Suggestions for Use
This service of worship, based on the seven days of creation, came out of a group of greenies in one Protestant congregation. It is meant to be used and adapted, so we hope that you will take it and make it work in your situation. It is designed for two or three or any number of worship leaders. The gathered community is to be included and drawn in through written or verbal instructions. Because it is a participation in a global action, it should be done outdoors, where passersby might stop and join in, or at least take notice. Scripture readings are from the Hebrew Bible in the hope that this might be accessible to faith groups other than Christians. Prayers and litanies have been composed with interfaith participation in mind, though Christians may recognize some New Testament themes.
We will conduct this service in front of our church, beneath an 80-year-old deodar cedar planted by Sunday School children in 1929, at least one of whom is still with us. We have a bell in our tower that can be rung by a rope pull within sight of the tree. We will also use hand bells, which could be used where there is no convenient tower bell to be rung. We will ring the bells 350 times during an hour. Because the story of creation tells of seven days, we will ring the bell 50 times between each of seven movements, and at the end. We have also arranged to distribute 350 seedlings and to plant a deodar cedar in the park behind our church. The children of our church will also make birdseed ornaments to hang on the tree. This is our way of taking action in favor of creation, to increase the oxygen, to reduce the carbon.
We are including a “script version” with all kinds of suggestions and stage directions and a “worship bulletin” that could be reproduced for participants. All we ask is that you honor the copyrights of any music or prayers used and cited in the liturgy and that you credit the authors of the liturgy
— Rebecca B. Prichard, pastor of Tustin Church, Tustin, Calif. (pastor [at] tustinpresbyterian.org), and David A. Dolan, Caring for Creation Enabler for Los Ranchos Presbytery (DavidDolan [at] aol.com). If you have questions or suggestions or stories of how you used this, please send us an e-mail.
Here is an example of a “Witness:”
Dandelions
by Rebecca B. Prichard
Every once in a while I get the urge to pull dandelions. They pop up in my lawn all year ‘round, but especially in the springtime. Recently, I spent an hour or so pulling them up, gently, one by one. I heard the kids across the street ask their mom, “What’s that lady doing?” A passerby told me, “You know there’s stuff you can put on your lawn to kill those weeds.” I tried to tell her nicely that I don’t like to put chemicals on my lawn. I realize that I’m about the only one in my neighborhood who ever tries to pull dandelions by hand. I live in a nice neighborhood where most everyone has a nice green lawn. Mine is the weediest lawn on the block. I assume everyone else uses chemicals. Because I pull weeds only when the Spirit moves me, I know I can never get them all. I know from reading and from my green friends that lawn chemicals are bad for the soil and the water table. And I know that my small effort to avoid them is hardly going to change the world. But I have to say, it still makes me feel good to pull up a bucket full of dandelions every so often. And to let one or two people know why I’m doing it. And I consider it a badge of honor to have a weedy, brownish lawn.
So what do I do next? How to move beyond the drop in the bucket? What now? A drought-tolerant garden with native plants? Invited conversations with neighbors and friends about the many harms of all those chemicals? What now? The gift of a native seedling? A boycott of some giant chemical company. Now what do I do? Talk to my gardener. Now what will you do?
Leaders’ Version
Ringing 350 for Creation
October 24, 2009
International Day of Climate Action
350.org
I. PRAISE
Opening Sentences
Creation dawned as Light shining in darkness.
Creation began with a Word of invitation and imagination.
Creation was born by brooding Spirit’s breath.
Creation goes on in bright light and undying hope.
Creation continues in vivid imagination and vital energy.
Creation thrives in new life and surprising beauty.
Song: Morning has Broken
Reading: Genesis 1:1-5: The First Day
[In the beginning when God created* the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God* swept over the face of the waters. 3Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. 4And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.]
Prayer (together)
Light of Life: Awaken in us an urge to breathe, to open our eyes, to hope, to dream.
May the bell’s tolling wake us up and arouse in us your creative Spirit.
All nature sings and round us rings, the music of the spheres.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for light and the dawning of a new day.
II. CONFESSION
Reading: Genesis 1:6-8: The Second Day
[6 And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ 7So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. 8God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.]
A teaching about climate change.
Prayer of Confession
We crave comfort and convenience and quickness.
We heat and cool our homes.
We buy quick, prepackaged food.
We drive our cars and fly in planes.
Our cravings have hurt the creation.
We buy things not knowing where they are from.
We eat fruit flown in from far off lands.
We wear clothes made in unsafe, inhumane places.
We forget or refuse to reuse, reduce and recycle.
