CREATION CARE CORNER
EARTH DAY – Monday, April 22, 2024 – Planet vs Plastics
The WISCONSIN connection:
In 1969, Gaylord Nelson, two time governor and U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and now considered the ”Father of Earth Day” came up with a powerful idea that would raise awareness and concern for our environment and evolve into EARTH DAY.
“The first Earth Day in 1970 mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future.” EarthDay.org
What can you do to celebrate Earth Day all year long?
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE –as often and as much as you can. Our planet is counting on you.
Prayer for Earth Day:
Heavenly Father and Mother, thank you for our life-giving Earth that we celebrate on Earth Day. Bless all celebrations, educational programs, and projects that seek to express our appreciation for this great gift. May we be zealous for the earth not just this day, but every day of our lives. Guide us in the monumental and important mission of restoring the integrity of creation. We dedicate our lives anew to you and to this great work of our time. This we pray through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Earthbeat by Carol Myer
ARBOR DAY – Friday, April 26, 2024 – Ensuring earth and the trees on it are all happy, healthy, and growing as strong as they possibly can be.
The WISCONSIN connection:
“Whereas in 2021, the state of Wisconsin joined the global Trillion Tree Initiative, pledging to work with public, private, and nongovernmental partners to conserve 125,000 acres of forestland and plant 75 million trees by the end of 2030 and in 2023, the third year of Wisconsin’s pledge, more than 9.8 million trees were planted across the state and 3,000 acres of forest land were conserved.”
From State of Wisconsin Proclamation observing April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day
Morton Sterling the “Founder of Arbor Day” was a journalist and wrote about environmental stewardship and the interrelatedness of life. He encouraged everyone to “set aside one day to plant trees, forest and fruit.” Today all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day.
How can you celebrate Arbor Day all year long?
Learn about trees, plant a tree, and care for the trees to ensure they are healthy and happy. Observe all the joys trees bring to our earth.
Meditation:
Friendly Tree, This is Your Day
Friendly tree, this is your day,
So we’ll stop our work and play
And talk of you,
And all the good things you do.
Standing still and quiet there,
Sending branches into air,
Making pleasant shade around,
Delving far beneath the ground,
Holding all year safe from harm
Little nests within your arm,
Keeping firmly where you are,
Reaching up to touch a star,
Growing, working, just as I,
Seeking God within the sky.
By Annette Wynne
Activity/Information Sheets are available at the back of the church.
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