Hello everyone!

These last two weeks have seen some absolutely gorgeous spring days, with above average temperatures pushing flowers and buds to bloom. The sun has been warm and birds are sharing their beautiful songs and it seems to restore a bit of hope that all will be well. We need that hope in so many ways right now. 

And it's not just the people of this planet, living through a pandemic, that need this hope. It's the planet itself. 

Next Thursday is April 22, declared Earth Day for the 51st year. We will celebrate that milestone with an Earth Day Sunday service on April 18th. A time to remember that we are the caretaker's of all that our Creator has provided in order to make this planet the place we call home.

And yet simply remembering is not enough. We need to become aware of the devastation that has occurred so that we may make changes to help heal what has been broken. Sometimes those images are not easy to look at. We prefer to see the beautiful landscapes and creatures of this world. But we can't look away. Because looking away means not recognizing that we can make a difference.

As the human population continues to grow, so does our impact on the environment. In fact, recent research has confirmed that three-quarters of the Earth's land surface is under pressure from human activity. In this short film, spoken word artist Prince Ea makes a powerful case for protecting the planet and challenges the human race to create a sustainable future. 

We invite you to join us this Sunday, as we sing, pray and reflect on what God has created - our Earth, our home. 

Until then, here is a Prayer for our Earth - 

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.

-Pope Francis

 

Karen 

Cummunications & Media Coordinator