Thought for the Week 13 September 2026

Over the next three Sundays we will be engaging with the Season of Creation, which is celebrated world-wide during September. According to the Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee, “the Christian family unites for this world-wide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for Creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the earth”.

The theme this year is Living Water, inspired by Ezekiel’s vision of water coming from the temple as a trickle but growing into a mighty river, bringing life and restoration wherever it flows. We might be familiar with the spiritual application of this, how this vision aligns with the message of Christ and his restorative new kingdom, bringing healing and life wherever it goes. But we are also invited to consider the condition of our rivers where we live. Sadly, our Canterbury rivers are not in good health. The fish life is dying, they are prone to regular algal blooms, and the water quality is deteriorating. Rivers are complex natural systems, but human influences and mismanagement are contributing to the situation.

I hope that through awareness and possible community action, we can play a part in the restoration of our rivers. I think of the wonderful work done to restore the Otipua wetland, turning a sheep paddock back into a natural wetland supporting so much life. May we play our part in liberating creation from its bondage to decay so that it too can be brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God (see Romans 8:20-22).

Nga mihi nui, Brent