Autumn Formation

Autumn holds several days and themes that are rich in the formation of our Christian faith.

Creation Care / Blessing of the Backpacks / Stewardship / Indigenous Awareness / All Saints’ Day / Election Day / Veterans Day / Thanksgiving

  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Hebrews 12:1-2

  • Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

    Collect for All Saints’ Day, BCP p. 245

  • This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way.

    Isaiah 58:6-8 (MSG)

  • Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    Collect for Thanksgiving Day, BCP p. 246

Creation Care

The Season of Creation runs from September 1 through October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). Check out our resources for Creation Care and the Blessing of the Animals.

Autumn Resources

Blessing of the Backpacks

As our children head back to school in the fall, we have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with our families. This can be expanded to include teachers and all those who work in education, and even to a Blessing of the Briefcases/Devices/whatever the tools of the trade.

Stewardship

Stewardship acknowledges that all that we have and all that we are come from God. As disciples, we seek to use these gifts and resources not for our own uses but for God’s mission in this world. In order to be good stewards, or caretakers of ourselves and our world, we must also practice generosity as we recognize that all good gifts come from God and are best used in ministry and community.

Indigenous Awareness

Indigenous people and cultures are an important part of our common life in this nation. We can acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of our First Nations in this (and every season), particularly on Indigenous Peoples’ Day (2nd Monday in October) and at Thanksgiving.

All Saints’ Day

All Saints' Day is a wonderful celebration, marked each year on November 1 but often observed in churches on the first Sunday of November. On this day, and other occasions throughout the year, we remember all those, the living and the dead, who have been examples of living out lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Our calendar of saints celebrates diverse lives, ancient and modern, of people who show us what it means to love and serve God in different times and different places.

Election Day

In an increasingly partisan and seemingly divided political landscape, voting as a person of faith can seem challenging. All sides often claim to represent the interests of the American Christian, and the language of fear can dominate debates. How can we navigate this fraught landscape, and work towards preserving our democracy even as we live out our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ?

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an annual recognition of our appreciation for all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. This is not to be confused with Armed Forces Day (for those currently serving) or Memorial Day (commemorating those who died while serving). Veterans Day is November 11, stemming from the date of the armistice following World War I, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. It is known as Remembrance Day in the UK and many European nations. Acknowledging veterans in a Christian setting is not a time for pro- or anti-war sentiment. Instead, we are called to care for all those in our midst, including those who have endured the rigors and sacrifices of military service that we all may experience the justice and liberty of God's covenant fulfilled through his Son Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated both as a federal holiday in the United States as well as a major feast according to the Book of Common Prayer. We traditionally pause on this day to give thanks to God for all the blessings of this life. This is right and good, but it is also appropriate to recognize the complexity of this holiday in our history. Our traditional telling of the Thanksgiving story often whitewashes the role of European settlers in appropriating the land, economy, and customs of the Indigenous people already here. So, as we give thanks and praise to God for all our many blessings, we acknowledge the resiliency, diversity, and contributions to this nation of its many cultures and peoples. We especially give thanks for Jesus Christ, who brings reconciliation and salvation to all God's people.