Earth Day Plus 50: The Fierce Urgency of Now!
Mar 30, 2020
What plans do you have if Earth Day and Earth Sunday gatherings are cancelled this year?
The annual Earth Day observance, traditionally held on April 22nd of each year, will likely be postponed or cancelled in many regions around the globe this year due to the pernicious Covid-19 outbreak. The virus serves as a vivid reminder of the planet’s fragile nature as well as our ever-pressing role as stewards bearing witness to the plight of creation and preserving its vitality for all future generations.
As it ironically happens, this year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! That first celebration took place way back on April 22nd, 1970. More than 20 million Americans stood tall that day, taking to the streets and bearing witness to the environmental degradation of the planet…our only planet. Earth Day was the impetus for many of the environmental protections we now take for granted, such as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. By 1990, Earth Day became a global event bringing 200 million people from 141 countries together to address environmental issues effecting the entire planet. The spirit of Earth Day continues to inspire today, but with a fierce urgency. Scientific consensus has raised the alarm that the continued unchecked burning of fossil fuels threatens our very existence if not addressed immediately.
Obviously, none of us acting alone can alter the course of this fiercely urgent problem. However, each of us is empowered to inspire others by openly and honestly voicing our concerns, and setting an example that matches our words. There is truly power in example.
The synod environmental stewardship committee is on the lookout for inspiring Earth Sunday ideas to be shared in these days of individual isolation. One great idea comes from Christ Lutheran in East Northport which has distributed a “Personal Covenant With God’s Creation” The covenant covers many areas of our everyday life that we sometimes overlook as stewards. The church is asking as many congregants as possible to sign onto the covenant before Earth Day. A copy of the covenant be downloaded HERE.
Does your congregation have other ideas to share? Please let us know! You can contact us at [email protected]