Christians are a resurrection people. In the midst of darkness, despair, and grief, the stone was rolled away and behold! The tomb stood empty. Living as resurrection people does not make us immune to hardship. While living through a horrific pandemic, a burgeoning economic recession, and a looming climate crisis, it may seem strange or even inappropriate to celebrate Earth Day. Yet there is a promise to us that in times of deep darkness, light and life shall spring forth, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. We pray that you will find a piece of that light today. We pray that your Earth Day will be a celebration of God’s creation and a call to safeguard all that God has made. We pray for resurrection and abundant life this Earth Day and for every Earth Day to come. Resurrection people, join with us!
How to engage with Earth Day 2020:
- Educate. Check out the Office of Government Relation’s Creation Care series, the Episcopal Church’s Creation Care webpage, or search for one of the many online discussions, webinars, or environmental videos being hosted today.
- Worship. Join one of the many online church services held in celebration of God’s creation today or watch the Multi-faith Earth Day service hosted by our National Cathedral in Washington with a reflection from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry!
- Advocate. Our government representatives are rightly engaged first and foremost with addressing the immediate crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic hardships. However, there are actions our representatives can take that address these immediate crises while also helping our communities become more sustainable and resilient to future crises. Contact your members of Congress and ask them to not lose sight of addressing long-term issues alongside the current crisis by passing legislation that helps people suffering now and builds a foundation for more sustainable and resilient communities.
- Share your #EpiscopalEarthDay story on social media! The Episcopal Creation Care team is encouraging Episcopalians to share photos and stories: Where are we seeing life and hope in God’s creation? What actions are we taking right now to clean up, feed, or minister to our communities and to the Earth?
- Share your photo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
- Include a short story or prayer!
- And don't forget hashtags: #EarthDay #Episcopal #LoveCreation