Get Creative for Creationtide!
Churches across the Diocese of Chester are being encouraged to take part in Creationtide this autumn, as Diocesan Environment Adviser Jill Elston highlights a range of ways congregations can celebrate and care for God's creation.
Creationtide, also known as the Season of Creation, begins on 1 September and runs until 4 October, the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. It is an annual period in the Church calendar dedicated to prayer, worship and action focused on the natural world and humanity's responsibility to care for it.
Jill says enthusiasm for Creationtide continues to grow each year as churches look for opportunities to connect faith with environmental stewardship.
The season provides an opportunity for churches, schools and communities to celebrate the beauty of creation while reflecting on environmental challenges and practical ways to make a difference.
Ideas for marking Creationtide include holding services outdoors, organising prayer walks, hosting community clean-up events, celebrating harvest in new ways, or running activities that help people engage more deeply with the natural world.
Churches that have not yet joined the Eco Church programme may also choose Creationtide as the ideal time to begin their journey. The scheme helps congregations assess and improve their environmental impact while embedding care for creation into worship, buildings, land management and community engagement.
This year, churches are also invited to explore the new Feast of Creation in Christ liturgy, offering another way to celebrate God's gift of creation within worship.
Jill is encouraging parishes across the diocese, whether experienced in environmental initiatives or just starting out, to get involved and make Creationtide part of their worship and mission.
Anyone looking for ideas, resources or support for Creationtide is invited to contact Jill Elston, Diocesan Environment Adviser. Jill.elston@chester.anglican.org
10 August 2026