Church guide

The wonder of creation does not stop at our backyards, our even at the boundaries of our planet. God's creation extends far beyond the Earth, to the stars and galaxies that light up the night sky. Look up to the sky and wonder at the extent of creation. Photo by Vanessa Cardinale in Carefree, Arizona

Traditionally a 'thin place' has been known as a place where the boundary between the human world and divine realm becomes blurred, a place where God feels especially present. Where are the thin places in your life? Where do you feel the presence of God in Creation? Photo by Skyler Keiter - Andahuaylas, Peru

Water is an important image in many biblical texts including Moses parting the waters of the Red Sea and Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. Water is a very sacred part of our religious tradition, but it is also in danger because of climate change. Water is becoming more polluted and climate events such as drought and flood are becoming more common. What can you do to protect the sacredness of water?

Did you know that having indoor plants provide direct health benefits to you and the world? Having plants in your house or office filters pollutants, releases oxygen into the air, and even reduces the humidity!

After the flood, God put a rainbow in the sky as a reminder of the covenant with humanity. Even in the midst of floods and fires, where do you see the signs of God's promise to creation? Photo by Nancy Torrey in Rockport, MA

Bottled water is convenient and easy, but it also creates a lot of landfill waste and contributes to drought in some areas. Reusable bottles are sustainable and have the added bonus of being personalized with stickers and favorite colors. This Lent, make a commitment to use reusable water bottles instead of plastic. Photo by Mary-Warren Bartlett, Mount Riga, Salisbury, CT.

Our scriptural history includes many descriptions of the wilderness. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Jesus spent 40 days living in the wilderness after he was baptized. The wilderness is a place of temptation, but also of renewal. Where is the wilderness in your life? Photo by Ira and Patty Hare, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

What do you throw in the trash? Are you recycling everything that you can? Do you compost? Reducing the amount of trash going into landfills can be an easy way to care for creation and reduce the effects of climate change.

Scripture is rich with descriptions of the abundance of creation. However, with climate change, some of that abundance is diminishing as species go extinct and habitats are lost. Where do you see abundance in the world? Where is it lacking? What commitments do you make to ensure that the Earth's abundance will continue? Photo by Alice Morse in Hadley, MA.

Be conscious about plastic! Scientists estimate that soon there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Whether it's forgoing a straw when going out to eat, or opting to buy snacks that aren't packaged in plastic, consider how you might be able to reduce the excess of plastic waste in our oceans. Photo by Susan Laugher in Tiverton, Nova Scotia

Our faith teaches us that Creation is not only the one-time event recounted in Genesis, but that Creation is a continual process with God and creatures (us!) as co-creators. Where do you see ongoing creation in the world? Photo by Orca Giarusso, Nuble Light, York, ME

Even something as small as turning off lights or unplugging appliances that aren't being actively used can have a big impact on sustainability (and your electric bill). This Lent, consider becoming more conscious about energy usage and learn more about small actions that make a big difference for climate change.

Where do you see the beauty of God? Where in Creation do you most strongly feel God's presence? Feel free to share your answers in the comments, or simply meditate on these questions on your own!

Celebrating 30 years of being an Open & Affirming United Church of Christ congregation in worship today. All are children of God, all are beloved, and all are welcome here!

Journaling can be a wonderful spiritual practice. This Lent, consider starting a journal to be used to record your joy in creation and your thoughts on how to sustain it. Photo taken by Liz Lucas in Amherst, MA

Job 12:7-8 tells us: But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. What do you learn from nature and creation? Photo taken by Liz Lucas in Kaiteriteri, NZ

Transportation makes up a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. This Lent and beyond, consider alternate forms of transportation such as walking, biking, and carpooling if and when able. If possible, commit to walking, biking, or carpooling one Sunday in Lent. Photo taken by Liz Lucas in Rome, ME

Today's Lenten Devotional: What does it mean to be a guardian of Creation? How might we all, in our individual ways, rise to this role? As we move through Lent, may these questions continually guide us into new life. Photo taken by Liz Lucas, Mt. Rainer, WA