Cover photo: Sunlight shines over the Kootenai River in the Kootenai National Forest. Photo by Rev. Ross Janovec
By Pastor Ross Janovec
04/30/2026
Living and ministering in Libby, Montana, nestled within the vast expanse of the Kootenai National Forest, has very much shaped my understanding of creation justice and the sacredness of our shared home. Here, the towering Tamarac, rushing rivers, majestic mountains, and expansive skies are not distant backdrops but intimate companions for the lived experience of my daily life and ministry. This deep connection to the land invites a ministry that is both grounded yet expansive, one that honors the intricate web of life and the ongoing creative work of God in the world.
As I have journeyed through preparing materials for the upcoming Feast of Creation/Creation in Christ Sunday, my thoughts have been particularly rooted in Psalm 148. In diving deeply into this ancient hymn, I am reminded of the cosmic relatedness of all things, the call for every creature, every mountain and sea, to join in praise. This vision of creation as a living, breathing community resonates deeply in a place where the rhythms of nature shape the rhythms of life. Yet, it also brings into sharp focus the challenges we face: environmental degradation, social isolation, and the weariness that comes from witnessing the fragility of this sacred ecosystem.
Libby United Methodist Church in Libby, Montana, is part of the Kootenai River Parish. Photo by Rev. Ross Janovec
The introduction of a new feast day dedicated to creation justice feels not only timely but essential for this ministry context. It offers a tangible moment for the church and community to pause, reflect, and recommit to the ongoing work of creatio continua, the continuing creation and redemption of the world. This feast day can serve as a beacon, reminding us that worship and care for creation are inseparable, that our praise must be matched by action, and that we are called into kinship with all life.
In Libby and the Inland Northwest at large, this feast will provide a vital space to nurture hope amid grief, to celebrate the beauty and resilience of the land, and to inspire faithful stewardship. It invites us to deepen our relationship with God and creation alike, recognizing that our spiritual health is intertwined with the health of the earth. As we embrace this new rhythm in the church calendar, I anticipate it will strengthen our communal witness and renew our commitment to live as faithful caretakers of God’s beloved creation.
Pastor Ross Janovec serves Troy and Libby United Methodist churches in Libby, Montana.