Found in the Forest
A short reflection on: 1 Timothy 1:12–17, Luke 15:1–10 and Flora & Fauna Sunday
Have you ever felt close to God while walking through a forest, listening to birdsong, or watching sunlight dance through leaves? There’s a reason for that. Creation isn’t just scenery; it’s sacred. On Flora and Fauna Sunday, we remember that every tree, bird, and hillside is part of God’s beloved world. The land speaks of God's creativity, and our role is to listen, care, and protect.
In Luke’s gospel, Jesus tells stories of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find one that’s lost, and a woman who searches high and low for a missing coin. These aren’t just quaint tales; they reveal something deep about God. God doesn’t write anyone off. When something – or someone – goes missing, God searches passionately, joyfully. That divine joy at restoration is echoed in every healed river, every bird returned to its native bush.
And then there’s the call to guardianship. Our relationship with the earth is sacred. We are not owners but caretakers. When we name our native trees and birds, when we plant with purpose, when we create sanctuaries of welcome for people and creatures alike, we mirror the love of Christ.
Let our churches become places of restoration. Let our faith spill out into forests and gardens. For when we seek what is lost – in creation, in community, in ourselves – we join God in a dance of joyful return.
God passionately seeks what is lost and rejoices in restoration.
Caring for creation is part of our sacred calling as people of faith.
Ngā mihi
Philip
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-14-14-september-2025