Our ignorance has hurt the creation.
We are slow to change our ways.
We are in denial about climate change.
We feel like the problem is too big.
We wonder if we can make a difference.
Our resistance has hurt the creation.
Assurance
Grace abounds! The Creator Spirit has the power of healing and forgiveness!
Glory be! The Spirit gives us a new beginning, new hope!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we ponder our part in the wounding and healing of creation.
III. THE WORD
Reading: Genesis 1:9-13: The Third Day
[9 And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. 10God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. ]
Call and Response
Q: What does it mean to be “Green”?
A: To be “green” is to care for God’s good creation.
Greenness is… the leaves of the trees.
[the creatures that live in the grass.
the rainforests.
chlorophyll and photosynthesis.
growth and regeneration.
our home, the earth.
sharing and having enough.
living together in harmony.
the economy of grace.
making peace with one another.
making peace with the earth.
practicing what we preach.
making wise choices on behalf of creation.
…]
A Celtic Prayer (together)
There is no plant in the ground
But tells of your beauty, O God.
There is no creature on the earth
There is no life in the sea
But proclaims your goodness.
There is no bird on the wing
There is no star in the sky
There is nothing beneath the sun
But is full of your blessings.
Lighten our understanding of your presence all around, O God.
Kindle our wills to be caring for creation.
(J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers from Iona, Paulist Press adapted)
The bell is rung 50 times
as we celebrate the greening of creation.
IV. WITNESS
Reading: Genesis 1:14-29: The Fourth Day
[14 And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, 15and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. 16God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, 18to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.]
A leader will bear witness with a personal story, and ask
“Now what do I do?” “Now what will you do?”
Participants will be invited to respond.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we resolve to take some action for creation.
V. INTERCESSIONS
Reading: Genesis 1:20-23
[20 And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ 21So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ 23And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.]
Prayers Of The People
[For the oceans, teeming with life, we rejoice; for birds and bats and butterflies, we sing God’s praise. May we enjoy and protect these wonders.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For the wind and the rain, we offer thanks; for clean air and blue skies, we praise the Maker. May we live in rhythm with the seasons, cleansing, healing, renewing the earth.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For the leaders of the world, we pray, for those with power to turn the tides—presidents and prime ministers, courts and councils and congress—we ask for wisdom and courage.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For all who will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December—delegates, speakers, hosts, volunteers, decision-makers—we pray for safety, for deep conversation, for earth-shaking action.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For our families and friends, for faithful congregations, for pastors, for neighbors and strangers, we ask for renewed hope, holy conversations and strength to speak and act for good.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For our children and their children, for generations yet unborn, that they might enjoy the beauty of earth, sky and sea, breathe fresh air, drink clean, clear water and thrive. ]
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
(together)
Holy One, together we have harmed your creation and together we can bring healing.
With hope for the renewing of creation–more oxygen, less carbon;
with hope for the ice caps and the ozone;
with gratitude for nature’s diversity and abundance,
we join our hearts and our voices:
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we pray for creation’s future.
VI. THANKSGIVING
Reading: Genesis 1:24-31: The Sixth Day
[24 And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. 25God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind* in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth,* and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’
27So God created humankind* in God’s own image,
in the image of God they were made;*
male and female God created them.
28God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ 29God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. ]
Thanksgiving
We are part of creation; we are stewards, caretakers.
We are made in God’s image; we are creative, imaginative.
We are given many gifts; we are gifted with the awesome beauty of the cosmos.
We are called to be grateful; we are offered more than enough.
We are free to love; we are given a chance to care, to share, to heal, to restore.
With thankful hearts, let us take our God-given place in the world. Amen.
Blessing
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless future generations with our words and actions.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless… […this tree, these native plants, these birdfeeders…]
with hope for Shalom.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless one another, God-made creatures one and all.
The people bless one another with a greeting.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for the blessings of creation.
VII. GOING FORTH
Reading: Genesis 2:1-4
[Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. 2And on the seventh day God finished the work that God had done, and rested on the seventh day from all the work that had been done. 3So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that God had done in creation.
4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.]
Litany of Response (based on Psalm 148)
Praise the Lord!
Across the heavens,
from the heights,
all you angels, heavenly beings,
sing praise, sing praise!
Sun and moon, glittering stars,
sing praise, sing praise.
Highest heavens, rain clouds,
sing praise, sing praise.
Praise God’s name,
whose word called you forth
and fixed you in place forever
by eternal decree.
Let there be praise:
[those gathered repeat “praise, praise”
quietly as leaders continue]
from depths of the earth,
from creatures of the deep.
