by Galumalemana Bolivia Smith
As the golden rays of the sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the altar, and the choir sang, “All Heaven Declares the Beauty of the Risen Lord,” I felt a deep sense of connection between heaven and earth. I was reminded why, as the Choir Master of my local church, I had chosen this hymn for communion, but its meaning struck me even more profoundly in that moment. A week earlier, while selecting hymns for the service, I had come across Nehemiah 8, one of the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. As I continued into Chapter 9, I was captivated by its imagery of communal worship, a bittersweet moment where heaven and earth meet, just as they do in our Pasefika worship.
This connection between worship and creation is beautifully captured in the hymn “Let All the Islands Rise and Sing” by the late Ueta Solomona. More than just a song, it is a declaration of identity, uniting Pasefika in praise. It calls upon the mountains, waves, and islands to lift their voices in thanksgiving, reminding us that our worship is not separate from creation but deeply intertwined with it.
Growing up in Samoa, I have realized that our hymns are loved not just for their melodies but because they speak to the heart of our identity. They ground us, reminding us that creation is always present in our worship. The ocean provides sustenance and surrounds us, yet it also reminds us of God’s power. The mountains and trees give us shelter while silently proclaiming God’s glory. This connection becomes even more real during cyclone seasons. When the winds rage and the rain pours, we turn to our prayers and hymns, not just for comfort but to remind ourselves that God is present in creation itself.
Nehemiah’s people were told to celebrate joyfully, to feast, to share, and to rejoice in community. This mirrors the Eucharist, where we gather to share in Christ’s body and blood. In Samoa, where taro is a staple food, we see a reflection of this act of communion in the ways we share our resources. Just as bread is central to the Eucharist, taro represents nourishment and God’s provision in our culture. The Eucharist is much more than a ritual; it is a sacred act of unity with Christ and creation, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the land that provides for us. This becomes even more significant when we think about the local seasons, our planting and harvesting, our prayers for rain, and the times when cyclones remind us of the fragility of creation.
This sense of connection runs deep in Pacific worship, especially through Holy Communion, where we gather as one body, giving thanks to God with joy. It reminds me of hymns like “All Creatures of Our God and King,” which call not just people, but all of creation – rivers, mountains, skies, and animals to worship. Worship is not just for humans; it is something we share with creation itself. Many of our Pacific hymns and prayers reflect this, reminding us that God’s presence is in the land, moana, and sky. When we sing these hymns, we are not just praising, we are acknowledging both the beauty and vulnerability of creation.
Praising God goes hand in hand with caring for creation. When we pray for rain, we are not just asking for water, we are asking for life. When we pray for the sea, we recognize its power and beauty, understanding that our survival depends on it. Our prayers are not just words; they reflect the reality of Pacific life, where our connection to the land and ocean is personal and vital. That is why our liturgies naturally have an ecological focus, reminding us that we are called to be caretakers of God’s creation.
Even our sacraments reflect creation. The water of baptism symbolizes both life and renewal, mirroring our deep respect for the ocean. The bread and wine of the Eucharist are not just symbols of Christ’s sacrifice, they also remind us of the abundance of God’s gifts from the earth. Worship is not something confined within church walls, it extends to the land, sea, and sky that sustain us. Our hymns, prayers, and sacraments help us stay connected to creation, showing us that worship is not just something we do, it is how we live, moving in rhythm with nature and daily life.
As a young Anglican in Samoa, these hymns and prayers shape my understanding of worship. They teach me that worship is not just about singing or praying; it is about how we engage with the world. It is an act of faith and action, calling us to protect the earth, care for creation, and live as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. Our liturgies are more than rituals; they are a way of life, instilled in us by our ancestors, reminding us that to worship God is to honor His creation. This is why these hymns are so beloved in the Pacific. They connect us to our land, our culture, and our responsibility to care for God’s creation so that future generations can continue to sing them with meaning.
The Psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). This is not just a statement about ownership; it is an invitation to worship in a way that honors both the Creator and creation. In the Pacific, our hymns, prayers, and liturgies remind us of this truth. They call us to see God not just in the sanctuary, but in the crashing of waves, the swaying palm trees, and the echoes of our ancestors’ voices carried by the wind.
As we raise our voices in praise, may we also raise our hands in stewardship. May our worship not only celebrate the beauty of creation but also commit to its care. And may our liturgy continue to echo across the islands, proclaiming the goodness of God for generations to come.
Galumalemana Bolivia Smith is a member of the only Anglican Church in Samoa, All Saints Anglican Samoa. She is currently training to become a Lay Minister and also serves as a member of the Vestry and Archdeaconry Council.
Visit the takenote.ca HOME page for a colourful display of hundreds of other blogs which may interest or inspire you
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
Leave a comment