Do you have a favorite month? When do you get the perfect weather in your city? A couple of years ago, I decided September is my favorite month. I love the return of routine after the fun interruption of summer begins to wear on me. And September in Iowa transitions from hot to cool. Each day is delightful because it’s never too long of a heat wave or cold snap. The leaves on the trees start turning vibrant oranges, golds, and reds. The grass is still green. Truly, a wonderful space in time.

This is all the better because September 1st through October 4th in the liturgical Church calendar is The Season of Creation. It begins with the World Day of Prayer for Creation, also called the Feast of Creation in some traditions. It extends until the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi– a key figure for thinking about the intersection of God, nature, and humanity. The Season of Creation is a time for Christians around the globe to learn from creation about God, embrace our role as creation’s stewards– through lament and cultivation, and enjoy God’s good gifts in nature. A whole month, in the midst of my favorite portion of Iowa’s weather, to encounter God through nature.

So I invite you to consider some ways to celebrate The Season of Creation. Below, you’ll find four categories of ways to engage: Understanding, Worship, Contemplation, Cultivation. Consider picking one idea from the list per week. Or if you’re ambitious, try one from each category every week. Whatever you choose, I sincerely hope you are more awed by God as you meditate on His works all around you.

Understanding

#1 | Study the redemptive arc of creation in Scripture. God’s not just redeeming humanity… 

Read: 

   - Genesis 1-3
   - 2 Chronicles 7:11-22
   - Ezekiel 47:1-12
   - Revelation 22

Consider: 

   1) What does this reveal about God?
   2) How is creation impacted by human sin or righteousness?
   3) Through what means will God redeem creation?

#2 | Watch a nature documentary, becoming more aware of God’s creativity and attention to detail in each animal, plant, and interconnected ecosystem.

#3 | Study agricultural metaphors and parables in Scripture

Read:

   - John 15
   - Matthew 13:1-43
   - John 10:1-18

Consider:

   1) Why did Jesus use that aspect of creation?
   2) What does He want to communicate?
   3) How are you being invited to see the world differently?

#4 | Try “Tend,” a free Creation Care small group resource, with your local Church

Worship

#1 | Take your Bible outside and pray aloud a nature psalm, such as:

   - Psalm 8
   - Psalm 65
   - Psalm 96
   - Psalm 98
   - Psalm 104

#2 | Sing worship to God for creation with songs like:

   - “All Creatures of Our God and King” (written by St. Francis of Assisi)
   - “This is My Father’s World”

#3 | Sing meditations on creation’s lessons, such as:

   - “I See the Birds” by Jon Guerra
   - “Lilies & Sparrows” by Jess Ray

#4 | Listen to the Climate Vigil album by Porter’s Gate on an hour-long walk to praise, lament, reflect, and be awed

Contemplation

#1 | Practice Lectio Divina (Read, Meditate, Respond, Contemplate) with these passages:

   - Ezekiel 47:1-12 (the global anchor passage for this year’s Season of Creation)
   - Romans 1:18-23
   - Psalm 19:1-6

#2 | Meditate on Job 38-41

   - Read it
   - Listen to it in different translation versions on an audio Bible
   - Listen to songs that riff on it like the one by Ghost Ship and Porter’s Gate

#3 | Spend a day of retreat in nature. Try this half-day one at a state park near you

#4 | Practice Visio Divina watching an animal, plant, or waterway near you

Cultivation

#1 | Weed your garden (or your friend’s garden)

#2 | Plant bulbs that will bloom in spring like crocuses, hyacinths, and daffodils (but check your Plant Hardiness Zone to know when to do that)

#3 | Pick up trash in a park or other public area

#4 | Cut down on the single use plastics you purchase. Which things in your home can you switch?

   - Buy cleaning products that don’t use plastic packaging or containers   
          - check out Blueland and similar businesses
   - Get in the habit of using reusable grocery bags
   - Try composting

Your Turn

What are you drawn to initially? Make a plan to try it, as you celebrate creation in your community September 1 through October 4th.