Fire and hail, snow and mist,
storms, winds,
mountains, hills,
fruit trees and cedars,
wild beasts and tame,
snakes and birds,
princes, judges,
rulers, subjects,
men, women,
old and young,
praise, praise the holy name,
this name beyond all names.
God’s splendor above the earth,
above the heavens,
gives strength to the nations,
glory to the faithful,
people close to the Lord.
Let there be praise!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we go forth to care for creation.
[Plants are distributed; birdfeeders are hung; a tree is planted…]
Bulletin version
Ringing 350 for Creation
October 24, 2009
International Day of Climate Action
350.org
VIII. PRAISE
Opening Sentences
Creation dawned as Light shining in darkness.
Creation began with a Word of invitation and imagination.
Creation was born by brooding Spirit’s breath.
Creation goes on in bright light and undying hope.
Creation continues in vivid imagination and vital energy.
Creation thrives in new life and surprising beauty.
Song: Morning has Broken
Reading: Genesis 1:1-5: The First Day
Prayer (together)
Light of Life: Awaken in us an urge to breathe, to open our eyes, to hope, to dream.
May the bell’s tolling wake us up and arouse in us your creative Spirit.
All nature sings and round us rings, the music of the spheres.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for light and the dawning of a new day.
IX. CONFESSION
Reading: Genesis 1:6-8: The Second Day
A teaching about climate change.
Prayer of Confession
We crave comfort and convenience and quickness.
We heat and cool our homes.
We buy quick, prepackaged food.
We drive our cars and fly in planes.
Our cravings have hurt the creation.
We buy things not knowing where they are from.
We eat fruit flown in from far off lands.
We wear clothes made in unsafe, inhumane places.
We forget or refuse to reuse, reduce and recycle..
Our ignorance has hurt the creation.
We are slow to change our ways.
We are in denial about climate change.
We feel like the problem is too big.
We wonder if we can make a difference.
Our resistance has hurt the creation.
Assurance
Grace abounds! The Creator Spirit has the power of healing and forgiveness!
Glory be! The Spirit gives us a new beginning, new hope!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we ponder our part in the wounding and healing of creation.
X. THE WORD
Reading: Genesis 1:9-13: The Third Day
Call and Response
Q: What does it mean to be “Green”?
A: To be “green” is to care for God’s good creation.
Greenness is…
…the leaves of the trees…
The people add their green words.
A Celtic Prayer (together)
There is no plant in the ground
But tells of your beauty, O God.
There is no creature on the earth
There is no life in the sea
But proclaims your goodness.
There is no bird on the wing
There is no star in the sky
There is nothing beneath the sun
But is full of your blessings.
Lighten our understanding of your presence all around, O God.
Kindle our wills to be caring for creation.
(J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers from Iona, adapted)
The bell is rung 50 times
as we celebrate the greening of creation.
XI. WITNESS
Reading: Genesis 1:14-29: The Fourth Day
A leader will bear witness with a personal story, and ask
“Now what do I do?” “Now what will you do?”
Participants will be invited to respond.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we resolve to take some action for creation.
XII. INTERCESSIONS
Reading: Genesis 1:20-23
Prayers Of The People
Response: Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
(together)
Holy One, together we have harmed your creation and together we can bring healing.
With hope for the renewing of creation–more oxygen, less carbon;
with hope for the ice caps and the ozone;
with gratitude for nature’s diversity and abundance,
we join our hearts and our voices:
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we pray for creation’s future.
XIII. THANKSGIVING
Reading: Genesis 1:24-31: The Sixth Day
Thanksgiving
We are part of creation; we are stewards, caretakers.
We are made in God’s image; we are creative, imaginative.
We are given many gifts; we are gifted with the awesome beauty of the cosmos.
We are called to be grateful; we are offered more than enough.
We are free to love; we are given a chance to care, to share, to heal, to restore.
With thankful hearts, let us take our God-given place in the world. Amen.
Blessing
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless future generations with our words and actions.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless… […this tree, these native plants, these birdfeeders…]
with hope for Shalom.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless one another, God-made creatures one and all.
The people bless one another with a greeting.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for the blessings of creation.
XIV. GOING FORTH
Reading: Genesis 2:1-4
Litany of Response (based on Psalm 148)
Praise the Lord!
Across the heavens,
from the heights,
all you angels, heavenly beings,
sing praise, sing praise!
Sun and moon, glittering stars,
sing praise, sing praise.
Highest heavens, rain clouds,
sing praise, sing praise.
