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The Season of Creation is an annual global Christian celebration held from September 1 to October 4 dedicated to prayer, reflection, and environmental action to care for our planet. This year’s theme, “Living Water” reflects on Ezekiel 47:9, 12 as a powerful Biblical vision of hope and ecological healing:

“Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt fresh; so where the river flows everything will live […] Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

Set amid exile and loss, the image of living water flowing from God’s sanctuary reveals divine healing that renews land, water, biodiversity, and human responsibility towards the whole creation. The symbol depicts water flowing from the Temple of God – at first a tiny stream that grows deeper and deeper, and as it does so, it brings life to dead areas and restores fertility to damaged or barren ecosystems. Through living water comes healing; but in order to receive new life, we too must step into the water and also become part of God’s river of life, taking part in the healing of creation.

Watch Archbishop John Stephen's introductory remarks about the Season of Creation below.  Worship Team & Liturgical Arts also invite you to watch & experience how the River of Living Water grows during this season of Creation. Watch for the invitation to particpate each water on the bulletin cover.  Sign up for next Saturday's "Becoming the Answer: What we CAN do about the Climate Crisis" session, an afternoon of poetry, reflection, conversation, and sharing led by Rev. Emilie Smith, who will also be our preacher next Sunday.

Staff Vacation: Sherry will be away the week of August 31 - September 7.

Update on GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER The return of this ever-popular FUNd Raiser will be on Saturday, September 26. Now that you have saved the date it is now time to sign up to be either a host or a guest.Sign up sheets are available on the table in the Gathering Space and the final day for sign up will be Sept 20. SUGGESTED MINIMUM DONATION would be $50.00 per person. You can also sign up online and make your donation there. Lower barrier option available so that no one is excluded.

2027 Canadian Church Calendar: To order, please sign up at the Welcome Table leave payment at the office by Sunday, September 6.

Update from Katherine Murray:

I am in Dublin! I am taking my time getting settled and adjusted.  My flight and entry into Ireland went smoothly.  I am boarding with my friend Sandra who picked me up at the airport and has made me feel very welcome.  She is generous with her living space.  Abundant blessings [to you all]. Because of your support, the fundraiser, and encouragement I made it to Trinity College Dublin. I am not sure I would have made it without it. I am very grateful. More updates to come.