SERVICE PLANNING – CREATION

Scriptures

Genesis 1-2 (creation story)
Psalm 8
Psalm 104
Job 38

Isaiah 24:4-6 (NIV)

The earth dries up and withers,
the world languishes and withers,
the exalted of the earth languish.
The earth is defiled by its people;
they have disobeyed the laws,
violated the statutes
and broken the everlasting covenant.
Therefore a curse consumes the earth;
its people must bear their guilt.
Therefore earth's inhabitants are burned up,
and very few are left.

Songs

All Creatures of Our God and King
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Almighty, Most Holy God
Beautiful Savior
Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?
Earth and All Stars
For the Beauty of the Earth
For the Music of Creation
God of Wonders
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
He Is Exalted
He’s Got the Whole World
How Great Thou Art
How Majestic Is Your Name
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Let All Creation Bless the Lord
Let All Things Now Living
Lord Most High
Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord
O Worship the King
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Shout to the Lord
The Heavens Declare Your Glory
This Is My Father’s World
We Bow Down
We Will Glorify
When Morning Gilds the Sky

Prayers

Creator God
You formed us and you know us. Thank you for the intricacy of your creation, for making us to grow up and to grow old. Thank you for opportunities we have to grow physically, intellectually and spiritually. Thank you for the pain and death that Jesus suffered on earth, that we might all have life and grow.
We thank you, too, for…

At the same time, Lord, we live in a world of decay. The earth, our relationships and our own bodies are falling apart. We are sorry for cutting each other down, and for choking out new growth with our arrogance. Heal our brokenness, Lord. Give us your power to grow, and to flourish, and to encourage each other.
We pray also for…

Oh great Gardener, you have guided the growth of your people and your church for centuries. Guide us now that we may mature into wise and exuberant people for you. In the name of Jesus, our bread of Life, amen.

Poems

i thank you god for most this amazing - e e cummings
God's Grandeur - Gerard Manly Hopkins
Manifesto: the Mad Farmer Liberation Front - Wendell Barry