Ngarrindjeri man and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress leader Sean Weetra reflects on connection to Country and what we might hear if we listen to the voice of creation in this short video.

As the impacts of the climate and ecological crisis have become more and more evident in recent years, the world's young people have become some of the most vocal and effective advocates for positive change and urgent action. In many places they're leading the discussion about the impacts of the climate emergency, spreading awareness and motivating others to take action for a sustainable future.

Many Uniting Church young people are engaged in reflecting theologically on care of creation and in public action, including participating in the youth-led School Strike 4 Climate movement and other grassroots events like Faiths 4 Climate Justice and Sacred People, Sacred Earth. Hear some of them speak in their own words.

Below are two resources to inspire and enrich your reflection this Season of Creation: a prayer from the young people of Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting Church written for Season of Creation in 2021, and, with thanks to Uniting Mission and Education in the Synod of NSW/ACT, a video highlighting young Pasifika voices from Auburn Uniting Church in Western Sydney speaking on what it means to be wise stewards of the earth.

From the young people of Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting Church on the land of the Cammeraygal and Wallumedegal people in Sydney.

Rainbow God
We give thanks for the colour with which you fill this beautiful place we call home.
We give thanks for the comfort and love of your wonderful creation
Creation that flies, creation that swims, creation growing, and creation that moves beyond what our eyes see.

Giving God
You embody what it means to love and be kind.
You are with us, your people young and young at heart
You create safe spaces for all living things in this world, and for that we give thanks.

But at times, we forget to be kind to living things. We forget to share your love beyond humans.
We take advantage of the wondrous breath with which your creation fills us.
We think of animals being mistreated and becoming extinct.
We think of the human cruelty on land, sea and sky.
Like humans; animals, nature, creatures and Mother Earth feel pain too.

Help us to ease the pain of your true creation,
Help us to stretch our hands and feet to love beyond our comfort,
because it’s time to speak for those who can’t.
It’s time for us to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves,
it’s time to care more and
It’s time to be kind, to every kind.

We put our faith and trust in you during this season of creation.
Amen