Project Description
Worship & Songs
We look to the God who is the source of life for the whole of creation. βThe earth is the Lordβs and everything in it,β Psalm 24 tells us. We are assured that creation is Godβs gift to us and to future generations. It is not our entitlement, or ours to abuse. It is in such a reorientation of our imaginations and our lives that we shall find hope.
Do we use words / songs in our services which portray nature, and people of all sorts, as Godβs beloved creation? Do we use words / songs that do not reinforce the theology of human domination over nature, but emphasise stewardship, care for Godβs creation and the joy of nature?
Doxecology
Resounding Worship, 2021
The Doxecology album from Resound Worship features 13 new songs on themes of creation, ecology and Christian hope. The accompanying thirteen-chapter study guide (which has to be purchased) includes contributions from leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of environmentalism and worship, plus three service plans with new resources created by engageworship.
The album was debuted in November 2021, Glasgow, UK, during the UN Climate Conference COP26.
A Rocha USA Arts Programme – Worship Albums
A Rocha Arts Program originated in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013 with a group of songwriters and musicians who were inspired by A Rochaβs story of restoring specific people and places. They gathered to write songs that reflected that story, and their own stories of love and care for people and place.Β With hymn-writer Sandra McCracken leading the effort, two albums were produced:
Climate Vigil Album
Porterβs Gate, 2022Β
Climate Vigil Songs is a major Christian album challenging us to respond to the climate crisis as an act of worship. A partner project of Climate Vigil campaign and Porterβs Gate.
Downloadable worship guide, music sheets, prayers, discussion questions, critical information about climate change, and how to make a difference.
Jubilate – Creation and Harvest Resources
Jubilate, UK
Creation and Harvest Resources: A selection of hymns, songs and liturgy suitable for creation and harvest, featuring many of Jubilate’s most popular authors and composers/arrangers.
As well as the usual downloadable pdf piano scores all have either mp3s or piano demos for you to listen to, and a number also have lyric videos, instrument parts and/or choral descants.
Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is an annual celebration of prayer and action to protect creation. It is celebrated by Christians of all traditions, and the leaders of faith traditions have encouraged the faithful to participate. The season begins September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology in many traditions.
The theme for 2024 is βTo hope and act with Creation.βΒ The Season of Creation website has a full guide plus lots of resources to support churches wanting to celebrate the Season of Creation.
Other Resources
A Rocha UK
Eco Church Resource Pack – Worship & Teaching
A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand
Eco Church NZ – Resources on Songs and Worship, Including songs and hymns from Aotearoa New Zealand.
There is also a resource webpage on Resources for the Liturgical Year, with daily reflections and a complete set of slides and resource pack on “Godβs Spirit in Creation.”
From Salal + Cedar: A Watershed Discipleship Community, Lower Mainland BC.
Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a hymn-writer from the US: Caring for God’s Creation
The Climate Sunday initiative is calling on all local churches across Great Britain & Ireland to hold a climate-focused service on any Sunday before COP26 (November 2021). The campaign may be over, but you can still hold a Climate Sunday service to explore creation care and take action on environmental issues.
The Service Resources page contains service plans, music & hymns, readings, sermons, prayers, and more.
Operation Noah is a Christian charity in the UK working with the Church to inspire action on the climate crisis –Β Hymns on the theme of creation