St. David’s Anglican Church, Welland, observed Earth Day with prayerful and practical attention during its recent Climate Justice Sunday worship, joining the wider call of the Diocese of Niagara to deepen our shared commitment to the care of Creation. The service led by Archdeacon Terry Holub, rector, had a clear Earth Sunday emphasis, inviting the congregation to reflect on the sacred responsibility of caring for God’s earth.
As the priest associate at St. David’s, I was invited to deliver the sermon, drawing the congregation into a deeper spiritual understanding of creation care as part of Christian discipleship. The homily reflected on the Emmaus journey and connected Christ’s resurrection life with the care of Creation. The sermon reminded worshippers that the risen Christ is made known not only in word and sacrament, but also in the ordinary and living world around us. Creation was presented not merely as a resource to be used, but as God’s gift to be cherished, protected, and handed on with reverence. The congregation was encouraged to see care for the earth not as a political option or secondary concern, but as a spiritual calling rooted in gratitude, stewardship, and hope.
Special appreciation was also given to the faithful parishioners of St. David’s, who lovingly maintain the church grounds and garden and have received various appreciations in the last couple of decades. Their quiet and devoted work, sometimes kneeling, bending, and even crawling on the earth to tend the garden beds, was reflected upon as a moving expression of sacred care. Their ministry was described as both practical and prayerful: a touching witness that to kneel upon the earth in love and responsibility is itself a holy act.
Following the service, the congregation gathered for an informative and inspiring presentation led by Mr. Gary R Bowron, a member of Climate Justice Niagara. He spoke about the urgent need for ecological awareness, faithful environmental action, and the role local communities can play in responding to the climate crisis. His presentation helped the congregation connect global environmental concerns with everyday Christian responsibility, encouraging people to take small but meaningful steps in their homes, churches, and communities. The session also served as an invitation to the parish to respond to the Diocese of Niagara’s call to greater ecological concern and action.
Members of the congregation were encouraged to see creation care as an important part of the Church’s public witness and to embrace a lifestyle of responsibility, justice, and hope for future generations. The church promptly displayed the message “Earth- God’s Precious Gift” on its digital board, thoughtfully inviting the community to reflect on the sacred responsibility of caring for Creation and raising awareness about the significance of observing Earth Day and Climate Justice Sunday. St. David’s Earth Day observance was a meaningful reminder that worship and action belong together. In prayer, preaching, and practical reflection, the parish renewed its commitment to honour the Creator by caring for Creation.
Contemplation in Chaos