Stewardship Message

Stewards of Creation

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. – Psalm 24:1  

God created the earth and all that is in it and declared it good. God's creation is marked by wondrous complexity, interdependence and beauty. Human beings are called by God to care for the earth respectfully for its own sake and so that present and future generations may live on it and enjoy its fruits. The gifts of creation and the responsibility of stewardship were given to all of humanity so that all might have enough, no one would have more than is needed, and God’s justice would prevail.

We can see that the earth has not been well cared for. Water, air, and land are polluted. Animals, plants and human beings, especially people of color, are endangered. We have not shared the fruits of creation justly. Our lifestyles are not sustainable. “Sustainable living is living so that the earth can continue to provide for the needs of all its inhabitants – not just the human – beyond our own lifetimes into the future,” says Laura Dunham in Graceful Living.

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, may our churches, as agents of hope and transformation, engage in “tiqqun ‘olam” (repair of the world). May we experience the emerging restoration of creation to God’s intended shalom. 

A message from Stewards in the Household of God: a Resource for Holistic Year-round Stewardship available from United Church of Christ Resources.

April 2012				God is still speaking,

	
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