Suggestions for using "The Earth is the Lord's" worship service (Source: Division of Mission of the United Church of Canada)

The environmental crisis is a threat to today's world and to future generations. For congregations and groups using this liturgy, it is suggested that readers of various ages be involved and that nature and our destruction of it be represented through different media, symbols, and images. You are encouraged to approach the liturgy with imagination. You may wish to use it in part of in its entirety. Groups could use it or their own variations on regular occasions throughout the year.

Call to Worship: The hymn should be one celebrating the beauty and mystery of creation. During the hymn, examples of the beauty of creation could be brought forward and placed at the front. Visual media could also be used.

Act of Confession: During the confession, other confessions in word, by symbolic act, through audiovisuals or music could be offered by participants. Participants may offer their own prayers for forgiveness in forms such as the following: As an adult, I ask forgiveness from these children whom I know and love (giving names...) As a child, I ask for forgiveness for... As a youth,... As a senior adult,...

Experiencing the Word: Possible experiences could include preaching, liturgical dance, audiovisuals, a silent walk through an area where the beauty of nature can be appreciated or the destruction of it witnessed, etc. Use of the regular weekly lectionary readings is recommended; these should be done through the perspective of the ecological crisis.

Offering: The offering could include a specific commitment to do something to help protect creation, offered either verbally by participants or written on paper distributed in advance and placed in collection plates.

The Earth is the Lord's: A Liturgy of Celebration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Commitment