Praise God’s name,
whose word called you forth
and fixed you in place forever
by eternal decree.
Let there be praise:
[those gathered repeat “praise, praise”
quietly as leaders continue]
from depths of the earth,
from creatures of the deep.
Fire and hail, snow and mist,
storms, winds,
mountains, hills,
fruit trees and cedars,
wild beasts and tame,
snakes and birds,
princes, judges,
rulers, subjects,
men, women,
old and young,
praise, praise the holy name,
this name beyond all names.
God’s splendor above the earth,
above the heavens,
gives strength to the nations,
glory to the faithful,
people close to the Lord.
Let there be praise!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we go forth to care for creation.
[Plants are distributed; birdfeeders are hung; a tree is planted…]
Full Script Version
Highlighted items are for leaders and planners only
Ringing 350 for Creation
October 24, 2009
International Day of Climate Action
350.org
XV. PRAISE
Opening Sentences
[These sentences could be spoken by one or more leaders
or they could become a response inviting participation..]
Creation dawned as Light shining in darkness.
Creation began with a Word of invitation and imagination.
Creation was born by brooding Spirit’s breath.
Creation goes on in bright light and undying hope.
Creation continues in vivid imagination and vital energy.
Creation thrives in new life and surprising beauty.
Song: Morning has Broken
[This hymn is #469 in the Presbyterian Hymnal. It appears in most mainline Protestant hymnals. Please observe copyright protocols.]
Reading: Genesis 1:1-5: The First Day
[Genesis readings here are from the NRSV. They may be read aloud by a leader or in unison.]
[In the beginning when God created* the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God* swept over the face of the waters. 3Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. 4And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.]
Prayer (together)
Light of Life: Awaken in us an urge to breathe, to open our eyes, to hope, to dream.
May the bell’s tolling wake us up and arouse in us your creative Spirit.
All nature sings and round us rings, the music of the spheres.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for light and the dawning of a new day.
XVI. CONFESSION
Reading: Genesis 1:6-8: The Second Day
[6 And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ 7So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. 8God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.]
A teaching about climate change.
[A teaching about climate change, taken from 350.org. This is to be used as an invitation to confession. Leaders may wish to create their own invitation or teaching.
Two hundred years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Since then we have been burning coal and oil and carbon dioxide has increased. Today, scientists put the number at 390 parts per million. They believe the highest healthy number is 350 parts per million.
Human beings breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Trees and green plants breathe in carbon dioxide and give oxygen back to the atmosphere. Carbon increases when we do everyday things, like drive, turn on the lights, cook dinner, heat or cool our homes.
Each of us has a carbon footprint equal to the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere every day. All of us can reduce our carbon footprint. Individuals and groups, congregations and corporations have carbon footprints and have the power to reduce their footprint. In this way we can reduce the number 390 and move towards the healthier number–350.
That is why we are here today. In a spirit of prayer, let us be honest about the ways we have helped create this problem.]
Prayer of Confession
We crave comfort and convenience and quickness.
We heat and cool our homes.
We buy quick, prepackaged food.
We drive our cars and fly in planes.
Our cravings have hurt the creation.
We buy things not knowing where they are from.
We eat fruit flown in from far off lands.
We wear clothes made in unsafe, inhumane places.
We forget or refuse to reuse, reduce and recycle..
Our ignorance has hurt the creation.
We are slow to change our ways.
We are in denial about climate change.
We feel like the problem is too big.
We wonder if we can make a difference.
Our resistance has hurt the creation.
Assurance
Grace abounds! The Creator Spirit has the power of healing and forgiveness!
Glory be! The Spirit gives us a new beginning, new hope!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we ponder our part in the wounding and healing of creation.
XVII. THE WORD
Reading: Genesis 1:9-13: The Third Day
[9 And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. 10God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. ]
Call and Response
[These lines may be spoken by leaders or participants. Ideas may be handed out on slips of recycled paper or spontaneous definitions may be invited.]
Q: What does it mean to be “Green”?
A: To be “green” is to care for God’s good creation.
Greenness is… the leaves of the trees.
[the creatures that live in the grass.
the rainforests.
chlorophyll and photosynthesis.
growth and regeneration.
our home, the earth.
sharing and having enough.
living together in harmony.
the economy of grace.
making peace with one another.
making peace with the earth.
practicing what we preach.
making wise choices on behalf of creation.…]
A Celtic Prayer (together)
There is no plant in the ground
But tells of your beauty, O God.
There is no creature on the earth
There is no life in the sea
But proclaims your goodness.
