Event

Season of Creation 2026: Living Waters

The World Council of Churches calls Christians worldwide to observe the Season of Creation from 1 September to 4 October 2026. This year's theme, "Living Waters," comes from Ezekiel 47:9 and 12—a biblical vision of hope and ecological restoration.

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Papuan indigenous fishing

Some indigenous communities of the Papuan lowlands live on Lake Sentani and depend on traditional food production. As well as fishing they practice collective harvesting of sago trees to extract starch concentrate for making papeda, the primary staple food of the area. Papeda is a high-colory gelatinous, glue-like paste. The pith of the sago palm tree stem is shredded or grated first to allow the starch to be washed out, to make a flour that is later boiled with water to make papeda.

In Ezekiel 47, water flows from God's sanctuary, healing and renewing land, waters, and human responsibility toward creation. The prophet's vision unfolds amid exile and loss. Water flows from the temple—at first a tiny stream that deepens, bringing life to dead areas and restoring ecosystems. To receive this new life, we must step into the waters ourselves—becoming part of God's river, joining creation's healing.

Ezekiel's message emerged during Babylonian exile after Jerusalem's destruction. Yet his prophecy doesn't end in judgment. The river in Ezekiel 47 shows renewal: when the Lord dwells with his people, the land restores itself.

This restoration extends beyond human salvation—it heals land, water, and ecosystems. The trees' leaves bring "healing," providing both sustenance and flourishing for humanity and creation alike. Ezekiel 47 carries distinct environmental meaning: global restoration of life, ecological healing, the interdependence of humanity and the natural world. It brings hope for both humanity and creation.

Resources and educational materials help congregations engage climate justice and water stewardship. Faith communities can hold worship services, teach-ins, prayer vigils, and advocacy actions that connect living waters to today's ecological challenges. Past observances have included river cleanups, water blessing ceremonies, and advocacy for communities facing water scarcity.

Register your activities at the Season of Creation website to join thousands of congregations worldwide. Download free worship resources, educational guides, and advocacy toolkits. Materials are available in multiple languages.

For registration and resources, visit Season of Creation website