Koonung Heights – Surrey Hills Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Season of Creation 5 – 5 October 2025 – 10am or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
During the service we will share Communion so you might like to have the elements ready.
Introit: “Like A Rock” – (Seasons of the Spirit)
Like a rock, like a rock
God is under our feet.
Like the starry night sky
God is over our head.
Like the sun on the horizon
God is ever before.
Like the river runs to ocean,
our home is in God evermore.
Candle Lighting:
‘In the beginning,
when God created the heavens and the earth,
the earth was a formless void
and darkness covered the face of the deep,
while a wind from God
swept over the face of the waters.
Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.
And God saw that the light was good.’
As we light the Christ candle today,
let us reflect on the light,
both that first light of creation,
and the light of Christ which continues to shine
lighting the path we are to follow.
Acknowledgement of Country:
A rock is placed:
Over eons the earth has settled and formed.
The colours merge and the stories entwine.
May those who have kept the stories of God’s earth be honoured.
Water is placed:
The flow of life ripples, finding cracks and crevices.
It glistens and sparkles with promise.
May those who quench a spiritual thirst be blessed.
A candle is lit:
Darkness is banished with the sharing of light.
Relationships enlighten and corruption dissipates.
May the Light of the World be carried in the hearts of the people of God.
Hands are held, palms upward:
We reach out to God and to one another.
May God remake us as a Covenant People,
bound together by the Spirit of this Land and guided by Her First Peoples.
Call to Worship:
Friends, today we conclude the Season of Creation!
We gather to worship the God
of rivers and oceans and waterfalls,
of rainforest and desert places.
We gather to hear the cry of the prophets
and the groaning of creation,
and to join that mighty river of justice and peace.
We come to be quenched by the living water,
giver of life.
We come to plant our feet on the earth,
parched for justice.
We come to worship.
We Sing: “Let all creation dance” – (TiS 187)
Let all creation dance in energies sublime,
as order turns with chance, unfolding space and time,
for nature’s art in glory grows, and newly shows God’s mind and heart.
God’s breath each force unfurls, igniting from a spart
expanding starry swirls, with whirlpools dense and dark.
Though moon and sun seem mindless things, each orbit sings: ‘Your will be done.’
Our own amazing earth, with sunlight, cloud and storms
and life’s abundant growth in lovely shapes and forms,
is made for praise, a fragile whole, and from its soul heaven’s music plays.
Lift heart and soul and voice: in Christ all praises meet
and nature shall rejoice as all is made complete.
In hope be strong, all life befriend and kindly tend creation’s song.
Invitation to be present:
Let us take a moment to fully ‘arrive in this space’.
Settle comfortably and still yourself.
Notice your breathing – the gentle rise and fall
as you breath in and out.
Gradually expand your attention
to the sights and sounds of the world around you.
What do you see? What do hear?
What do you notice?
As you do so, recall the constant river of God’s love
that flows through your life from the Source,
carrying you always,
in smooth, wide-waters,
over rocky rapids
and through dark and narrow gorges
into billabongs of peace.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Creator of all,
we praise you for the gift of life
and for the faith that unites us in care for our common home.
We confess how estranged we have become –
from one another, from your Creation, and from our truest selves.
We acknowledge that our greed and destructive impulses
have fractured our relationships with you, with others, and with the Earth.
Fertile fields have become barren,
forests lie desolate, oceans and rivers are polluted.
Thriving communities have become places of suffering,
and the earth cries out.
Beloved Christ,
who spoke “Shalom” to frightened hearts,
stir us to compassionate action.
Inspire us to work for the end of conflict,
and for the full restoration of broken relationships –
with you, with the human family, and with all Creation.
Prince of Peace,
through your wounds, teach us to stand in solidarity
with the woundedness of others, of Creation, and of the world.
Through your resurrection, make us people of hope –
with a vision of swords turned into ploughshares
and tears transformed into joy.
May we come together as one family,
to labour for your peace –
a shalom where all your people may dwell in safety,
and rest in quiet places.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Siblings in Christ, know this:
our sins, failings or forgettings are not held against us,
we are led into new life, as new as the morning.
We are loved and set free to live as children of God,
with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
We Sing: “Stars and planets flung in orbit” – (TiS 186)
Stars and planets flung in orbit,
galaxies that swirl through space,
powers hid within the atom,
cells that form an infant’s face:
these, O God, in silence praise you;
by your wisdom they are made.
