Extending from 1st September to 4th October is the Season of Creation which the church can mark in a number of different ways.
‘The Church of England Synod has adopted the Season of Creation, as a significant part of its liturgical calendar. This season, running from September 1 to October 4, is dedicated to God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. It encourages churches and congregations to pay special attention to the responsibility of humanity for the Earth and for all that lives upon it. The theme for the Season of Creation 2026 is living water, based on Ezekiel 47:1-12, which symbolizes God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple of God, restoring barren land, reviving waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems.’
St Michael’s Chagford, this year is joining once again with Chagford Primary School for a creative art project involving the decoration of the Rood screen with Artist, Philippa O’Brien.
From water droplets, rivers and the ocean it will both celebrate and give space for lament for the quality of some our water but provide reflective hopefulness through shared action.
Aspects we will consider:
What have we learnt from having the absence of 2 days of water during an extremely hot period during August…
How we can extend a heart of compassion to those for whom daily water collection is necessary for living. For children who miss education or adults prevented from work due to the daily walk to collect water, we give space for reflection.
Alan Weisman has provided an inspiring book, Hope dies Last, and we use the imagery and the story of the hummingbird to ‘do our bit’ as individuals and across community groups.
Music and river photography are calming and help us to reflect upon the beauty of our rivers and hold the music of the streams of life.
Our sea in the southwest now has an increase in Octopus- we reflect upon the warming ocean.
Our service on 13th September allows for hearing the river, through the magnificent composition of Hilary Tann with local photography by Vikky Minette
We celebrate how 3 authors have spoken to us ( Chagford Primary school) through literature and provided space for artistic opportunities to consider water, our precious resource.
Do join us
On 13th September, 09:30 at St Michael’s you will be most welcome as we share time together and mark this important season in the church calendar and in the life of our community.
We join with a global rhythm of connection and solidarity for listening to the earth and responding. Importantly is the opportunity to see and contribute to the conversation around the People’s Emergency Briefing film, 17thy September in Jubilee Hall.
The church will be decorated reflecting many different aspects of beauty through water, but also tension and concerns. Pictorially we will add to this Creation Season page from September 1st-4th October, culminating in the Harvest Festival.
Please do, drop by the church, for prayer and reflection, join us for the service on 13th