People of all ages gathered to celebrate Creationtide season at a gold award Eco-church in the diocese at an annual Creation Care service in Cornwall.

The event took place in Bradoc Church and was planned and led by the Bradoc community, the Creation Care Group, Braddock Church of England Primary School and Connon Methodist Chapel.

This year’s theme was ‘Peace with Creation’ and the opening hymn was ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’.

Children at the front of the church reading from paper.The primary school pupils participated with prayers and a song and Canon John Halkes officiated, supported by Revd Fiona Giorla of Creation Care Group and Revd Iris Bray from the St Austell Methodist Circuit.

The Rt Revd David Williams, Bishop of Truro, offered a reflection on the service which centred on Genesis – ‘And God saw that it was good‘ and Revelation – ‘and the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations‘.

Creation Care Group Co-Chair Julia Havard offered Creation Care prayer – which holds special significance for the network of Creation Care Champions.

Someone in a light brown jacket reading off paper with a microphone in front of them. The blurred background of the inside of the church and windows.Sharon Willoughby, Truro’s Diocesan Environment Officer, said: “A particularly lovely aspect of the service was the participation of pupils from Braddock Primary School who helped lead the readings, an Open Book, and a description of the big frieze on the Bradoc wall depicting a summary of the Bible. Their engagement with Bishop David’s reflection was heartwarming with one of the pupils offering a new translation, as noted by Bishop David, of ‘it was good’ as ‘it was legend’ to the delight of all those present.

“Another feature of the service was the presentation of certificates and plaques to the churches from across the diocese and Methodist circuit who had won Eco Church awards during the previous year. These were presented by Bishop David and Revd Bray and were met with smiles and applause.”

An afternoon tea was served for people to stay and chat when the service ended.

This annual event celebrates Creationtide and the Truro Dioceses Creation Care Programme, which aims to Cherish Creation, Cut Carbon and Speak Out.