This bulletin includes the order of service as well as the readings for The Season of Creation. The items in bold italics are intended for audience response.
Prelude – Sounds from Nature
Opening Hymn
Opening Acclamation
Blessed be our God, Creator of all.
And blessed be God’s creation, now and always.
A Prayer for Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Creator, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song of Praise
O give thanks to our God who is good:
Whose love endures forever.
You sun and moon, you stars of the northern sky:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
Sunrise and sunset, night and day:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
All mountains and valleys, grassland, glacier, avalanche, mist and snow:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
You oak and pine, hickory and maple, mosses and ferns:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
Whales and whitefish, seal and crab, peeper and salamander, frog and turtle:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
Rabbit and cattle, moths and dogs, robin and sparrow, hummingbird and hawk:
Give to our God your thanks and praise.
You people of all nations, all who inhabit this gift of earth:
We give to our God your thanks and praise.
All you simple saints and disciples, who follow God’s way:
We give to our God our thanks and praise.
We give to our God our thanks and praise.
The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and compassion. Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
Old Testament
Romans (8:19-25)
A reading from the book of Romans.
That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.
All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 82
We follow the responsive recitation method for the Psalm, where the leader alternates verses with the congregation. The items in bold italics are intended for audience response.
God calls the judges into his courtroom,
puts all the judges in the dock.
“Enough! You’ve corrupted justice long enough,
you’ve let the wicked get away with murder.
You’re here to defend the defenseless,
to make sure that underdogs get a fair break;
Your job is to stand up for the powerless,
and prosecute all those who exploit them.”
Ignorant judges! Head-in-the-sand judges!
They haven’t a clue to what’s going on.
And now everything’s falling apart,
the world’s coming unglued.
“I appointed you judges, each one of you,
deputies of the High God,
But you’ve betrayed your commission
and now you’re stripped of your rank, busted.”
O God, give them what they’ve got coming!
You’ve got the whole world in your hands!
Epistle
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted millions of trees and empowered communities to protect their environment and advocate for social justice.
On the Sacredness of Activism, by Wangari Maathai.
We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own—indeed, to embrace the whole of creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder. Environmental activism is not just about protecting nature but about restoring our relationship with the world and each other. All of us have God in us, and that God is the spirit that unites all life, everything that is on this planet. Activism as a form of service to a higher purpose, aligning personal and collective actions with the well-being of the entire planet. This shift in perspective is necessary to stop threatening our life-support systems and to reach a higher moral ground where peace, democracy, and sustainable development are intertwined
Words from the world.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel
Luke 10:1-4, 17-21
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Later the Master selected seventy and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He gave them this charge:
“What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.
“On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack. Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage.
The seventy came back triumphant. “Master, even the demons danced to your tune!”
Jesus said, “I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
An Environmental Creed
Now let us recite a creed, an affirmation of our faith:
We believe that the world belongs to God, the Creator, the One and Triune God, Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer, who in holy mercy has revealed God’s own self to humanity in the universe and in Jesus Christ.
We believe that God the Creator sustains and loves all creatures, that each human being is a unique and integral part of the community of life on Earth and has a special responsibility to care for life in all its forms. We believe God wants us to live in a way that preserves Earth’s natural life processes and respects all species and their habitats.
We believe that God wills that every human being has the right to a healthy environment and access to the fruits of the earth. We believe we have a duty to work to make these rights a reality for present and future generations, and for all life. As we follow Christ, we realize that we are trapped in structures that spread injustice, violence, waste, and destruction. We also believe that Jesus is the Truth, and that Christ’s truth will set us free.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who can empower us beyond the paralyzing idea that no one can make a difference. The Spirit causes us to persist in the conviction that justice can be done, peace can be established, the Earth can be protected and defended.
And that we are empowered to do so. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
The Leader and People pray responsively. During the silence after each bidding, the people offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.
As we gather in the Season of Creation, let us pray for all communities of faith everywhere, the world, and all of God’s creation.
Creator, you made the world beautiful and sustain it with your love. We pray for the Earth and all its creatures. Help us to care for the land, water, and air, and to live in harmony with all living things.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for those who suffer the effects of climate change: those facing extreme weather, rising seas, and loss of their homes and livelihoods. Empower us to work for climate justice and protect those who are most vulnerable.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for leaders and governments around the world. Grant them wisdom and courage to make decisions that honor your creation and protect the Earth for future generations.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for the Church, that we may be a beacon of hope and a voice for justice in the world. Help us to live out our calling to care for creation in all that we do.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for ourselves, that we may be mindful of our impact on the Earth and strive to live more sustainably. Give us the strength to become publicly active in a way that honors your creation.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for those we love, human and beyond human. For family and friends, pets, and plants, for all who suffer from illness, those on the prayer list, pollution, greed and violence. Heal them all, relieve their suffering. Renew your image in everything that exists. We pray for those we name now, silently or aloud.
People name family or friends, animals or places for which they want to offer a prayer.
We believe you can help us, God.
We pray for those who have died, for those family members and friends, for beloved pets, and for species lost to extinction. We remember them all, silently or aloud.
People name family or friends, animals or species for which they want to offer a prayer.
We believe you can console us, God.
Prayers Reader is now done, the Minister/Celebrant continues:
Creator, you made all things and called them good. Hear our prayers, and grant us the grace to work for the healing and renewal of the Earth. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession of Sin
Celebrant: God is love and we are God’s children. Love welcomes honesty as the path towards wholeness. Let us confess our sins in open honesty, as a step towards being made new.
