Season of Creation at Messiah

Around the world, many churches observe the weeks around October as the Season of Creation. This is a season to reflect on God’s gift of creation, seek renewal for the earth, and recommit ourselves to faithful stewardship.

At Messiah, this focus doesn’t end when the season does. Caring for creation is an important and organic part of our community’s ministry, witness, and spirituality. This fall, we continued our Creation-care ministries and traditions as well as explored some new ways of living out this call.

We continue to preserve and nurture the Messiah Pocket Prairie. This approximately 1 acre of land is intentional piece of restored native prairie on the east side of our property. As winter approaches, we will soon cut back the growth to encourage reseeding and new life in the spring. This is ongoing restorative work that gives nature space to flourish and provides a habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife. You can learn more about the Pocket Prairie here.

On October 5th, we held our annual Pet Blessing and commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Dozens of pets—dogs, cats, and even a snake—received individual blessings and prayers of thanksgiving. We also held a special time of remembrance for beloved pets who have died. We were grateful to welcome Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder (Bishop’s Associate, NT-NL Synod) as our guest preacher that day.

On October 21st, our witness extended into the community. Anthony Bush, a Messiah member and employee at The Parc Veterinary Clinic in Fort Worth, organized a visit for Pastor Trent to offer blessings to staff, their pets, and the animals receiving medical treatment. It was a beautiful reminder that God’s compassion reaches into every place where life is nurtured and healed. You can read more about this event on The Parc’s own blog.

On October 26th, we gathered outdoors to bless a new garden on the west side of our property. This is just the beginning of a larger effort to make our natural space more inviting for neighbors to gather, walk, pray, and enjoy time in God’s good creation. We look forward to watching this area grow into a place of refreshment and connection for the community.

The Season of Creation may come once a year, but call to stewardship continues in every season. From soil restoration to animal blessing, from prayer to advocacy, we believe our land and all its creatures proclaim the goodness of our Creator.

If you are someone who has a heart for God’s creation and you believe it is important for Christians to be a witness to good stewardship of our earth and its resources, then know that at Messiah you will find support, encouragement, and outlets for you to answer that holy calling. Conservation and care of God’s earth reflects our reverence for the Creator.