09/05/2026
Have you ever stopped to consider that you don't simply live on the earth—you are part of it?
The carbon in our bodies, the water flowing through us, the air filling our lungs: we belong to the same extraordinary, interconnected world as the trees, birds, lakes, gardens, rocks, microbes, and stars. Science continues to reveal just how wonderfully interconnected life really is. Our faith invites us to ask what that means for our relationship with God, one another, and this astonishing world of which we are a part.
This September, we're going to spend some time wondering about exactly that.
From September 1 through October 4, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation. This year's theme is Living Water, inspired by Ezekiel's wonderful vision of a river flowing into places thought beyond hope—and wherever the water goes, life flourishes.
I love that image.
Because the Season of Creation isn't simply about “taking care of the environment.” It invites us into something deeper: remembering that we belong to creation and creation belongs in our life with God. Scripture is filled with a God encountered in water and wilderness, gardens and mountains, wind and fire—and ultimately in Jesus, when the Word becomes flesh and quite literally enters the stuff of creation.
You may notice some changes in worship, too. During this season we will use an Affirmation of Faith from the Iona Community in place of our usual creed. Its language invites us to confess our faith while noticing God above us, beside us, and within us—in sun and moon, water and earth, the humanity of Jesus, and the life-giving breath of the Spirit.
So come curious.
Over these weeks we'll listen again to Scripture, to science, to the world outside our doors, and perhaps even to the water flowing through our own Finger Lakes.
There is an entire world alive around us.
Let's wade in.
- Rev. Dr. Jason Churchill.
Join us Sunday at 10:00 am
stlukeithaca.org
