almighty and Everliving God, you bring forth and sustain every living thing; help us grow in compassion and care for the multitude of your creatures, that we may see them not as objects for our use, but as brothers and sisters that sing your never-ending praise. Through Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and guide, who with you and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.”
Season of Creation: September 1 - October 4
During the season of creation, lasting from September 1 - October 4 each year, Christians from around the world celebrate through prayer and action our Gospel call to care for all of God’s creation.
The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church recognized climate change as
“an all-encompassing social crisis and moral emergency that impacts and interconnects every aspect of pastoral concern including health, poverty, employment, racism, social justice, and family life and that can only be addressed by a Great Work involving every sector of society, including the Church.”
Here are a few season of creation resources (other creation care resources are below):
Bishop Monnot has approved the use of this Creation Care resource created for The Episcopal Church
Prairie Eucharistic Prayer by Jenn Latham (updated 2024, approved for use by Bishop Monnot)
Season of Creation Prayers from Episcopal Relief & Development
Upcoming Events:
SEPTEMBER 5: Season of Creation - Biodiversity Conservation and Policy
Friday, Sept. 5, 1 pm Iowa time - This is sponsored by the Office of Government Relations with a special guest, the Rev. Dr. Lisa Graumlich of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, to discuss conservation, recent federal policy changes, and other action that churches can take to address climate change. Register for this webinar HERE
SEPTEMBER 20: Iowa Faith and Climate Network "meet and greet" in Dubuque
Saturday, September 20, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Iowa time, at Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1040 Carmel Drive, in Dubuque - Join Iowa Faith & Climate Network and the Dubuque Interfaith Green Coalition for a special Meet & Greet event in Dubuque with Deaconess Irene DeMaris, Executive Director of Iowa Faith & Climate Network. This is a chance to connect with local advocates for faith-rooted climate action, learn more about the work of Iowa Faith & Climate Network and the Dubuque Interfaith Green Coalition, and hear from Irene about statewide efforts to build a just and sustainable future grounded in diverse faith and spirituality. Please join us. Register HERE.
SEPTEMBER 23: Diocesan Creation Care Zoom
And mark your calendar for Sept 23rd at 7PM for a Zoom conversation with the Rev. Jenn Latham, formerly of our diocese and now in service in the Diocese of Hawaii. Jenn has been very involved in Creation Care in Hawaii, and will share some of the projects they have taken up. Register for the Zoom meeting HERE.
SEPTEMBER 27: Christian Climate Training
Concerned about climate issues? Join Christian Climate Training 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CT Sept. 27. The Episcopal Church is partnering with Blessed Tomorrow and eight other Christian denominations to offer online training for people of faith ready to respond to the climate crisis with hope, courage, and action. Learn more and register HERE.
Resources:
General
Read about the Episcopal Vision for Creation Care
Creation Care Resources from The Episcopal Church
Resolutions & Policies
Liturgical & Small Group Resources
Liturgical resources for honoring God in creation, from The Episcopal Church
Organizations
National
An Ecumenical ministry (of which The Episcopal Church is a member) that provides Christian formation, action, and worship materials for creation justice.
Local
Empowering Iowans of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on the climate crisis.
Fight climate change; Prevent the abuse of eminent domain; Protect Iowa’s soil, air, and water; Encourage sustainable food systems; Promote non-industrial renewable energy
Mission: to educate, advocate, and agitate for renewable energy, pure water, clean air and a healthy environment for future generations.