Creation Care Sermons
Contents
Sermons by Earth Ministry Staff and Colleagues
Celebration of St. Francis Sermon Contests Finalists
The sermons provided are intended as a theological resources for those interested in delivering a creation care sermon.
Sermons by Earth Ministry Staff and Colleagues
A By the Waters service led by the Earth Ministry staff at Holden Village on July 11, 2008
Sermon by Deanna Matzen
Text: John 4:3-30
Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals to us the seeds of environmental degradation and the hope of Living Water.
Touching the Resurrected Christ by Tanya Marcovna Barnett
Text: John 20:19-31
Focusing on the question, where is hope, this sermon turns to the resurrection of Jesus for answers.
An Earth Day Sermon by Steven Whitney
Texts: Genesis 2:15, 9:8-11 and Job 12:10, 38:1-7
Looks at creation "as a manifestation of God in our midst." This sermon serves as an example of one person's look at the role of humanity within this broader creation.
Christ in All Things by Rev. Nancy G. Wright
Text: Colossians 1:15-20
Explores the belief that God, in Christ, is holding the world together. This belief teaches us several things about how we are to live in relationship with God and with the rest of creation.
Compelling Choices by Joseph C. Hough
Texts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Luke 4:16-21
In the face of immense ecological destruction and human poverty, Hough urges listeners to "choose life" for the entire planet.
The Family of All Creation by Tanya Marcovna Barnett
Texts: Psalm 148, Colossians 1:17, and Romans 1:20
This contemporary reflection on Psalm 148, in which the entire creation sings praise to God. In keeping with the image of a creation-encompassing "choir," it looks at our role in this choir and asks that (in the words of St. Basil the Great), "may we realize that all creatures live not for us alone but for themselves and for Thee, and that they love the sweetness of life.”
In Love with All Creation by Rev. Rodney Romeny
Texts: Genesis 1:24-31, Deuteronomy 33:13-16, John 3:16; and Revelation 21:1-5, 22:1-5
A personal reflection for "Earth Sunday" 1995, which also happened to be Mothers' Day. This sermon serves as a good introduction to addressing the question "why should people of faith care about creation?"
A Matter of Hope by Rev. Peter S. Sawtell
Texts: Jeremiah 17:12-18 and 1 Peter 1:13-21
Looks at the act of "placing our hope in God." With this act comes commitments to biblical and historic notions of justice and peace, to appropriate power and humility, and to compassion and community -- one that encompasses all of creation.
Nature as "The New Poor" by Rev. Paul A. Magnano
Focusing on John the Baptist and on baptism, this sermon broadens the concept of love thy neighbor to include love of all creation.
Celebration of St. Francis Sermon Contests Finalists
Other Sample Sermon Resources
Warren Wilson College held an Eco Sermon Challenge for the clergy of the Presbyterian Church (USA). All sermon entries are posted on their website.
Creation Care for Pastors: Evangelicals & Scientists United to
Protect Creation
This site is to serve pastors who are interested in "Creation Care":
applying biblical principles of stewardship to the environment we share with all
living things. Text and audio of sermons from Evangelical leaders are available for download.
Earth and Word: Classic Sermons on Saving the Planet by David Rhoads, a professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago.
