Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us co-workers in your creation. Give us wisdom and reverence to use the resources of nature, so that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generation yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Prayer for Natural Resources” Book of Common Worship–Daily Prayer, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The words “giving us dominion over things on earth” is a quote from the creation story in the book of Genesis, specifically Genesis 1:28. This quote, however, is only half the story because in the second chapter of Genesis, God puts Adam in the Garden of Eden “to till and keep it.” (Gen. 2:15). In the words of the author or the prayer, “you made us co-workers in your creation.” This is how The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade opened her presentation on Caring for God’s Creation.
“78% of Americans are concerned about the environment”
Our time together focused on caring for the environment. Leah noted that in a recent survey, 78% of Americans are concerned about the environment. With that astonishing fact, she launched into her experiences in Pennsylvania with environmental issues such as mercury emissions from coal fired power plants and fracking. Working with Unitarians, Friends, Muslims, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Jewish leaders, she continues to speak out and publish her ideas in books such as Creation-Crisis Preaching: Ecology, Theology, and the Pulpit.
Connect with Others Who Are Doing The Work
“When you connect in your community and across denominations, that is when we can multiply our efforts!”
Leah encourages interested individuals to check out organizations that are working on environmental issues such as Blessed Tomorrow–Caring for Creation Today; Green Faith–Interfaith Partners in Action for the Earth; Poor People’s Campaign–National Call for Moral Revival; and Interfaith Power & Light.
Additionally, connect again with others at Saint Luke to continue these discussions. Saint Luke will host a second ZOOM presentation on November 17, 2021, at 7 p.m. Interested? Check out Leah’s informative video below and tune back in for more next month. All are welcome.