BMUC: Observing the Lenten Season in an increasingly warming planet

On March 5, the first Sunday of Lent this year, at 9:30 before the worship service, the congregation is invited to participate in a series that will explore the relationship between our observance of Lent, the Bible, our faith and our increasingly warming planet.

“Global warming presents one of the most enormous challenges humanity has ever faced. It threatens every aspect of our lives – our health, the availability of fresh water, the future of many coastal communities, our food supply, and even government stability as nations around the world begin to confront the adverse consequences of climate change.” (Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living, 2012)

Series participants will learn about climate change and explore ways to lessen their carbon footprints through the practice of traditional spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, and doing good as Jesus commanded. Parallel sessions will also be held on Wednesday at 6:30 pm for those who cannot make it on Sunday. The sessions will be facilitated by Reverend MaAn, a retired UMC pastor of the Baltimore Washington Conference who now lives in Berkeley with husband, Vern.

As a tool to facilitate the journey, a list of suggestions will be handed out with the Lenten Sunday bulletins before worship. They will also be available on the church’s website beginning March 5th for sharing with co-workers, friends, and neighbors.

In the words of James J. McCarthy, scientist “… individuals cannot solve the problems of a warming planet on their own. And yet it is also true that we can never hope to have success without changing our individual behavior to reduce our emission of greenhouse gases.”

May the Holy Spirit guide us in our efforts to be better stewards of Earth, our common and only home, which the Creator has entrusted to us.