Simpler Living Creation Care Ministry:
The air we breathe is critical in maintaining our lives and the life of the planet. As people of faith, we believe that the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, guides us in discerning a compassionate way forward in these challenging times for Creation.
Many people across the globe must breathe air that lessens their quality of life with dangerous pollutants from fossil fuel extraction and burning. As Christ followers we are called to confront the systems that especially harm the poor, people of color, children and the elderly in our communities and throughout the world.
Even after Lent is over we can continue to find ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Below is another thought about how to experience the breath of the Spirit – by physically feeling its force in Nature – from A Rocha’s Carbon Fast for Lent:
For our last challenge, we explore ways to lower our carbon footprint by cutting down our use of devices and technology and specifically fasting from social media platforms and streaming services. We also want to make the most of the screen-free time that we are gaining, by heading outside into nature. All our gadgets and the internet itself have a huge carbon footprint from hardware manufacture, energy consumption, data storage and more. Even if we are not able to stop using the internet altogether, we can still take a deliberate pause from some of the online activities that take up our time.
By stepping away from our screens and turning off the constant flow of content and the distractions of social media, we have the opportunity to engage more fully with God, nature, friends and family. Why not … get outside and enjoy being in creation?
To learn more about Healthy Communities join the Earth Day celebration by Project New Village at Mt Hope Community Garden, 4261 Market from 9 am to 1pm. Click here for details.
And/Or get out in nature this Earth Month, join people of faith in a walk and ceremony celebrating Nature on Saturday, April 26, Click here for details.
