You will notice some changes in our traditional liturgy throughout the month of September as we, and our Episcopal siblings, celebrate the relatively new Season of Creation. The Season of Creation begins on September 1st with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4th, The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The liturgical color of the Season of Creation is orange, and although Emmanuel does not yet have orange liturgical vestments or hangings, we hope the addition of these pieces will be on the horizon as we fully embrace this new season of our Church.

For those who are interested in how a new liturgical season comes about, here are a handful of milestones in that process:

In 2022, the 80th General Convention recognized climate change as a moral emergency and “an

all-encompassing social crisis and moral emergency that impacts and interconnects every aspect of pastoral concern including health, poverty, employment, racism, social justice, and family life and that can only be addressed by a Great Work involving every sector of society, including the Church.”

In 2023, a liturgy created by the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and Rev. John Eliott Lein was
authorized for use in 27 dioceses. We will be utilizing this liturgy in worship this morning.

By August 2024, 50 dioceses (nearly half of the church) had authorized the Season of Creation:
A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes.

In 2024, the 81st General Convention voted to support the adoption of an ecumenical Feast Day of Creation into the liturgical calendar.

Included in the Season of Creation: A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes is the following explanation as to why the Episcopal Church believes it is important to mark the Season of Creation:

• Because of our Gospel call to grow in faith as we affirm that God in Christ loves, redeems,
  and sustains the whole of Creation, not only human beings.

• Because of the urgency of climate and ecological crisis, and the need for a bold, prophetic
  Response.

The clergy of Emmanuel are very excited to welcome the Season of Creation into our church and our Sunday liturgy, and look forward to sharing this special time with you!

In Christ’s love,

Jen+