Creation at Worship

The contemporary Church finds itself in the context of an ecological crisis. How can we be equipped to live as disciples in such a world? Chris Voke argues that public worship plays a role in shaping the vision and values of a community and empowering it for daily life. Thus the restoration of the dimension of creation and the vision of God as creator to the content of worship services will be critical in shaping communities that can face contemporary challenges. The book shows that a grasp of the links between creation and redemption and an appreciation of the significance of Jesus' humanity will enable Christ-centred worship that gives a proper place and value to creation. This book aims to challenge present practice, to propose changes in public worship, to justify these theologically and practically and to show ways in which a vision of the Creator and his creation may be incorporated into liturgy by those responsible for planning and leading worship. Filled with theological insight and practical examples this book will be of great help to church leaders, worship leaders and theologians. 'This is a magnificent resource for preachers and worship leaders and provides a most thoughtful Christian apologetic on one of the great moral issues of our time.' - David Coffey, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. 'I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The more people who read and respond to it, the less likely I am to have the inward shudders which I so often experience at well-meaning but sadly naive attempts to include 'ecology' or 'nature' in worship.' - R. J. Berry, Professor Emeritus, University College London