God's good creation
Today, April 22, is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
While we often associate care for the earth with the realm of science, we as Christians bear a particular responsibility to care for creation and all that has God made.
We care for creation as a way of honoring God's work. I love the image from the second creation account in Genesis 2 of God planting a garden, kneeling in the dirt, and forming the human from the dust of the ground before breathing life into his nostrils. God has created a universe with such beauty, precision, function, and ingenuity, and we honor God's work when we work to protect creation and provide for its flourishing.
We care for creation because we know that all of creation is interconnected. We have seen the way that climate change has created instances of severe weather, which have affected growing seasons, animal habitats, and human communities. Our well-being as humans is connected to the health and well-being of the earth.
We care for creation because this is a way we love our neighbors. While we are all interconnected, it is also the case that vulnerable populations like the poor, women, and people of color are disproportionately affected by climate change.
How do we care for creation? We can be mindful of our own consumption - choosing products that are made with sustainable methods and materials, and, as we are able, sacrificing cost and convenience to do so. We can pick up litter, support conservation efforts, and call on companies and our government to make large-scale changes with the well-being of creation in mind.
What are some ways that you care for creation? Do you have favorite "green" swaps at home? What are your favorite ways to enjoy the beauty and wonder of all that God has made?
We are connected to one another, and to all of creation. When we care for the earth, we are caring for all that God has made, all that God has called good. God delights in and cares for all of creation – what joy there is when we do, too!
With hope,
Pastor Kerri
For a more in-depth look at what the Bible says about caring for creation, check out my presentation from the March 4 community Lenten lunch.
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Sunday Worship
Join us online, via Zoom or Facebook Live, or on the phone for worship on Sundays at 9am. Recordings of previous worship services are available on our Facebook page (no sign-in required).
Computer/Tablet/Smartphone - Click the link or copy/paste into your browser: https://zoom.us/j/666319181 or open the Zoom app and enter Meeting ID 666 319 181 and password 123456.
Phone - dial 929-205-6099. When prompted, dial in the Meeting ID: 666 319 181 and password: 123456. |
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Earth Day Resources
In honor of Earth Day, enjoy:
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Cloth Masks
To care for our neighbors and ourselves, and limit the possible spread of COVID-19, all Pennsylvania residents over the age of 2 are required to wear a face mask while out in public, unless they have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are in need of a mask, please contact Sarah McGinley or Pastor Kerri.
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Dial-a-Hymn with Valerie
Valerie Stipcak, our organist, has offered a "dial-a-hymn" service for anyone who would wish it! On Sundays between 11am and noon, you may call Valerie at 724-388-1038 to request a hymn, which she will play over the phone for you. If she doesn't answer, leave a message and she'll call back.
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Offering
Thank you for your faithful and generous giving even in these uncertain times! Checks may be mailed to the church (please include your regular offering envelope if possible - it helps counting go more quickly), or you may wish to set up automatic bill pay through your bank.
Online giving is now available through Tithe.ly. This platform is very convenient, but does include a small transaction fee (covered either by the giver or by Trinity). For this reason, mailed checks or bill pay options may be preferred for regular givers.
Please contact Rod Gunderson (Treasurer) or Cindy Workman (Financial Secretary) if you have questions.
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Bible Storytime
Join Pastor Kerri and Wade on Trinity's Facebook page on Thursdays at 10:30am for a story and songs together. Here's last week's video.
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Christ in Our Home devotion book
Paper copies of the April/May/June Christ in Our Home devotion book are available to be mailed to you; please contact the office to request one.
Alternatively, Augsburg Fortress is offering complimentary email subscriptions at this time. Click the button below to sign up.
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In Our Prayers
Katy Cimino, Kolbe Cunningham, the family & friends of Alberta Everitt, the family & friends of Joanne (Linda Ruth's sister), the Richter-Harris family, Carol Ritenour, Melva Roland, Dick Shawley
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Daily Bible Readings
Wednesday, April 22
Psalm 135
Isaiah 26:1-15
Mark 12:18-27
Thursday, April 23
Psalm 4
Daniel 9:1-19
1 John 2:18-25
Friday, April 24
Psalm 4
Daniel 10:2-19
1 John 2:26-28
Saturday, April 25
Psalm 4
Acts 3:1-10
Luke 22:24-30
Sunday, April 26 - Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 37-41
1 Peter1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Monday, April 27
Psalm 150
Jeremiah 30:1-11a
1 John 3:10-16
Tuesday, April 28
Psalm 150
Hosea 5:15-6:6
2 John 1-6
Wednesday, April 29
Psalm 150
Proverbs 9:1-6
Mark 16:9-18
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To reach Pastor Kerri, call or text 724-603-5589, or email her at rev.kerri.clark@gmail.com
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