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.
Almighty Creator, who formed the heavens and the earth, and entrusted us with the care of your creation: Grant us wisdom to live in harmony with the world you have made, courage to confront the forces that destroy your good gifts, and hearts that burn with holy love for justice. Stir in us a spirit of repentance for the ways we have harmed the earth and our neighbors, and empower us to work toward the restoration of all things. Through Jesus Christ, who reconciles all creation to you, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
Old Testament
Genesis 1:26-2:4
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
God created human beings; created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature.
Created them male and female.
God blessed them:
“Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”
And there it was. God looked over everything divinely made; it was so good, so very good!
It was evening, it was morning—Day Six.
Heaven and Earth were finished, down to the last detail. By the seventh day God had finished working. On the seventh day, God rested from all work. God blessed the seventh day, made it a Holy Day Because on that day God rested from work, all the creating God had done. This is the story of how it all started, of Heaven and Earth when they were created.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8
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, brilliant Lord,
yours is a household name.
Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs
That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.
I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?
Yet we’ve so narrowly missed being gods,
bright with Eden’s dawn light.
You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us stewards of sheep and cattle,
even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
whales singing in the ocean deeps.
God, brilliant Lord,
your name echoes around the world.
Epistle
A Response from Artificial Intelligence to our Season of Creation Readings
Fletcher has used ChatGPT to help identify Bible passages and contemporary readings for the Season of Creation. The following was written by ChatGPT in response to a query about providing a summary passage that expresses the spirit of the Biblical and contemporary readings we have shared this past month.
“Climate Activism is the sacred art of disruption—an act of co-creation with the Divine. In every struggle for justice, there is a deeper truth: that we are working to restore the wholeness intended for all creation. Each protest, each petition, each moment of solidarity is a whisper from the sacred, calling us to step into our divine responsibility as caretakers of the earth and one another. The hands raised in defiance, the voices lifted for freedom—these are forms of prayer. They remind us that justice and love are not abstract ideals but sacred practices. Activism is the spirit in motion, inviting us to join the eternal dance of healing and renewal.”
Words from the cloud.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel
Matthew 5: 1-12
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. God is food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”
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. For those suffering from Hurricane Helene and Milton. 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