Skies adorned with sunset splendour,
silent peaks in calm repose,
golden fields awaiting harvest, foaming surf and fragrant rose:
earth, its bounty clothed in beauty, echoes all creation’s praise.
Life in wondrous, wild profusion, seed and fruit, each flower and tree,
beast and fish and swarming insect, soaring bird, rejoicing, free:
these, your creatures, join in chorus, praising you in wordless song.
Christ, the Word before creation as creation’s final goal,
once you came for earth’s redemption; by your Spirit make earth whole:
then, O God, the new creation will your praise for ever sing.
A Time for All: Dear Humanity Letters
Dear Humanity.
I write to you in love. For it is the Divine Love that birthed me just like you. We are made from the same dust of the ground. I am in you and you are in me. There was a time when we were close. We lived in the Garden together. We are siblings through the love of Christ who desires everyone to be saved.
I urge you to include us in your prayers. For prayers are for all and for everyone. For ever living creature, for every dying creature. I pray that we may live a humble and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity. I truly pray for peace, for every war and destruction that faced humanity, we too have suffered and died. I pray for you as your face faces extinction, as climate emergencies continue to grow. Some of us are already extinct, and we know the fear and pain.
With love, from non-human species of Earth.
Dear Humanity,
I have given you so much – water, soil, sky, and life. Yet you chase more, forgetting that true wealth lies in contentment. You brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out. From dust you come and to just you shall return. Still, you dig deeper, consume faster, and stretch me thinner for riches that do not last. Some of you, driven by greed, have harmed yourselves and me. But I do not condemn you – I plead with you: turn back.
Pursue what endures – justice, love, gentleness, and faith. These are the treasures that build strong roots and lasting peace. You were not made to own me, but to care for me. Use your wealth to do good, to lift others, and to protect what remains. Do not place your hope in what is uncertain Instead, be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share. In doing so , you build a life that lasts beyond your years. Fight the good fight, but not by taking more, but by giving more. In this way, you honour the life you’ve been given – and ensure that life continues for generations to come. Through God you and I are given life and before Christ we are charged.
With hope, Earth.
Bible Reading: Amos 5:21-24
21-24 “I can’t stand your religious meetings.
I’m fed up with your conferences
and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 43:15-21
14-15 God, your Redeemer,
The Holy of Israel, says:
“Just for you, I will march on Babylon.
I’ll turn the tables on the Babylonians.
Instead of whooping it up,
they’ll be wailing.
I am God, your Holy One,
Creator of Israel, your King.”
16-21 This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can’t get up;
they’re snuffed out like so many candles:
“Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
—the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
rivers through the sunbaked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.
Reflection:
We are in our last week of the annual celebration of the Season of Creation. This season calls Christians to prayer and action to protect Earth, our common home, and to discern what we might do to be co-creators in bringing about the New Creation Jesus speaks of. Over the last four weeks we have reflected prayerfully on the gifts of creation and the mission given to us by God to care for Creation and respond to its needs in our day. We have also been reminded of the devastation of Creation surrounding us on Earth in these times. We live in a time when climate change brings more frequent and severe storms, droughts, floods, fires and more. We see these things and know they are real, yet seeing is not enough.
The challenge for us in the Season of Creation is that we are called to own the reality that much of the destruction is due to injustice: to our broken relationships with God, ourselves, all peoples of the Earth, and the rest of Creation. These broken relationships become apparent in wars, in the habit of prioritising profits over the needs and rights of Creation, in aggravated racial and social injustices, and in the promotion of overconsumption, unsustainable lifestyles, and throwaway cultures. Together these things wage war on Creation.
Someone commented to me last week that the bible passages we have looked at have been difficult. I would agree they have been a challenge, but this is because they have reminded us of what God expects, reminded us of God’s love for all, and reminded us that we will be called to account if we treat the Earth as a resource to be consumed, not caring for how this impacts our human and non-human brothers and sisters. The readings for this week are no less challenging, speaking about God’s rejection of hollow religious ritual in favour of genuine justice. Yet there is also hope as we are reminded of God’s enduring plan for Creation and the call to look for the new thing that God is doing.
‘I can’t stand your religious meetings’ … Ouch! might be our response to these harsh words from the prophet Amos, as God speaks through him to a people who believe they have it all together. On the surface, it seems that the people are a model of strength and prosperity, but the veneer is thin, and just beneath the façade of faithfulness lies corruption, abuse and greed that bring wealth and power to some at the expense of others. The way that people are living causes God to find their worship shallow and all for show, and God wants no part of it. In fact, God despises it. These words are not used casually, and the reader gets the idea that God wants to be very clear.
