P
eter & Judith Boogaart
A ribbon of thought runs through our scriptures: God’s intention is that all things work together for good. There’s a picture of how that ought to be and you can read about it in Genesis 1. It’s a lovely picture, one that features the natural world and a garden. Humans, constructed from humus, are placed in the garden to tend and care for it.
It doesn’t take much reading, however, to see that God’s intentions are frustrated. Humans have a way of precipitating damage, both to themselves and to the natural world. Thus begins the long rolling story of God’s actions to make all things right again. This may be an old story, but the reality is quite present. Even a superficial listening to the evening news documents the damage we live with every day: violence, neglect, and environmental loss.
Scripture assures us that God’s intentions will be realized. At the end, there’s another picture – one of a dazzling city where everything is right. In the meantime, people of faith are called to join with God in the work of restoration. Caring for Creation is an articulation of that invitation; and invites you, one step at a time, to undo damage and to restore wholeness within yourself and within the natural world.
Update on County Parks Challenge
The Caring for Creation Ministry is focused on those steps towards wholeness which we can take together. The County Parks Challenge is quite literally about steps, one foot in front of another, as you engage the natural world and begin to re-imagine your place in it.
The Parks Challenge will continue into the Fall as the earth produces a burst of color before nestling down for its Winter sleep. On September 22, we will drive up to Rosy Mound Natural Area and walk the .7 mile trail to Lake Michigan, where we will enjoy the beach, and then walk back. Meet at church at 2:00 p.m. to carpool and bring your favorite beach activity (Frisbee, kite, sand toys, a book, etc). Check out the Fall Ottawa County Parks brochure for other Fall activities.
Carbon Diet Class
Caring for Creation will offer a class, “Low Carbon Diet – a 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds,” from October 20 through November 10 as part of the Adult Education series. Look for more information in the October newsletter.