A Dismissal

This lengthy dismissal invites the gathered to commit themselves into service for Creation.

As we conclude our service, I invite you to join me in dedicating ourselves to care of the Earth.

We join with the Earth and with each other.

To bring new life to the land
To restore the waters
To refresh the air.

We join with the Earth and with each other.

To renew the forests
To care for the plants
To protect the creatures.

We join with the Earth and with each other.

To celebrate the seas
To rejoice in the sunlight
To sing the song of the stars.

We join with the Earth and with each other.

To recreate the human community
To promote justice and peace
To remember our children.

We join with the Earth and with each other.

We join together as many and diverse
expressions of one loving mystery:
for the healing of the Earth
and the renewal of all life.

Amen.

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Extracted from Season of Creation: A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes 2023, p44.

Original source: Dismissal 5 adapted from “U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program,” Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon ed., Earth Prayers (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991), 94-95.