Peace-Making With Creation

Each year, from September 1 to October 4, different branches of the Christian family tree unite for the Season of Creation, a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season in which we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share this common calling. We are co-creatures, and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. 

This year, the chosen theme for the season is “Peace with Creation.” The chosen text for this season is Isaiah 32:14-18. 
“For the palace will be forsaken, the populous city deserted; the hill and the watchtower will become dens forever, the joy of wild asses, a pasture for flocks. Until a spirit from on high is poured out on us, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (NRVUE)

The prophet Isaiah describes a deserted city no longer inhabited by humans because of a lack of justice and peace in the land. The passage also describes newcomers moving into this abandoned neighbourhood. First, the animals arrive. Then the Spirit begins to flow. Then Justice and Righteousness take up residency. Peace moves in after that, bringing her companions Quiet and Trust. And finally, the people return, living peacefully, in secure dwellings, and in quiet rest. Creation finds peace when justice and righteousness are restored. This is the hope Isaiah offers us. 

To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and wait, but to act, pray, change, and reconcile with Creation and the Creator in unity, repentance, and solidarity.  We will continue our journey through the gospel of Luke during this season, curious about what these passages have to teach us about eco-discipleship, and continuing to ask what love looks like now.

*This summary of the season is adapted from the Season of Creation website. For more information, follow this link.

Deep peace and blessing,
Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Southpoint Church

Sun Oct 5  St Francis Feast Day Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Eco-Discipleship: Re-wilding our Faith Smith
Luke 17: 5-10
Bring your animals to be blessed!

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and Creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

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