Of course, it can be tempting to think that as these words were directed at others in the past, the message is just part of history and doesn’t apply to contemporary individuals or communities. Certainly this isn’t about us, is it?
If we travel down that road, though, we miss the opportunity for grace and growth that honest reflection can bring to us. Maybe within the discomfort of wresting is in fact a gift for ourselves, our communities and our Earth.
So then, the first question we need to ask ourselves is, if God doesn’t want the things that we think are important, then what does God seek from us individually and corporately. Verse 24 tells us plainly, God is explicit about what God seeks from us:- ‘Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.’ Justice and fairness – overflowing in abundance. This should be the framework for our living. We can then ask ourselves follow up questions: what might justice and fairness look like today and how might we live into this?
When we think about justice and fairness through the lens of Creation, we are confronted with the reality that those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis, are often those most affected by it. These most vulnerable and marginalised communities should not bear a disproportionate burden and yet they often do. In the care of the most vulnerable we need to call for distributive justice (a fair allocation of resources and impacts), procedural justice (inclusive decision-making), recognition justice (acknowledging unique vulnerabilities), and intergenerational justice (protecting future generations). The work of climate justice means that we need to integrate equity and human rights into all climate policies and actions. We need to ensure communities have a say, and address the systematic inequities that exacerbate the climate crisis. Let us look for ways to change the framework or how things are, to how they should be.
Looking is what we are encouraged to do in the passage from Isaiah 43. In this prophetic passage, God identifies God-self as Creator and King, reminding the people of what was accomplished in the past, but also telling them to look out for the new thing that is happening. God is going to provide ‘a road through the desert’, ‘water in the desert and rivers through the sunbaked earth’, but the people need to be attentive, ‘alert and present’, so that they will see what is brand new.
This new thing the Creator is doing is about provision, but not just for humans. This provision is for the whole of Creation. The animals are going to honour God because of what is provided … ‘ Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ – the coyotes and the buzzards’, and maybe the platypus, and the native bees, and the mountain pygmy possum, and the orange bellied parrot.
While we cannot dismiss climate concerns, in this passage we see God calling the people to trust in the future that God has in mind. This future ‘new thing’ will be something which brings deliverance and provision for them.
I wonder whether we can find hope in this too. God is in the future that is beyond our vision, and God is doing new things now that will take us into that future. The future of the planet is concerning, but I wonder whether part of the refreshing, life-giving water God is providing might be seen in the climate warriors and scientists who are sharing the message and making us aware about climate crises? Maybe part of the road through the desert, is the clearing of our minds so that we can focus on the path we need to travel to bring about change?
As we set our feet on the path to God’s future, embarking on God’s way of justice and fairness, let us be co-workers, doing all we do from a place of love, generosity and gratitude.
Amen.
We Sing: “Where wide sky rolls down” – (TiS 188)
Where wide sky rolls down and touches red sand,
where sun turns to gold the grass of the land,
let spinifex, mulga and waterhole tell
their joy in the One who made everything well.
Where rainforest calm meets reef, tide and storm,
where green things grow lush and oceans are warm,
let every sea-creature and tropical bird
exult in the light of the life-giving Word.
Where red gum and creek cross hillside and plain,
where cool tree-ferns rise to welcome the rain,
let bushland, farm, mountain top, all of their days
delight in the Spirit who formed them for praise.
Now, people of faith, come gather around
with songs to be shared, for blessings abound!
All people, whatever your culture or race,
come, lift up your hearts to the Giver of grace.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Margaret Lord):
Let us pray,
Loving God, intrinsic to every part of our world, we give thanks for the beauty and fruitfulness of the earth, and for the wonder, love and awe it inspires in all of us.
We see the intricate interconnectedness of all the earth’s systems – its weather, geology, plants, animals great and small, and its people. We humans are such a tiny part of this great system, and yet we know that our actions can present long-term peril to all life.
We recognise that human actions are already causing changes in climate and damaging the ecosystems that sustain life.
We pray for wisdom as we grapple with the problem.
May we truly believe that each of us can make a difference.
Let us take into our hearts the ringing words of the prophet Amos:
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever – flowing stream”.
And may our actions reflect this hope.
