Making a Difference
The presbyter for the three congregations that make up the Western Bay of Plenty Parish shares how his parish is working towards being better kaitiaki.
At times it feels to me as though the challenges are so big that the problem is too immense to make a difference. However, I remind myself that small acts can collectively make a profound difference in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
At the forefront of our efforts is a theological reflection rooted in our Methodist tradition. Wesley believed that the Gospel was able to address the human predicament and that those who believed in the Gospel were able to do something about their predicament. Part of the Good News then is to know that we have been loved and because of this love we must now go and spread love. We are called to embody compassion and care for both our fellow human beings and the Earth itself. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." I like to think this mandate can compel us to heed the cry of the Earth and act as faithful stewards of God's creation.
I know that not every church has a lot of resources (time, money, energy, etc.) to make a big impact. I hope that by sharing a few of the things we are doing, one or more may be accessible to you.
Ø We have installed a bike rack and actively encourage people to cycle to church. This is reducing carbon emissions and fostering community engagement and physical well-being.
Ø We have a ‘Share Table’ which provides a platform for the exchange of goods, promoting sustainability and the ethos of sharing within our community. People share books, produce from their gardens, soap, makeup, Christmas ornaments and much more…
Ø We are doing our best to make good dietary choices for the planet. I am a vegan and every Thursday my church people have committed to having a vegan morning tea.
Ø We have committed to sourcing exclusively fair-trade coffee, as we are working to do our best for the climate and working towards a kinder way of being in the world.
Ø Our Op Shop is a testament to our commitment to recycling and reusing, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional consumerism. If operating an Op Shop is not possible, you could try to shop exclusively at Op Shops.
Ø We keep an eye on waste when we gather as a church. We have reusable communion cups for worship and for coffee to minimise waste and promote responsible consumption.
Ø One of the most important things we are doing is trying to educate people. We do this through dialogue, study opportunities and sermons. We have joined A Rocha Eco Church NZ. The organisation provides resources designed to help educate people about climate justice. Learning more about what we can and should be doing to make a difference is important because it can be so difficult to know the right things.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, our community hopes to remain steadfast in our dedication to environmental justice. Our actions, though individually small, collectively bear witness to our shared commitment as kaitiaki, on the Earth.
At this moment in history, let us all join hands in the pursuit of a more just and sustainable world. Together we can make a difference.