Given the current environmental crisis and a broad ecumenical consensus surrounding it, there is an urgent need for the churches to address publicly the ethical, social and spiritual questions posed by the crisis. There is also a growing awareness that the church has a mission to love and care for creation as a vital expression of its faith. It was therefore timely to establish a group that might facilitate this mission – the Queensland Churches Environmental Network (QCEN), which is a commission of Queensland’s ecumenical churches council – Queensland Churches Together (QCT).
The membership of QCEN is drawn from the member Churches of QCT. The current members represent the following denominations:
Anglican, Lutheran, Quakers, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Uniting
The committee is keen to extend the diversity of its membership in terms of gender, age, and cultural background.
Currently QCEN meets monthly for 90 minutes (currently 1pm-2.30pm, 4th Thursdays, February to November).
There are also one or two visits to denominational groups each year (maybe 2 hours).
The main roles of members are:
As Christians, we are keenly aware that creation is not merely a treasure house of resources for our use. Instead, we see creation as filled with God’s presence, and we see our role as responsible stewards and caretakers of all that God has created. A common question for congregations, schools and agencies is how they can best care for creation as an integral part of their activities. With many congregations already feeling overloaded with just trying to continue their existing operations, adding a creation care program can seem too difficult.
Here are some suggestions for how you can start a creation care program without becoming overwhelmed. These steps are based on a Canadian initiative called “Greening Your Church” available at https://creationcare.teachable.com/p/10-steps-to-greening-your-church. You don’t need to do these steps in any particular order – every faith community will be different.
Download a brochure with information on Season Of Creation here
Season of Creation is a global movement where Christians are invited to celebrate, pray and act to protect creation. It runs each year from 1st September (the day of prayer for creation) to 4th October (feast day of St Francis).
The theme for Season of Creation 2025 is "Peace with Creation". The symbol is "Garden of Peace" inspired by Isaiah 32:14-18.
More information on Season of Creation is available through the World council of churches website here.
Special Season of Creation Service
Monday - 1st September 12pm
Lychee Tree Lawn, Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens
Season of Creation Contemplative Walk
A special contemplative walk has been developed around Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. The walk has eight stops and starts at Lychee Tree Lawn. At each stop there is a short bible reading and prayer/devotion to read.
Click here to download the walk.
2025 marks the 8th QCEN Season of Creation display. Once again we are seeking creative works to display at St John's Cathedral. We would love to have any creative output you are keen to share! This can include prayers, videos, poems, short stories, photos, drawings, paintings, art, music - anything creative! We would also particularly welcome contributions from children.
For more details on how to submit your creative work, go to the QCEN Facebook page.
Click here to download a printable Flyer for Season of Creation display.
Follow the link to view Season of Creation submissions from 2022.
Click here to see Season of Creation pictures for 2020.
Click here to see Season of Creation pictures from 2019.
Click here for more information on Season of Creation.
Invitation to celebrate Season of Creation from Church Leaders.
Dr Kumi Abeysuriya - Sustainable Living
John Oxenford - Energy Saving Tips
In October 2019 QCEN presented to the QCT Assembly meeting a series of talks on the theme:
Ecumenical Care for Creation - with an emphasis on Climate Change.
All presentations can be found below:
Address: Rev'd Dr Graham Warren - Opening Worship Address
Speaker 1: Dr David Tutty Ecological conversion - What is needed?
Speaker 2: Rev Peter Blake Where are we heading?
Speaker 3: Rev Dr Clive Ayre The current ecumenical response
Speaker 4: Dr Kumi Abeysuriya What do we need to change?
Speaker 5: Peter Arndt Responding to the Climate Emergency together
The new Season of creation Devotional contains a reflection, prayer and verse for each day of Season of Creation. The devotions are illustrated by beautiful photographs featuring the Australian landscape, flora and fauna.
Season of Creation funs from 1st September (Day of Prayer for Creation) to 4th October (St Francis Feast Day) each year. It is celebrated by Christians throughout the world and is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all Creation.
QCEN sought contributions from a wide range of people, from different denominations and backgrounds, from all over Australia. The variety gives the devotions an incredible depth. At the same time, although each devotion is different, they all manage to portray a sense of awe at the wonder of creation. The devotions remind the reader of the interconnectedness of creation, of the peace we can feel when being in nature, and the beauty that is all around us.
By App through the Apple Store or google store - Free just search for Season of creation.
By PDF Free download here
In printed form – a limited number of books have been printed and are available for $10 each plus postage. Contact admin@qct.org.au to order your copy.
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PO Box 2096 Toowong Qld 4066
Dr Kate Power, General Secretary
Phone: (07) 3369 6792
Email: gensec@qct.org.au
Jackie Fewtrell, Administration Officer
Phone: (07) 3369 6792
Email: admin@qct.org.au