We offer a library of care-for-creation commentaries on scripture readings, thanks to a dedicated group of commentators (see their bios here). The commentaries follow the Revised Common Lectionary and cover every Sunday in the church year. They explore ways an eco-theological interpretation may be an integral part of a theologically sound, exegetically based, understanding of scripture and well-known Bible verses.
Hopefully, you will find this resource helpful in preaching, planning worship, leading bible studies, and personal devotion. The commentator’s email address is at the end of each commentary. Since all commentators are volunteers, please send them a note of thanks when a commentary is meaningful for you.
We are continuously inviting new commentaries that speak to today’s events and concerns. If you would like to contribute a commentary, or know someone whose voice needs to be heard, contact the Commentary Curator, Katrina Martich.
Current year lectionary commentaries, Year A, 2022-2023
(see here for Year B, here for Year C, and here for all years)
Preaching on Creation: Sunday June 12-18 in Year A (Mundahl20)
A Community to Serve the Whole Earth - Tom Mundahl reflects on support, endurance, and hope for the challenges we ...
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Holy Trinity Sunday in Year A (Mundahl20)
Survival Is Insufficient - Tom Mundahl reflects on the Trinitarian model of "making room." Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Holy Trinity Sunday in Year A (Ormseth11)
The Story of Jesus the Servant of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the triune God of creation. Care for ...
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Day of Pentecost in Year A (Martin23)
Free Speech for Truffula Trees and Brown Bar-ba-loots - Tom Martin reflects on Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, eco-justice, and glossolalia ...
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Day of Pentecost in Year A (Ormseth11)
The Spirit is the Giver of Life! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the first fruits of a restored creation. Care ...
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Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year A (Ormseth11)
Servant of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on one who can be counted upon to "keep" the creatures of God's ...
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Sixth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Ormseth11)
Growing into Divine Fellowship - Dennis Ormseth reflects on how we might participate in the relief of nature's groaning. Care ...
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Fifth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
Ocean Coral Illuminates the "Living Stone" of Christ - Leah Schade reflects on the dwelling place of God and ecosystems ...
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Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Utphall20)
Needing New Life: Nick Utphall walks through a mental exploration with the Shepherd. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
Living into a Vision of Sustainability for the Whole Earth Community. - Leah Schade reflects on the Good Shepherd. Care ...
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Third Sunday of Easter in Year A (Meyer23)
From Dust 'Til Dawn - Emily Meyer retraces the Lenten journey - from cosmic stardust to the dusty road to ...
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Third Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
We Need a "Conversion to Earth!" - Leah Schade reflects on lives being changed. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Second and Third Sundays of Easter (April 16 and 23) in Year A (Utphall20)
Needing New Life - Nick Utphall reflects on Easter Season and Earth Day during the COVID-19 pandemic. Care for Creation ...
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Second Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
Celebrating the Subversive Life of the Resurrection - Leah Schade reflects on the "the Easter laugh." Care for Creation Commentary ...
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Resurrection of Our Lord in Year A (Schade14)
How does creation participate in this new life? - Leah Schade reflects on recovering sacred memory and renewing hope. Care ...
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Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in Years A, B, and C (Jorgenson18)
Root from Dry Ground - Kiara Jorgenson reflects on the theme of water during Holy Week. Care for Creation Commentary ...
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Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) in Year A (Mundahl17)
Offering Life for the World - Tom Mundahl reflects on Christ's suffering and death. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) in Year A (Ormseth14)
Faithful Servant of God's Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the last week of Jesus' life on earth. Care for ...
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Fifth Sunday in Lent in Year A (Mundahl17)
Can These Bones Live? - Tom Mundahl reflects on the cost of transitioning to a creation-normed economy ...
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Fifth Sunday in Lent in Year A (Ormseth14)
ork of the Spirit makes God’s love for the cosmos worthy of trust. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on John 11 ...
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Fourth Sunday in Lent in Year A (Meyer23)
Here's Mud in Your Eye! - Emily Meyer reflects on tutorials in Divine vision, the Vernal Equinox, and healing individual ...
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Fourth Sunday in Lent in Year A (Mundahl17)
All of the Baptized Are Sent - Tom Mundahl reflects on our call to serve. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Fourth Sunday in Lent in Year A (Ormseth14)
Do we see God's work in all creation? - Dennis Ormseth reflects on John 9. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Third Sunday in Lent in Year A (Mundahl17)
Come and See - Tom Mundahl reflects on God's gift of water. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common ...
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Third Sunday in Lent in Year A (Ormseth14)
Real Water, Holy Water - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the Samaritan woman finishing a story that began with Nicodemus. Care ...
