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This September, we will join with Christians around the world to observe the Season of Creation (September 1 to October 4, 2020), a designated time to pray and reflect on creation, and to engage in meaningful actions of sustainability and stewardship in our relationship with nature.

Nature has long taken a beating, yet as we see during this pandemic, nature can also show encouraging signs of recovery given even the smallest window. There is potential for a turning point in our relationship with the environment, as we seek more sustainable ways of earning, consuming and living – as we certainly should. But it remains true that we will likely only try to save what we love, and we can only love what we know.

To this end we are offering some ways for you to engage, to get to get acquainted, to court, maybe even to fall in love with the natural environment around you during this Season of Creation. Here are some of the ways that we’ll engage in the Season of Creation through our upcoming programming:

Book Discussion Group: Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Saturdays (September 5, 12, 19, 26, and October 3) on Zoom, Meeting time is 4.00pm. (Coordinator: The Rev’d Ross Bliss)

One way to signify the Season of Creation is to read a book together – not one that tells us what to do, but one that leads us into this very journey of discovery and appreciation. In Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, the author describes this as “a sustained non-fiction narrative about the fields, creeks, woods, and mountains near Roanoke, Virginia.” The book, an exhilarating tale of nature and its seasons, attempts to describe the creator by studying creation, making it a compelling meditation to help us see with new eyes and appreciate nature around us.

We will host a series of online discussions that will take place each Saturday during the Season of Creation (time to be announced).

Please register at the office (frontdesk@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca) so we can send you the link and order sufficient copies of the book.

Books are $20.00 each. Please notify us of your interest by August 15th to allow time for ordering and shipping. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link closer to the date of the first discussion group meeting. You can also bring your own copy of the book, but please email the office for the Zoom link.

Images of Nature

Daily from September 1 to October 4 on Facebook and Instagram (Curators: The Rev’d Canon Jeannine Friesen and Catherine Allen Whale)

Every day during the Season of Creation, the Cathedral’s Facebook and Instagram will feature an image of the natural beauty of our own area. These 34 photos will be curated by The Rev’d Canon Jeannine Friesen and Catherine Allen Whale.
Like our page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChristChurchVictoria) and follow us on Instagram (www.instagram.com/christchurchcathedralvictoria) to see the daily photo updates.

All God’s Creatures: Theology and Animals – with John Thatamanil

Saturday, October 3, 6.00pm on Zoom. A special Theology on Tap for the Eve of the Feast of St. Francis.

Join theologian and writer John Thatamanil for a presentation and facilitated discussion of his insights into animals and theology, the implications of understanding them as God’s creatures and our spiritual relationships and responsibilities concerning them.
Please RSVP with Kate Newman (knewman@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca) to receive the link to this online event.

A Franciscan Environment of Appreciation and Prayer

Thursdays at noon, during the Season of Creation

The Anglican Church of St. John the Divine in Victoria is offering daily prayer throughout the Season of Creation on Thursdays at noon via Zoom. The prayers will be led by The Rev'd Br. Bill Tarter, Assistant Priest, and others. Links will be available on the church's website: www.stjohnthedivine.bc.ca/