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Climate Change & Creation Care


Lament and Hope:
The Vital Role of Creation Care in 21st Century Discipleship

Thursdays: November 10, 17, 24 & December 1 2022
1:30 - 3pm ET or 7:30 - 9pm ET

in partnership with A Rocha Canada

Newspaper headlines regularly report the disturbing realities of climate change and biodiversity loss - the ecological crises of our time.  But how are Christ followers to respond?  How is the care of creation related to discipleship?  And what does the church have to contribute in the face of ecological degradation and the anxiety it generates amongst our parishioners and our neighbours?  

Join us as we explore this overlooked cornerstone and opportunity for Christian mission in Canada.


Learning Centre sessions are recorded and made available afterwards for those who sign up but cannot attend in person


Schedule

November 10 - “For God so loved the kosmos …”: Why Christians should care for creation

The Bible describes God’s love for people.  But does God really care about the earth, too?  How relevant is creation care for the Christian life?  Vital?  Optional?  A distraction?  

This session will explore the biblical basis for the claim that human creatures are called to not only worship God and love other people but to care for God’s creation.

Featured
Anthony Siegrist

Anthony Siegrist has long been fascinated by the intertwined root systems of faith and ecology. He joined A Rocha after previously serving as a pastor, professor of theology, adventure guide, and farm hand. For someone who loves the outdoors, Anthony has invested far too much time inside classrooms, completing an MSc in Environmental Sustainability, a ThD in Christian theology, and publishing his research along the way. With his wife Sarah and their three young boys, Anthony enjoys exploring the green spaces and cultural history of the larger Great Lakes region. They love tromping through local forests with their hound named Rhubarb, as well as canoeing in Algonquin Park and hiking in the Adirondacks. Anthony welcomes opportunities to write and speak on topics related to faith and ecology.

November 17 - Giving voice to the voiceless: The interconnected health of people, creatures, and the earth

For many years we have been aware of the tremendous suffering of sisters and brothers, at home and around the world, due to poverty.  These days headlines also frequently highlight the dangers of climate change, especially for the marginalized.  Far more overlooked is the threat of biodiversity loss - the fraying of the web of life on this planet.  The reality is that the health of people, other creatures, and the planet are inherently interwoven, so much so that any effective response to one must address the other two.

This session will explore how good news for creatures and the planet is good news for people.  And the reverse is also true.  How might a better understanding of this “triple emergency” inform Christian mission today?

Featured
Luke Wilson

Luke Wilson serves as the CEO of A Rocha Canada. He has been in various marketing and communications roles with A Rocha since 2009. He enjoys serving on the Board of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. In his spare time, he loves hiking, beekeeping and riding his e-scooter to the office. Luke and Lindsey have three lovely children; Olivia (6), Ezekiel (4) and Abigail (1). They call East Hamilton, Ontario home.

November 24 - “What gives you hope?” Discipleship in an age of ecological angst

The big picture message from the data is clear: the “vital signs” for nature and the planet are deteriorating at a frightening pace.  In this context how do we engage issues like biodiversity loss and climate change while maintaining hope?  What is the difference between hope and optimism?  What do Christ’s followers have to contribute in a world where so many, especially young people, are desperate and despairing?

This session will consider the ultimate source of Christian hope and the opportunity we have, as followers of Christ’s, to contribute to a world where so many people, especially young adults, are desperate and despairing.

Featured
Zoe Matties

Zoe Matties first came to A Rocha as an intern in sustainable agriculture and environmental education in 2012 and 2013 as she was seeking a way to put to practice her passion for food justice. Since then she has worked in leadership roles in places such as Antarctica and West Africa, and completed a Master’s of Science in Food Systems and Society. She also worked for A Rocha in BC as Schoolyard Farm Coordinator.

She is excited to bring her enthusiasm for the work of A Rocha to the role of Manitoba Program Manager. She hopes to grow programs that inspire wonder and hope though integrating faith, creation care and everyday life.In her free time she enjoys walking in the woods, reading good books and sharing a meal with friends.

December 1 - How do we start? Practical tools for earthkeeping at church and at home

I want to respond to God’s invitation to join the Spirit in bringing life to all God’s creation but where should I begin?  How might local congregations incorporate the care of creation into congregational life?

Interspersed with real life examples, this session will suggest ideas and identify resources that can help us on the creation care journey.

Featured
Rick Faw

Rick Faw has been a lead educator at A Rocha Canada since 2004. In 2014 he became the Vice President of Programming, and in 2022 moved into the role of Education Director.

Rick combines academic backgrounds in science (BSc) and theology (MCS) with a love for the outdoors. His desire is for people to integrate their spiritual life with their experience of the created world. Rick, along with his wife Crista and children Jared and Zoë, lives and plays at Kingfisher Farm in Surrey, BC.

 

Register

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Earlier Event: October 13
One Body with All Abilities
Later Event: November 13
Sacred Side Hustle: Exploring Spacious Vocations