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Second Sunday in Lent in Year A (Mundahl17)
Living in Promises and Hope - Tom Mundahl reflects on land and the struggle to "till (serve) and keep" it ...
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Second Sunday in Lent in Year A (Ormseth14)
The Spirit is the Giver and Sustainer of Life, All of Life - Dennis Ormseth reflects on how these things ...
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Ash Wednesday in Years A, B, and C (Litman-Koon23)
From Dust, To Dust – Kris Litman-Koon explores how Ash Wednesday is an invitation to reassess what we value with ...
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First Sunday in Lent in Year A (Mundahl17)
The Way of Ecojustice in a Dangerous Time - Tom Mundahl reflects on our place in the world. Care for ...
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First Sunday in Lent in Year A (Ormseth14)
Lent Calls Us to Serve the Flourishing of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the temptation of Jesus and what ...
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Seventh Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Ormseth17)
Rejecting the Paradigm of Domination - Dennis Ormseth reflects on what it means to bring an "image of God" to ...
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Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year A (Ormseth17)
All Creation Looks Forward to God's Glory - Dennis Ormseth reflects on mountain experiences. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Sixth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Ormseth17)
Choosing Life - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the whole creation being aware of how people choose. Care for Creation Commentary ...
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Sixth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Mundahl14)
Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD - Tom Mundahl reflects on trusting in the One who made ...
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Ormseth17)
Meeting the "Creational Need" of Nature - Dennis Ormseth reflects on salt and light. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Mundahl14)
We Are Epiphany Communities - Tom Mundahl reflects on being salt for the Earth and bearing light for the world ...
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Ormseth17)
Empowered in God's Love for the Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on earth-honoring faith. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Mundahl14)
Unanimous Approval of Mountains, Hills, and the Foundations of the Earth - Tom Mundahl reflects on what happens when we ...
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Third Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Schade17)
Needing New Nets: Fishing for People in a Creation-Crisis Age - Leah Schade reflects on what empty nets tell us ...
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Third Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Mundahl14)
Christian Care for Creation Will Address Chemical Spills - Tom Mundahl reflects on mending torn nets, community, and creation. Care ...
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Second Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Schade17)
Droplets of Paradox: The Ripples of Our Baptismal Calling - Leah Schade reflects on the "foolishness" of creation care ministry. Care ...
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Second Sunday after Epiphany in Year A (Mundahl14)
We Are Home - Tom Mundahl reflects on the community of creation. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common ...
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Baptism of Our Lord in Year A (Martin23)
Stepping into Theological Uncertainty - Tom Martin reflects on what we are called to do as God's Servant. Care for ...
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Baptism of Our Lord in Year A (Mundahl14)
Gentle Justice for People and Creation - Tom Mundahl reflects on baptism and obedience. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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First Sunday of Christmas in Year A (Meyer23)
Praise God! Creation as Balm for Grief - Emily Meyer reflects on the slaughter of the Innocents through lenses of ...
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First Sunday of Christmas in Year A (Mundahl13)
Greater Courage and Imagination - Tom Mundahl reflects on standing up against those who would destroy. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve in Years A, B, and C (Mundahl21)
Earth's Child – Tom Mundahl reflects on the arrival of the Prince of Peace. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve and Day) in Year A (Ormseth10)
A Light Shining in the Darkness - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day readings. Care for Creation ...
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Fourth Sunday of Advent in Year A (Saler13)
Faithfulness and Creativity - Robert Saler reflects on the example of Saint Joseph. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Third Sunday of Advent in Year A (Saler13)
Expanding the Imagination with Vision - Robert Saler reflects on what might stir congregations to creative action. Care for Creation ...
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First Sunday of Advent in Year A (Andrews22)
God's Ways - Liv Larson Andrews reflects on peace, darkness, and time. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common ...
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Second Sunday of Advent in Year A (Saler13)
Granting Time, Rupturing Time - Robert Saler reflects on the real objects of our piety. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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First Sunday of Advent in Year A (Santmire16)
Why bother with Advent? - Paul Santmire reflects on the start of Advent season. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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First Sunday of Advent in Year A (Saler13)
A Christian Stance of Hopefulness - Robert Saler reflects on improvisation. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary ...
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Ash Wednesday in Years A, B, and C (Sorensen22)
An Environmentalist-Turned-Pastor Reflects on Ash Wednesday - Lois Sorensen. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Ash ...
