Peace with Creation
Join us from September 1 to October 4 as we celebrate the Season of Creation and explore the deep connection between our faith and the natural world.
Season of Creation: Peace with Creation
Once again we will be observing the Season of Creation this year from Sept. 1 – Oct. 4. Our theme this year is “Peace with Creation.” Biblical symbols of peace draw from the natural world, recognizing the connection between peace between humans, peace in God, and living in peace with God’s creation. Each Sunday we will focus on a different symbol of peace:
- Sept. 7: The Garden of Peace
- Sept. 14: The Dove of Peace
- Sept. 21: Olives of Peace
- Sept. 28: The Donkey of Peace
We will use the color orange, the color of harvest, to recognize God’s abundance. Keep an eye out for other symbols of peace within our worship space.
The Season of Creation fits within the flow of Christian traditions and doctrines, both ecumenically and from a Lutheran perspective. In 1989, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I named September 1 as a day of prayer for the care of creation within the Orthodox traditions of Christianity. Meanwhile, many Western church traditions recognize the importance of care for creation on Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. These two dates have come to mark the poles of the Season of Creation.
At the 2017 assembly the Lutheran World Federation churches affirmed: “the global ecological crisis, including climate change, is human-induced. It is a spiritual matter. As people of faith, we are called to live in right relationship with creation and not exhaust it.” The Season of Creation is one reminder of this call, and our theme of Peace With Creation reminds us of what a right relationship with creation looks like.
New Liturgical Setting: Mass of Creation
As part of the Season of Creation, St. Matthew will begin using a new (new to us) liturgical setting: Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen. Known for its melodic accessibility, liturgical richness, and flexibility across musical styles, this beloved setting blends traditional and contemporary elements, making it ideal for congregational participation. To help everyone feel confident and ready to participate, we invite you to listen to the service music in advance.
Glory to God
Alleluia
Holy, Holy
Lamb of God
Our Season of Creation will culminate on Sunday, October 5, with the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Courageous Conversations
This fall, Adult Forum will explore challenging topics like mental health and Christian nationalism through the lens of scripture, tradition, and respectful dialogue.
Adult Forum Returns September 21
Adult Forum meets from 9:15-10:15 Sunday mornings between the worship services. It will start on September 21.
Talking About Things We Don’t Talk About
Adult Forum this fall will start with a series on issues that are controversial within Christian circles. Why are they controversial? Can we understand what the concerns of different sides are so that we can have a nuanced conversation about them? What do the bible and Christian tradition, particularly the Lutheran tradition, actually have to say on these issues (not just what we think they might say)? Come to listen, learn, and discuss. The goal is to have a basic understanding of the issues and to determine which ones might be worth engaging in deeper conversation. The first ones are:
- Sept. 21: Mental Health
- Sept. 28: Christian Nationalism
- Oct. 5: Sanctuary Congregations
Vocal Choir Rehearsals Resume
Our Vocal Choir resumes rehearsals on Sunday, September 7 at 9:00 AM.
Worship Team Volunteers Needed
Our Worship Teams are always looking for new volunteers to join the following teams:
- Altar Guild
- Ushers
- Assisting Ministers
- Readers
- Tech Team
If you feel called to serve, please contact David Harp at daveharp@comcast.net. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or trying something new, your presence makes a difference.