Christ, forgive my sins.
Forgive the sins that I can remember, and also the sins I have forgotten.
Forgive the wrong actions I have committed, and the right actions I have omitted.
Forgive the times I have been weak in the face of temptation, and those times when I have been stubborn in the face of correction.
Forgive the times I have failed to protect your creation, and those times I have failed to boast of your works.
Forgive my harsh judgments of others, and the leniency I have shown to myself.
Forgive the lies I have told to others, and the truths I have avoided.
Forgive me the pain I have caused others, and the indulgence I have shown to myself.
Have mercy on me, and make me whole.
Almighty God have mercy upon us, forgive us all your sins through our Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen your body, mind and spirit, and keep you close to the heart of God. Amen.
The Peace
Peace be in your thinking. Peace be in your hearts. Peace with creation. Peace with one another. The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Announcements and Offering
The Holy Communion
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
During the Offertory, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
Doxology
(Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748), para. of Psalm 117; Music: Old 100th, melody from Pseaumes octante trois de David, 1551, alt.; harm. after Louis Bourgeois (1510?-1561?); Licensed for Use: CCLI Copyright License 20716203; CCLI Streaming License 20716210
Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the Altar. The people stand while the offerings are presented.
At the Presentation
All things come of you, O Lord;
And of your own have we given you.
The Great Thanksgiving
God is with us.
God is present here.
Rejoice! Lift up your hearts.
We lift our hearts to the Creator of the Universe.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.
We praise you, God, Creator of this beautiful earth and this awe-inspiring universe. From atoms to galaxies you have created all. We are a strand in your creation, living in our strange and wonderful home, the open sky above, the stars and planets, and unfathomable galaxies beyond us. You have blessed us with a world of infinite variety and beauty, a land of mountains and meadows, oceans and deserts. We praise you here in Secaucus where the Hackensack River expands through Meadowlands before meeting the Atlantic Ocean, home to eagles and egrets, coyotes and cattails, Snake Hill, Schmidt’s Woods and Sam’s Club. We praise you knowing that the body of earth is broken again and again, and resolved to protect our island home.
We give thanks for our place in the story of salvation. Our ancestors journeyed with you in creation and migration. They depended on the land, were displaced from the land and displaced others from their lands. They knew you in tents and cities, on mountains and by wells, in families and in dreams, and through wilderness prophets who spoke of cedars and listened to ravens.
Together with angels and ancestors, with red winged blackbirds, crows, herring gulls, and horns on the New Jersey Turnpike, we join our voices with all creation in this ancient honor song:
Holy, Holy, Holy God, source of power and strength, here and beyond are filled with Your Glory. We believe that you can bring us alive, O God!
The people stand or kneel.
We give thanks to you for Jesus, whose first bed was a feed trough. He was baptized in a river, tested in the wilderness, traveled in fishing boats and told parables of farmers and seeds, labor and wages, yeast and bread.
On the night before he died, Jesus took bread, food of the poor, the work of field and hearth. He gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his friends saying: Take and eat, this is my body, given for you, do this to remember me.
Again after supper he took the cup of wine, fruit of the land and the work of human hands, gave thanks and gave it to his friends saying: This is my blood, which is shed for you. When you do this, do it in memory of me.
Remembering Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and awaiting his coming kingdom, we offer you this bread and this cup.
Creator, send your Spirit on these gifts so that we know Jesus in them and are gathered together with everyone who shares this sacred meal of community and justice.
Fill us with Jesus’ courage and love, that we may strive for what is right, respect the dignity of every human being, and safeguard the integrity of creation.
Bring us with all your saints to your commonwealth of sparrow and lily, child and beggar, galaxy and black hole – a commonwealth suffused with your love which is both now and yet to come.
All honor and glory are yours, Creator, Christ, and Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
An Ecological Lord’s Prayer
Our Creator, who art in all things,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy ecosystem of love come, thy will be done,
On Earth, as it is in the heavens.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who harm your creation.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the destruction of our Earth.
For you create an extended kinship of love, filled with your power and glory,
Now and forever, here and everywhere.
Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
As we break this bread and drink this cup, we remember the body of Earth that sustains us. The grains of the field, the fruits of the vine, the waters of life, all are gifts from our Creator, shared with us in love.
May this broken bread remind us of the brokenness in creation. May this cup of blessing stir in us a commitment to heal and restore the Earth.
Though we are many, we are one body, connected with all of creation. As we share in this meal, may we be strengthened to care for the Earth and all who dwell upon it.
We partake in this feast with gratitude, honoring the Earth and all that it provides. Amen.
(AT THE COMMUNION: We encounter the Real Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this Sacrament of Holy Communion. All who desire a closer relationship with God are encouraged to come forward: for a Blessing or, if you are baptized, for the Bread and Wine.)
Post-Communion Prayer
Holy, gracious, and loving God, through the fruits of the Earth you have drawn us to your heart, nourishing us at your table with holy food and drink, the Body and Blood of Christ. Now send us forth to be your people in the world, to proclaim your truth, and to heal your precious planet. Amen.
Blessing
The blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all, be with you now and always. Amen.
Closing Hymn
Dismissal
Let us go forth in the name of Christ
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prayers and text for this service drawn from:
https://vivatdeus.org/library/prm0145/
https://newcreationliturgies.org/seasonofcreation/#_idTextAnchor019
https://www.staidan.org/documents/greenfaith/SA%20Eco-service%20(Rogation,%20St.%20Pat’s%20Creed,%20New%20Zealand)%205-29-11%20bulletin.pdf