Churches are offering a joint program from September 1st to October 4th
Under the motto "Have you realized how vast the Earth is?", the Ecumenical Season of Creation begins in Darmstadt. Until October 4th, Christian churches will offer services, concerts, lectures, workshops, and other activities focusing on stewardship of creation, sustainability, and climate protection. For the first time, these various offerings will be combined into a single program.
The program is coordinated by the Working Group of Christian Churches (ACK) Darmstadt, the Academy of the Diocese of Mainz in Darmstadt, the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt and the Catholic Pastoral Area Darmstadt-Mitte.
The Season of Creation is observed by churches of various denominations worldwide from September 1st to October 4th. It begins with the Day of Prayer for Creation and ends on the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is considered the patron saint of nature and the environment.
Church services and events in Darmstadt and Messel
Among the first events is the Go.BioFair on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friedensplatz (Peace Square). The market for the environment and sustainability is organized by the City of Darmstadt and the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt.
On Sunday, September 6, the ACK (Working Group of Christian Churches in Germany) invites everyone to an ecumenical service for the Day of Creation at 10:30 a.m. in the Ecumenical Community Center in Kranichstein. A Creation service with animal blessing will follow on September 13 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sonnenhof farm in Messel. On September 27, an ecumenical harvest thanksgiving service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Oberfeld estate.
Climate protection and sustainability are the focus
Several educational programs address the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as possibilities for sustainable action. Starting September 16th, the Protestant Deanery will offer the mobile escape room "The Climate Experts – Saving Tomorrow" at the Open House at Rheinstraße 31.
The economist and publicist Wolfgang Kessler will speak on the topic of “sustainable and fair economic management” on September 17th at 7 pm in the Knowledge for All Pavilion on Ludwig-Metzger-Platz.
The event series "The Week" begins on September 18th at 6 pm in the Rosa Parks Room in the Lincoln Estate. Three evenings of films and discussions will focus on the effects of the ecological crisis and possible courses of action.
A bicycle tour organized by the Catholic Pastoral Area of Darmstadt-Mitte will take place on September 26th, visiting locations in Darmstadt where ideas for sustainability and climate protection are being implemented. The tour starts at 1 p.m. at St. Ludwig Church. On October 1st at 6 p.m., a workshop with Yvonne Zwick, chairwoman of BAUM and author, will be held in the Rosa Parks Room on the topic of "Why Climate Protection and Sustainability Are Worthwhile.".
Music and Creation
Several musical events are also part of the Creation Season. The youth musical "Worst Case II: Alma's Dream" by the Darmstadt Cantorei and Singing School deals with the challenges of the ecological crisis and can be seen in the city church from September 19th.
Also on September 19th, the organ recital "Wind – Being – Universe" begins at 6 pm in St. Ludwig Church. The program includes, among other things, the documentary film "The People of the Grasses," which will be accompanied by an organ improvisation.
Finally, on October 3rd at 6 pm in St. Ludwig, literature and music relating to the "Canticle of the Sun" of Francis of Assisi will be performed.
Most of the events are free of charge. The complete program and further information are available from the Catholic Pastoral Area of Darmstadt-Mitte and the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
