Religious Education and Social Justice

Natural Simplicity 

by Kiara Pirola

When do people most commonly feel God’s presence? It is rarely at a desk or in front of a screen. Most often, we have profound spiritual experiences when immersed in the natural world.It is through God’s creation that we connect with the transcendent and we regain the capacity to be humble and filled with awe. It is the elegance and beauty of the natural world that shocks us out of materialism into a reverence for the goodness of creation.

But this sense of humility and awe can so easily be crowded out with busyness, and the quest for material things. Humility and awe require physical and mental space to be experienced.

During this Season of Creation let's  put away electronic devices and social media and take some time to reconnect with nature.

Natural Connections

1. Cloud Watching

   Lie in the grass and watch the clouds. Spot different shapes and make up stories about them. Grab a book on clouds and try to identify the different types.

2. Explore & Observe

   Even the youngest children can participate in an exploration expedition to the park! Arm yourselves with a note pad and pencil and wander around to find something that interests you. Share what you found and why you thought it was interesting or beautiful.

3. Stargazing

   Take  a short drive beyond the city limits to find some clear sky to watch the stars. Take a book on astronomy, search for constellations in the sky, or make up your own!

   4. Beachcombing

   Spend some time at a local beach, stroll along the sand and search for shells.

    

    

    

    

    

    

   A Prayer of Gratitude for Creation

   God of the universe,

   We thank You for Your many good gifts -

   For the beauty of Creation and its rich 

   and varied fruits,

   For clean water and fresh air, for food and shelter, animals and plants.

   Forgive us for the times we have taken the earth's resources for granted

   And wasted what You have given us.

   Transform our hearts and minds

   So that we would learn to care and share,

   To touch the earth with gentleness 

   and with love,

   Respecting all living things.

   We pray for all those who suffer as a result of our waste,

   greed and indifference,

   And we pray that the day would come when everyone has enough

   food and clean water.

   Help us to respect the rights of all people and all species 

   And help us to willingly share your gifts

   Today and always. 

   Amen.

    

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader