Clergy Notes — Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 10, 2023

Some of you may know that September is the Season of Creation; a time when we are called to be particularly mindful of our relationship with the earth, and all of God’s creation – including other humans. As Anglicans, our Fifth Mark of Mission speaks directly to this:

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Last year, a number of parishes around the Diocese organized pilgrimage walks in their own neighbourhoods with the intention of noticing their surroundings and what God might be saying to them through the places they are situated in. A group of people from St James’ participated as well. We started our day with Mass, then went on an intentional walk through the neighbourhoods of our parish, then ended the afternoon with a great discussion, sharing what we noticed, and the things we would continue to take with us going forward.

This year, on Saturday September 30th, our Deanery is joining together on a pilgrimage connecting our parishes. We will meet and walk from parish to parish, stopping at each church for prayer and refreshment, with Mass and a lunch together midday. Whether participants choose to join for all of the day or just part, it will be a great opportunity for us to experience the close connection we have with our own neighbourhoods, as well as the larger connection we have with the parishes we are nearest to.

Particularly at this time, when wildfires ravage forests and communities alike, devastating people and animals and the earth together, it seems appropriate to be reminded that we are called to love the earth that God loves so dearly; to care for it as God cares for us. Although it may sometimes seem like a monumental task, we can make a difference, one prayer – and one step – at a time, together.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, September 10, 2023