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

Great North Fishing Fundraiser

Resolutions:

On our Website:

Homepage

Reflections:

Lectionary

Lectionary Year A

Lectionary Year B

Lectionary Year C

Feast Day Lectionary

Saints Lectionary

Lectionary Concordance

Boundary Waters

Resources:

Creation and Environmental Worship Services

Book Review List

Bibliography

Environmental Events:

outside Minnesota

in Minnesota

Wind Energy Project

Events at General Convention 2003

Links to Similar Websites

Special Project for 2005:

Reflections on an Ecumenical Season of Creation

Creation Season 2006 (Year B):
October 1 through November 5, 2006
Week 3 – October 15 – Proper 23
Resolution & Harvest

Lessons:

Episcopal Lectionary	RCL Semi-Continuous Track	RCL Gospel Theme Track
Amos 5:6-7,10-15	Job 23: 1-9, 16-17	Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90 or 90:1-8,12	Psalm 22	Psalm 90: 12-17
Hebrews 3:1-6	Hebrews 4: 12-16	Hebrews 4: 12-16
Mark 10:17-27(28-31)	Mark 10: 17-31	Mark 10: 17-31

NOTE: links are to environmental reflections written on the reading

Options using the Resolution on the Spirituality of Food Production:

Children's
Education
Ideas

Adult
Education
Ideas

Other
Relevant
Scripture

General Thoughts

Jesus often spoke of foods, and harvests, especially grains, and grapes, fruits, sheep and goats. He told stories and parables, often using food as metaphors about spiritual matters. He constantly "planted the seeds" of spiritual understanding along with the sustaining substance of the real food. John's gospel is especially rich with the spiritual grain and grape metaphors. We focus here on the idea of harvest, after the seeds have been planted. There is enough for all and there is also enough for continued, sustaining planting for the next harvest. God does provide and we are to assist with all areas, We may be planters tillers, harvesters and eaters, while we continually hold all aspects in our hearts and minds. for the stewardship of earth and others along with us.

Children's Education Ideas

Introduce and discuss harvesting
Ask questions about children's' experiences of picking and harvesting

Gardens may have been planted
Berries or apples, or pumpkins may have been picked
Who planted the seeds, before, who tilled and watered?
Discuss the work of soil, planting, caring, harvest , eating, storing
Storing is the sustainable part, both for later eating and seeds
The Wild rice harvest is in late August- September, but could be recalled and discussed as another Minnesota food.

Taste sprouts (and other foods brought in)

Focusing on locally grown foods.
Shell some green or soy beans or corn
Allow the children to tell their stories, and feel the different seeds and fruits
Perhaps mix a salad of the sprouts, cooked rice or corn, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts - adjusting to the locally available stuff.

Story

First (US) American thanksgiving story-harvest and sharing by
Native Indian people, Find a short version of Squanto and the Pilgrims - That meal focused on game, fish, corn, pumpkins, nuts and cranberries probably.
Canadian Thanksgiving is October 9 which is also US Columbus Day
An alternative is Indigenous People Day - This could again focus on the original foods

Craft possible for large area is a "Rainbow" continuum of autumn leaves

Possible craft project for children is to create a continuum of leaves from those still green to those totally brown. Leaves may be ironed between sheets of waxed paper or mounted on paper for a mural effect

Adult Education Ideas

Genetically Modified Organisms by the Rev Helen Hanten

Read this article and talk about the presence of GMOs, its obvious benefits, and the dangers.
Discuss and investigate Diocesan and Personal Investments.
What are our particular investments that could concern food?
What is our responsibility to care about sustainability of food sources? What and where are the impacts?
How much of the globe is effected by the decisions about pesticides
additives, GMOs?
What are the effects of these issues on our food, bodies, spirits?

Be aware of issues within Minnesota regarding Native wild rice harvest
(see Izaak Walton Resolution for MN)

A Practice to make a difference for the future:

Decide to plant and eat more locally grown foods in your family.
Shop at a local market.
Join a cooperative farm share.
Decide to consider your monetary investments and spending practices on your foods.

Other Relevant Scripture

Ruth gleaning grain from Boaz	Ruth 2
Plucking Grain on the Sabbath	Matthew 12:1-8 Mark 2:23-28 Luke 6:1-5
The Harvest is Plentiful but Laborers are Few	Matthew 9:37
Parable of the Yeast	Matthew 13:33 Luke 13:20-21
Jesus calls the First Disciples (Harvest in deep water)	Luke 5:1-11

Back to Educational Outline

If you have questions, please send an e-mail to our webverger, any member of the MEESC, or write to:

MEESC
c/o C. Morello
4451 Lakeside Drive
Eveleth, MN 55743-4400 USA

The MEESC assumes that all correspondence received is for publication on this web site. If your comments are not for publication, please so note on your correspondence. The MEESC reserves the right to decide which items are included on the web site.

Copyright Statement

This page last updated 2006-08-29.