Environmental Stewardship Commission

Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
 
 
 

Upcoming Activities:

Next Meeting

We meet quarterly close to the solstice and equinox.

Special Project
for 2006:

Mary Brown
Environmental Center
in Ely, MN
Details now available.

Creation Season Materials

Resolutions:

Resolution on the Spirituality of Food Production

Resolution on Church Buildings and Grounds

Resolution on Creation Season

 

Creation Season 2006 (Year B):
October 1 through November 5, 2006
Week 1 – October 1 – Proper 21
Sustainability

Lessons:

Episcopal
Lectionary
RCL
Semi-Continuous Track
RCL
Gospel Theme Track
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14 Psalm 124 Psalm 19:7-14
James 4:7-12 (13-5:6) James 5:13-20 James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Mark 9:38-50 Mark 9:38-50

The outer harmony that we desire between our economy and the world depends finally on an inward harmony between our own hearts and the originating spirit that is life of all creatures, a spirit as near us as our flesh and yet forever beyond measure this obsessively measuring age. We can grow good wheat and make good bread only if we understand that we do not live by bread alone.
Wendell Berry (quoted in Food and Faith, p. 62, ISBN 1889108901)

Options using the Resolution on Spirituality of Food Production:

We are given the minds, bodies and spirits to accept the commission to be good stewards and caretakers of God's good creation – both the liturgical and the relational creation stories in Genesis. We are emphasizing the "share and care" aspects, rather than the exploitative dominion and domination themes. Use and abuse, and leaving waste attitudes have often left lands and peoples unable to continue or sustain their lives. So often progress has preempted lands and peoples leaving few options for the future.

Teachers preparing for children's lessons should read the adult material to become familiar with possible talking points and adapt that to the children.

We take an experiential and story telling approach to the weekly themes.

Children's Education Ideas

  • Introduce idea of 'Care and Share' for the future as a way of introducing the idea of sustainability for children.
    Many ideas can introduce the children to dirt and soil. Harvest will be occuring in many places. Gardens and crops may be discussed. Food is being made ready for winter eating. Elicit stories from children about such things. Or bring in some home made food to discuss or share such as apples or pie or jams with crackers, or pumpkin bars.
  • Discuss soil for planting and growing food.
    Gather soil or make soil and prepare it for next week's planting of a few seeds to watch their progress. Grass works great, but wheat berries, beans or radishes also sprout quickly. (available at whole foods stores) Try different soil types. Bring in natural soil if possible and experiment with what is around the church, their homes or potting soil in paper or clear plastic cups or glass and pottery. for comparing and contrasting.
    Older children will understand desert, wet lands, or seasonal issues with planting which fit into local and national situations
  • Either creation story in Genesis or 2: 2- 25 (depending on the age and stages of the children and the teachers) may be used as part of the discussion for the day. Emphasize God's concern and the goodness of creation. There was enough food for all. The relationship of the people and the living things was blessed and balanced so that caring and sharing could occur.
  • Native American creation story:
    The Earth on Turtle's Back ( Onodondaga - Northeast Woodlands): The story parallels the giving of sustainable spiritual live that God and Jesus give us. While this book gives many stories and environmental activities, it may be used to parallel the Hebrew and New Testament stories we know well. [from: the book Keepers of the Earth (ISBN 1555910270), p. 25]
    There are some good food chain examples using favorite foods

Adult Education Ideas

  • Introduce idea of Sustainability
    Discuss the differences between domination and stewardship
    Why are seeds so important to eat now and save for later?
    Who among the folks have real farming or gardening experiences?
    Introduce the Biblical quotes in the above references to Genesis or the other scriptures mentioned in John Gibb's article (Bonding of Humanity, World and God).
    Where are places in the BCP or Bible or hymns that folks find references to food?
    Think of places where sustaining of lives is dependent on natural food.
    The G'witchin people of Alaska who rely on the migrating herds of caribou for their lives are an example. If the new oil drilling occurs, their lives may well be destroyed. Those folks are mostly Episcopalians too. Mark MacDonald, the bishop of Alaska has worked for years to prevent the drilling there.
  • Theological underpinnings
    Thoughts on Sustainability by Teri Mann
    Bonding of Humanity, World and God by John G. Gibbs, PhD
  • Another Spirituality resource tie into this issue is
    Chief Seattle's How can one Sell the Air (ISBN: 1570671737)
    Committment for the future. Think of Sustainability, your own and your neighbors. How can you increase your own local sustainability?

Other Relevant Scripture

The earth is the Lord's
The greatness of God

Back to Educational Outline

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Eveleth, MN 55743-4400 USA

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This page last updated 06-09-26.

 

 

Liturgy Resources for Additional Weeks

 

 

Education Resources for Additional Weeks (Food Resolution)

 

 

 

 
 
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