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 / 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
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.

Creation Care Resources

Autumn Resources

Blessing of the Backpacks

Blessing of the Backpacks Liturgy (from Campus Ministries)
Backpack Tags (from Illustrated Ministry)

Stewardship

Project Resource / An abundant collection of stewardship resources from the Diocese of New Jersey
Stewardship Resources from salt+ ($) / Printables, graphics and stewardship campaign themes
Good Stewards Together ($) / Twelve sessions designed for intergenerational gatherings from Sparkhouse

All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day Youth Resource from Illustrated Ministry
Meet the Saints Facilitator’s Guide and Family Storybook from Forward Movement
Celebrating the Saints Curriculum for Youth and Adults from Forward Movement

Election Day

Election Engagement Guide from the Episcopal Office of Government Relations
Prayer Stations for Election Day from Grow Christians

Veterans Day

A Brief Theology of Veterans Day from salt+
A Prayer for our Veterans and Peace from David Lose
A Veterans Day Litany from Pastor Robb McCoy, aka the Fat Pastor

Thanksgiving

A Litany of Thanksgiving from the BCP
Thankful Coloring Page from Illustrated Ministry ($)
Thanksgiving Activities for Church and Families from Building Faith

Invitation to a Holy Autumn

Resources from United Thank Offering (UTO)

United Thank Offering has a variety of formation resources for the autumn season, for individuals, families and congregations. Many are available in English and Spanish!

Fall Resources from UTO