Earth Day
- Diversity & Inclusion Ministry
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
More than fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, twenty million Americans took to the streets, parks, and college campuses in what became one of the largest civic demonstrations in U.S. history. They were calling for something that had no name yet in public life: environmental protection. That day became Earth Day — and it changed the world. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the creation of the EPA all followed within years.
Earth Day is still with us, still necessary, and still a call to action. The urgency has only deepened. Climate change, habitat loss, plastic pollution, and the erosion of biodiversity are not distant threats — they are present realities that fall hardest on the most vulnerable people and communities. How we treat the earth is inseparable from how we treat one another.
For people of faith, care for creation is not optional. It flows from the conviction that this world belongs to God — that we are not owners but tenants, not masters but stewards. We were placed here to tend and keep, not to consume without limit. Earth Day is an invitation to recommit to that calling, in ways large and small, personal and political.
Scripture
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters." — Psalm 24:1–2 (NIV)
Prayer
Creator God, on this day and every day, open our senses to the beauty of this planet. May we be reminded that with the animals and plants, we are part of the natural world — we depend on it thriving to thrive ourselves, and we must not only be good stewards of this place but also good tenants. May we use our gifts and resources to protect, conserve, and advocate for our shared home.
Amen.
Action
Reduce single-use plastic in your home — small, consistent changes add up.
Choose energy-efficient products and appliances when it's time to replace what you have.
Buy recycled, second-hand, or locally made when you're able.
Waste less food — plan meals, use what you have, compost what you can.
Try public transit — even occasionally, it makes a difference.
Support local advocacy — if you have time or resources to give, connect with conservation organizations working right here in our region (see resources below).