There is no bird on the wing
There is no star in the sky
There is nothing beneath the sun
But is full of your blessings.
Lighten our understanding of your presence all around, O God.
Kindle our wills to be caring for creation.
(J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers from Iona, adapted)
The bell is rung 50 times
as we celebrate the greening of creation.
XVIII. WITNESS
Reading: Genesis 1:14-29: The Fourth Day
[14 And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, 15and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. 16God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, 18to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.]
A leader will bear witness with a personal story, and ask
“Now what do I do?” “Now what will you do?”
[In The Presbyterian Outlook, Dave Dolan has told a story that could serve as a model for witness. Included is a story by Rebecca Prichard that offers a second suggestion.
We hope one or more leaders will bear witness to their efforts at caring for creation and invite participants to respond with words of commitment.]
Participants will be invited to respond.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we resolve to take some action for creation.
XIX. INTERCESSIONS
Reading: Genesis 1:20-23
[20 And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ 21So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ 23And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.]
Prayers Of The People
[For the oceans, teeming with life, we rejoice; for birds and bats and butterflies, we sing God’s praise. May we enjoy and protect these wonders.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For the wind and the rain, we offer thanks; for clean air and blue skies, we praise the Maker. May we live in rhythm with the seasons, cleansing, healing, renewing the earth.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For the leaders of the world, we pray, for those with power to turn the tides—presidents and prime ministers, courts and councils and congress—we ask for wisdom and courage.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For all who will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December—delegates, speakers, hosts, volunteers, decision-makers—we pray for safety, for deep conversation, for earth-shaking action.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For our families and friends, for faithful congregations, for pastors, for neighbors and strangers, we ask for renewed hope, holy conversations and strength to speak and act for good.
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
For our children and their children, for generations yet unborn, that they might enjoy the beauty of earth, sky and sea, breathe fresh air, drink clean, clear water and thrive. ]
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
(together)
Holy One, together we have harmed your creation and together we can bring healing.
With hope for the renewing of creation–more oxygen, less carbon;
with hope for the ice caps and the ozone;
with gratitude for nature’s diversity and abundance,
we join our hearts and our voices:
Creator Spirit, heal your creation.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we pray for creation’s future.
XX. THANKSGIVING
Reading: Genesis 1:24-31: The Sixth Day
[24 And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. 25God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind* in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth,* and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’
27So God created humankind* in God’s own image,
in the image of God they were made;*
male and female God created them.
28God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ 29God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. ]
Thanksgiving
[These words may be spoken by one or more leaders or responsively.]
We are part of creation; we are stewards, caretakers.
We are made in God’s image; we are creative, imaginative.
We are given many gifts; we are gifted with the awesome beauty of the cosmos.
We are called to be grateful; we are offered more than enough.
We are free to love; we are given a chance to care, to share, to heal, to restore.
With thankful hearts, let us take our God-given place in the world. Amen.
Blessing
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless future generations with our words and actions.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless… […this tree, these native plants, these birdfeeders…]
with hope for Shalom.
Blessed to be a blessing, we bless one another, God-made creatures one and all.
The people bless one another with a greeting.
The bell is rung 50 times
as we give thanks for the blessings of creation.
XXI. GOING FORTH
Reading: Genesis 2:1-4
[Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. 2And on the seventh day God finished the work that God had done, and rested on the seventh day from all the work that had been done. 3So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that God had done in creation.
4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.]
Litany of Response (based on Psalm 148)
Praise the Lord!
Across the heavens,
from the heights,
all you angels, heavenly beings,
sing praise, sing praise!
Sun and moon, glittering stars,
sing praise, sing praise.
Highest heavens, rain clouds,
sing praise, sing praise.
Praise God’s name,
whose word called you forth
and fixed you in place forever
by eternal decree.
Let there be praise:
[those gathered repeat “praise, praise”
quietly as leaders continue]
from depths of the earth,
from creatures of the deep.
Fire and hail, snow and mist,
storms, winds,
mountains, hills,
fruit trees and cedars,
wild beasts and tame,
snakes and birds,
princes, judges,
rulers, subjects,
men, women,
old and young,
praise, praise the holy name,
this name beyond all names.
God’s splendor above the earth,
above the heavens,
gives strength to the nations,
glory to the faithful,
people close to the Lord.
Let there be praise!
The bell is rung 50 times
as we go forth to care for creation.
[Plants are distributed; birdfeeders are hung; a tree is planted…]
© Rebecca B. Prichard and David A. Dolan. One time use of any of these prayers is granted. Please cite the authors’ names in your bulletin.