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Ash Wednesday in Years A, B, and C (Ormseth11)
Returning to Our Origins - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the start of our Lenten journey. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Second Sunday of Christmas in Years A, B and C (Mundahl22)
A Time for Gathering – Tom Mundahl reflects on freeing all creatures to dwell in peace and mutual respect. Care for ...
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Second Sunday of Christmas in Years A, B, and C (Ormseth13)
Giving, Receiving, and Giving Again - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the fullness of God. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Second Sunday of Christmas in Years A, B, and C (Utphall21)
God's Plan - Nick Utphall reflects on the order(s) of the universe and a baby. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Second Sunday of Christmas in Years A, B, and C (Mundahl15)
Coming Home - Tom Mundahl reflects on a return from exile. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary Readings ...
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Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve) in Years A, B, and C (Utphall20)
Displaced and Found by God - Nick Utphall reflects on the place of baby Jesus in a pandemic. Care for ...
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Christ the King Sunday in Year A (Ormseth)
We are the sheep of God's pasture. We are the people of God's Earth. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the inclusion ...
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Sunday November 13-19 in Year A (Ormseth)
Claiming the Future as Precious Gifts of People and Land. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on acting boldly for restoration and healing ...
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Sunday October 30 – November 5 in Year A (Ormseth)
Called To Be No Less Than Servants of Creation. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on servant leadership. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Sunday October 23-29 in Year A (Ormseth)
To love neighbor involves love for their neighborhood. To love God involves love for God's creation. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on ...
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Sunday October 16-22 in Year A (Schifferdecker)
Let all creation praise by not polluting! - Kathryn Schifferdecker reflects on creation's ability to praise its Creator. Care for ...
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Sunday October 9-15 in Year A (Ormseth)
It Is God's Will - Dennis Ormseth reflects on joining with the Lord, Servant of Creation, in unending care of creation ...
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Sunday October 2-8 in Year A (Ormseth11)
A Parable about Caring for Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the parable of the vineyard. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Sunday September 25 – October 1 in Year A (Santmire)
Things Fall Apart: One Center Holds - Paul Santmire reflects on a counter-cultural alternative to a consumer economy. Care for ...
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Sunday September 18-24 in Year A (Santmire)
In Praise of Generosity - Paul Santmire reflects on a kairos moment for Americans. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Sunday September 18-24 in Year A (Ormseth)
Acceptance in an Economy of Grace - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Care for ...
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Sunday September 11-17 in Year A (Ormseth)
A Reconfigured Parable - Dennis Ormseth reflects on a parable's proposal of the unlimited economy of grace. Care for Creation Commentary ...
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Sunday September 4-10 in Year A (Ormseth)
Love Your Neighbor! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on cultivating a sense of place, where love for one another includes all of ...
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Sunday August 28 – September 3 in Year A (Ormseth)
Following Jesus as Servant of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on self-centered reasons and altruism. Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
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Sunday August 21-27 in Year A (Ormseth11)
The Best Title for Jesus? He is the Lord and Servant of Creation! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on who the Gospel of ...
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Sunday August 14-20 in Year A (Ormseth)
If we are to address Earth-care together, no nation can claim privileged exceptionalism. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on a global scope ...
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Sunday August 7-13 in Year A (Thompson)
All-Encompassing, Hopeful, and Embodied Faith This week Lutheran's Restoring Creation is excited to offer a guest commentary from Andrew Thompson, ...
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Sunday July 24-30 in Year A (Ormseth)
Feast on These Parables from Nature! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the messy business of God's kingdom. Care for Creation Commentary ...
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Sunday July 17-23 in Year A (Ormseth)
Desist from Ecological Destruction, NOW! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the ecological integrity of all things. Care for Creation Commentary on ...
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Sunday June 26 – July 2 in Year A (Ormseth11)
Righteousness and Justice for All Creation! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on true prophets. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary ...
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Sunday July 10-16 in Year A (Ormseth)
The Parable of the Sower as Sign of God's Provision in Nature - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the Servant of Creation ...
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Sunday July 3-9 in Year A (Carr20)
Taking on Rationalization - Amy Carr reflects on donkeys facing war horses. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary ...
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Sunday June 26 – July 2 in Year A (Mundahl20)
Fake News - Tom Mundahl reflects on the alternative. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday ...
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Sunday June 19-25 in Year A (Mundahl20)
It Can't Happen Here - Tom Mundahl reflects on prophetic voice and lament. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common ...
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Baptism of Our Lord in Year A (Schade17)
Inauguration by Water – The Baptism of Jesus - Leah Schade reflects on Matthew 3:13-17 and Isaiah 42:1-9. Care for ...
