A new Holy Day for the Christian Year! Creation in Christ is to be celebrated September 1 or the 1st Sunday following September 1. (2026-September 6) This day is being added to the Lectionary this year during a time of crisis for the environment and a crisis all of us who depend on it for life. (The Consultation on Common Tests which produces the Revised Common Lectionary
Despite the fears we have about the change in the atmosphere that is changing patterns of storms, fires, precipitation, forests and ocean currents and the way that we grow food and raise families, we find ways to adapt and to lessen our part in the change. We, as Christians, are a people of hope, not just a heavenly hope for humans, but hope for redemption of all of creation. We, as United Methodists, are following the lead of our founder John Wesley:
“I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond an exclusive concern for the well-being of other human beings to the broader concern for the well-being of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers, and every living creature on the face of the earth.” – John Wesley
This Holy Celebration has ancient roots. The Eastern Orthodox Church is credited with originating the day God began creating the Cosmos and the beginning of time itself in the 7th century. The date of September 1 was chosen to coincide with the Eastern Orthodox celebration.
The Worship Team of the United Methodist National Creation Justice Movement has been writing comprehensive Sermon and Liturgical resources, not just for Creation in Christ Sunday, but also for a 4 week worship series, Season of Creation (using Year A Scripture texts.) They have also written an additional 6 week Adult Study to complement the worship resources.
Theme for 2026: Salt +Soil+ Seawater.
Week 1: Look to Jesus
Week 2: God’s Breath
Week 3: The Cosmic Dance of Creation and Our Place Within It
Week 4: The One in Whom We Live and Have Our Being
Plan to celebrate this new Holy Day, Creation in Christ Sunday, and the Season of Creation this September, 2026! Check out the resources available to you for no cost.