HOULTON, Maine — Thirty people attended an ecumenical service celebrating the beginning of the “Season of Creation” at the boat launch area on the bank of the Meduxnekeag River in Houlton on Friday, Sept. 1. At the service, hosted by the Church of the Good Shepherd, people from five local denominations shared in reading scripture, song, and prayer to honor and pledge to care for all of creation. The mild air, flowing river, and setting sun added greatly to the atmosphere of fellowship, prayer, and commitment.
The time from Sept. 1 until Oct. 4 has been designated the “Season of Creation” in many denominations around the U.S. and the world. The theme of the season in 2023 is “Let Justice and Peace Flow Down Like a Mighty River”. It made sense to start the season at the river where we could appreciate its beauty and the life in and around it. Some river water was collected and blessed to be used in churches throughout the rest of the season.