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Epiphany of Our Lord in Years A, B, and C (Ormseth11)
We need wisdom to sustain us as we live with the rest of Earth community. - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the ...
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Second Sunday of Christmas in Year A (Mundahl14)
The “great gathering” of Earth community encompasses the material world of God’s good creation. - Tom Mundahl reflects on our ...
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Sunday July 31 – August 6 in Year A (Carr20)
Incline Your Ear and Listen Carefully - Amy Carr reflects on our response to grief, anguish, and the temptation to ...
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Let All Creation Praise! – companion site
Our ecumenical companion site, www.LetAllCreationPraise.org , is maintained by long-time supporter and fellow Lutheran restoring creation, Nick Utphall. This site ...
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Year A
The Psalms of Christmas: Let All Creation Praise By Dennis Ormseth Reading for Series B: 2011-2012 Nativity of our Lord ...
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Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve) in Year C (Schade18)
And on Earth – Peace: A Christmas Eve Eco-Reflection by Leah D. Schade Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Reformation Sunday, Year A
Care for Creation Commentary on the Common lectionary in Year A Reformation Sunday, by Dennis Ormseth Psalm 46 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans ...
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The Fourth Sunday in the Season of Creation Year A: River Sunday
A sermon and handouts for the fourth Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A, River Sunday: The Fourth Sunday ...
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The Third Sunday in the Season of Creation Year A: Wilderness Sunday
A sermon and handouts for the third Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A, Wilderness Sunday: The Third Sunday ...
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The Second Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A: Land Sunday
Two sermons for the second Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A, Land Sunday: "The Right to Love the ...
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The First Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A: Forest Sunday
A sermon and handouts for the first Sunday in the Season of Creation, Year A: The First Sunday of the ...
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All Saints Sunday in Year A
The beatitudes address the oppressive conditions of empire—ancient and contemporary! Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary—Year A By ...
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Season of Creation Year A: Land Sunday
Opening Blessing. Rejoice O soil, in the God who made you, Fear not animals of the field, for God provides ...
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Season of Creation Year A: Forest Sunday
Celebrating Forest Sunday in the Season of Creation “Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy.” This week ...
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Lectionary commentaries for Years A, B, and C can also be found here:
Preaching on Creation: Sunday June 12-18 in Year A (Mundahl20)
A Community to Serve the Whole Earth - Tom Mundahl reflects on support, endurance, and hope for the challenges we ...
Read More
Read More
Holy Trinity Sunday in Year A (Ormseth11)
The Story of Jesus the Servant of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the triune God of creation. Care for ...
Read More
Read More
Holy Trinity Sunday in Year A (Mundahl20)
Survival Is Insufficient - Tom Mundahl reflects on the Trinitarian model of "making room." Care for Creation Commentary on the ...
Read More
Read More
Sunday June 26 – July 2 in Year A (Mundahl20)
Fake News - Tom Mundahl reflects on the alternative. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday ...
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Sunday June 26 – July 2 in Year A (Ormseth11)
Righteousness and Justice for All Creation! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on true prophets. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary ...
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Sunday June 19-25 in Year A (Mundahl20)
It Can't Happen Here - Tom Mundahl reflects on prophetic voice and lament. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common ...
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Day of Pentecost in Year A (Ormseth11)
The Spirit is the Giver of Life! - Dennis Ormseth reflects on the first fruits of a restored creation. Care ...
Read More
Read More
Day of Pentecost in Year A (Martin23)
Free Speech for Truffula Trees and Brown Bar-ba-loots - Tom Martin reflects on Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, eco-justice, and glossolalia ...
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Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year A (Ormseth11)
Servant of Creation - Dennis Ormseth reflects on one who can be counted upon to "keep" the creatures of God's ...
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Sixth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Ormseth11)
Growing into Divine Fellowship - Dennis Ormseth reflects on how we might participate in the relief of nature's groaning. Care ...
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Finding Ways to Work Alongside Grief and Anguish
Thanks to all who joined the August 2020 Connections Call to share experiences with and resources on how to keep ...
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Fifth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
Ocean Coral Illuminates the "Living Stone" of Christ - Leah Schade reflects on the dwelling place of God and ecosystems ...
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Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Schade14)
Living into a Vision of Sustainability for the Whole Earth Community. - Leah Schade reflects on the Good Shepherd. Care ...
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Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year A (Utphall20)
Needing New Life: Nick Utphall walks through a mental exploration with the Shepherd. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised ...
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Carmen Retzlaff
Carmen is an ordained pastor in the ELCA and a community health education specialist (MDiv From the Lutheran School of ...
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