We pray for everyone who is seeking to reduce the threat of climate change for this and future generations:
For scientists, working to understand the complexities of what is happening.
For politicians, who must make judgements about the best way forward, balancing the science with the willingness of people to adapt.
For each of us, that we might have open hearts to accept that change is needed and act accordingly – in practical measures and in advocacy.
“ Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever – flowing stream”.
And may our actions reflect this hope.
We acknowledge that whilst this is a problem that affects everyone, once again it is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the human family who are affected first and most seriously.
We pray that the rich and powerful (and this includes us), try to balance the ledger by preferencing future good over maximum personal comfort and ease today.
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever – flowing stream”.
And may our actions reflect this hope.
We pray for the people already significantly affected by the impacts of climate change, such as those in many island nations, in Bangladesh and in many parts of Africa.
We pray for the individuals, governments and organisations who work to alleviate these impacts wherever they are found, and to provide for those made destitute.
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever – flowing stream”.
And may our actions reflect this hope.
We each come here today with hopes for justice and righteousness for other people, or situations, or issues, that resonate with us personally. We will take a moment now to sit with those things in prayer …
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever – flowing stream”.
And may our actions reflect this hope.
Creator God, we pray for justice and peace for the earth and all its systems and inhabitants. May we be aware of your outpouring of love in all things and have faith to respond in care for our common home, so that fullness of life is experienced by all.
Amen.
Communion:
Invitation:
As we come to this time of Communion,
we are invited to remember
that this is an act of cosmic love,
for even when it is celebrated on the humble altar of a tiny church,
it is being celebrated in some way on the altar of the world.
This is a meal that joins heaven and earth,
and embraces and penetrates all creation.
The Peace:
The peace of the Lord be with you
and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Prayer of Thanksgiving:
It is right that we give you thanks and praise at all times and in all places
for you have created and sustained us.
We praise you that through your eternal Word you brought the universe into being.
You have given us this earth to care for and delight in.
You love us and have bound yourself to us.
Above all thank you for Jesus, the living Word,
born as one of us, living our common life and walking the path to death,
yet through his actions reconciling us to you and to one another.
Therefore we gladly join our voices to the song of the Church on earth and in heaven,
singing:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of love and light,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
On the night of Jesus betrayal and arrest, as he shared a meal with his friends,
Jesus took bread; gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his followers, saying:
“Share this bread among you; this is my body which will be broken for justice.
Do this to remember me.”
When supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to his disciples, saying:
“Share this wine among you; this is my blood which will be shed for liberation.
Do this to remember me.”
Invocation:
Creating, Redeeming, Sustaining God,
…let justice roll down like waters on all of creation,
and goodness like an ever-flowing stream.
As we celebrate this meal together,
may your Spirit come upon those gathered here and in their homes.
Spirit of compassion, bless us and this bread and wine.
May this meal be food and drink for our journey
renewing, sustaining and making us whole.
When we eat and drink may we experience again
the presence of the risen Jesus in our midst.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
Distribution:
The bread we take is a sharing in the body of Christ.
The wine we take is a sharing in the blood of Christ.
These are the gifts of God for the people of God.
The bread of life – the cup of hope.
May this meal nourish and refresh you, strengthen and renew you,
and may it remind you that you are loved.
Amen.
Prayer:
God of love, we give you thanks for satisfying us with this meal.
Send us from here to reveal your love in the world,
and to be agents of justice and righteousness.
Inspire us to use our words to point others to the Word.
Inspire in us the resolve and the courage, the compassion and passion
to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you. Amen.
We Sing: “Shout for joy!” – (TiS 545)
Shout for joy! The Lord has let us feast; Heaven’s own fare has fed the last and least;
Christ’s own peace is shared again on earth; God the Spirit fills us with new worth.
No more doubting, no more senseless dread:
God’s good self has graced our win and bread;
all the wonder heaven has kept in store, now is ours to keep for evermore.
Praise the Maker, praise the Maker’s Son, praise the Spirit – three yet ever one;
praise the God whose food and friends avow
heaven starts here! The Kingdom beckons now!
Blessing and Sending:
May the blessing of God, pulse of all that is,
Spirit of creation, brooding over the waters,
and Jesus the Christ, who was clothed in creation,
go with us from this place now,
and always.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. I have also utilised the following resources: The Fig Tree Worship, WorkingPreacher.com and Seasons of Creation 2025.
Dear Humanity Letters written by Rev Hee Won Chang.