Earth Sunday
Theme Discussion
One of the lessons that the pandemic has taught us is to not take things for granted.
Things that used to be easy and natural for us to do aren’t so easy these days. Can you think of some examples of things we used just do easily that now take many more steps or things that we can’t even do anymore?
Here are some ideas: Going to school means wearing a mask, carrying hand sanitizer, not sharing supplies, and not playing games that require close contact. Visiting your grandparents might only be possible on Zoom or, when it’s safe, meeting somewhere outside while being careful to keep your distance – no more hugs and kisses from family outside your household! Spring Break doesn’t mean a trip somewhere or going to the movies with your friends, but just more time at home. Playing in the gym while the grown-ups have coffee after church hasn’t happened in a long time, nor have family dinners together before choir practice or singing together at all.
When things are easily available to us, we often forget how important they are. We take them for granted. One of the things we most take for granted is the gift of living on the Earth. It’s all we know, there isn’t another place to go. We are entitled to it just by being born. The danger of taking something for granted is that you don’t appreciate it and so you don’t take care of it.
Today is Earth Sunday in the church and this Thursday is Earth Day all over the world. It’s a time to remember what an amazing place this Earth is! And a time to remember that we need to take care of it.
What are some things you can do to take care of the Earth this week? Are these things you can do all year round and not just on Earth day?
What are some things you can do to remind yourself and others of the wonder and the beauty of the Earth so you don’t take it for granted?
Response Activity Ideas
Mindful Walk
Take a quiet walk in your neighbourhood, or sit out on your front or back step. As you walk or sit, try to be mindful and pay attention to what is happening in the moment all around you. Try to notice 5 different colours, 4 different sounds, 3 different textures, and 2 different smells. Or maybe you could try to notice opposites – something rough/something soft, something bright/dull, etc. During this quiet activity did you notice something new in this familiar location? Say a short prayer of thanks for the beautiful variety and blessings in nature.
One Small Change Earth Pledge
As a family or on your own, make a promise to make one small change for the better of the planet. This could be something like committing to only using reusable straws or only using bar soap instead of that which comes in plastic bottles. Make a colourful poster to put up in your home to remind everyone of your promise (“We pledge to….”) and have everyone sign it! For a bigger challenge, make a list of small changes you could make, one a month, for the next year, then celebrate your progress next Earth Day!
Recycled Earth Craft
Materials: old magazines, flyers, or catalogues, cardboard, glue, pencil
Make an Earth collage using torn coloured papers!
Cut out a circle from cardboard. Sketch outlines for the landmasses areas if you wish to make it look realistic, or just make your own creative landforms! Flip through magazines to find blue, brown, white, and green colours and tear the pages into small pieces. Glue the pieces down overlapping slightly to cover the cardboard completely. Source and more detailed instructions are available at: https://iheartcraftythings.com/earth-day-collage.html