For the past couple of years, we have used an Affirmation of Faith that centres on creation, but this year we have been asked to use the Nicene Creed. That is because 2025 is its 1700th anniversary.

This Creed is used by Christians globally to confess their faith and here is written in the Season of Creation resources:

Since 325, Christians everywhere have followed the Nicene call to confess their communion in faith and to witness their faith in the context of a troubled,
unequal, and divided world. The Nicene Creed has become a bond of peace and communion between churches. Our work for peace with Creation can
draw on this old and strong ecumenical communion. It is an expression of the Nicene Creed today.

The Creed of Nicaea affirms that Christians believe in the triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we read Isaiah 32:14-18
on the basis of our faith in the triune God: We recognize the Holy Spirit in the healing spirit that Isaiah foresees being poured out over the wilderness.

We recognize the Son’s work of justification in Isaiah’s witness to God’s promise that “justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide
in the fruitful field” (Isaiah 32:16).

In our troubled, unequal, and divided world, we are strengthened by the confession of faith and by the ecumenical communion established in Nicaea to follow Isaiah’s call and stand firm in our witness for God’s promise of peace for all Creation. Therefore, in the face of conflicts and strife, let us proclaim God’s promise: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)

Do I sometimes struggle with this Creed? With its exclusively male language for God? For sure. But I also appreciate having the foundation of our faith laid out in such a clear way. It allows me to check in with myself and reflect on what I truly believe and why.

I also like that it is said by other Christians across the world that it connects us and carries us: when I find myself unable to say all of the words, others say them for me.

And finally, the writers for this season offer this:

In our troubled, unequal, and divided world, we are strengthened by the confession of faith and by the ecumenical communion established in Nicaea to follow Isaiah’s call and stand firm in our witness for God’s promise of peace for all Creation. Therefore, in the face of conflicts and strife, let us proclaim God’s promise: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)

Amen. May it be so.

~ Marnie

Readings for next Sunday include:

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10 

There is no easy link for the readings this week.

A note that Marnie will be away this Sunday, she is teaching in the Provincial School for Congregational Development in Whitehorse and will be back next week. 

The Rev. Gail Newell will preach and preside at both services.

As a part of our participation in the Season of Creation this year, we will be reading Ray Aldred's Book.

Our Home and Treaty Land addresses the critical need for non-Indigenous peoples to face their past with honesty in order to navigate a harmonious way forward.
In this revised edition, co-authors Ray Aldred and Matthew Anderson take you on an expanded exploration of Treaty, and how it is a solution to Canada’s social, spiritual, and ecological crises.

Aldred brings Cree spirituality, cosmology, and experiences of intergenerational trauma into conversation with Christian concepts of creation and repentance, mapping a path towards restorative justice. Matthew, in alternating chapters, unfolds a journey (sometimes a literal one) of unsettling awakening to untaught Canadian histories and dishonoured Treaties, from the complexities of a typical settler-descendant hyphenated identity.

Our Home and Treaty Land repurposes Christian scripture not as a license for dominance and conquest but as a model for sacred covenants. It provides gentle and valuable insights and concrete, practical guidance for individuals and communities eager to understand and honour their Treaty commitments. Within these pages, you’ll discover Treaty as a family-making ceremony that binds settlers, Indigenous peoples, Land, and Creator together on a good path.

Please sign up for the potluck outside the office.

We would love the cookbook to showcase the diversity of our community at St. Anne's, so please consider your family's favorite dish.

What do you make for your kids when they come home for dinner?

What is your most asked-for cookie or dessert?

There is a sign-up sheet outside the office for your name, the recipe you are willing to contribute, and your contact information.

Recipes can either be sent to Noella at the office at stannes@telus.net, or if you want to bring in a physical copy, we have a file in the office.

Cookbooks will be sold at the Christmas bazaar this year.

If you have any questions, please speak to Monika Follett or Cliff Caprani

We will meet at the parking lot at the end of Francis Rd.

Please bring gloves and wear comfortable walking shoes.

You are asked to consider a prayer or poem or a drawing that responds to the theme; Peace with Creation. Then you are invited to write or draw in onto one of the pieces of fabric on the table beside the library.

At the end of September, they will be gathered up and made into a prayer quilt.