CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION

CONVERSATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION: CLOSING RITUAL

Prepared by Rev. Jeric C. Cortado, SPMCI

The presiding pastor may say:

We believe that all creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation, We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect. Let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all God’s creation.[1]

Someone will read Psalms 1:1-6 in vernacular. Responded each verse with a chant,

“IPAGTANGGOL API’T ABA. ITAGUYOD ANG PAGLAYA”

The presiding pastor may continue:

We are called to sow the seeds of justice and peace in our daily lives. We are called to tend and cultivate those seeds, so they can grow to be trees of life. Trees that bear fruits to feed the hungry; holds water for the birthing of rivers and irrigation of the land; heal God’s creation suffering from injustices, oppression, conflict, and disaster; shelter and provide shade for all creation; produce oxygen to sustain all living things.

The presiding pastor may introduce the Dao tree seedling.

We are called to plant this Dao tree seedling that signifies our commitment to plant a garden of justice and peace, and unity in diversity. Ending gender-based violence, building caring and compassionate community, and live to be an agent of Shalom. Dao tree with the scientific name, Dracontomelon dao, is known to be main source of timber here in our country. The bark of it are traditionally use as medicine (dysentery), the wood are used in light construction, furniture, and Bangka. The leaves and mature fruits of Dao tree are edible that sustains life. We are called to plant the seedling of it that signifies our response to the challenge of the Mother Earth before us.

Before the community process to the orchard, the presiding pastor may prepare the camote, the surviving food of the lumad communities especially during the drought.  It is practice of the indigenous people to make sure that the participant of planting are well feed before they go to the field. Because in doing this, it will ensure for a good harvest. They are not simply planting the seedling but their strength to help this seedling grow and produce fruits for survival of the community. While the pastor distributing the camote, he/she may say “THE GIFT OF LIFE IS GIVEN FOR YOU.” And the community may say “AMEN.” Then followed by a procession to the site where the seedlings are to be planted. As the procession goes on, the community may sing “KUNG MAY PAGHIGUGMA, OG KALUOY. KUNG MAY PAGHIGUGMA OG KALUOY. NAA GYUD ANG DIYOS.”

At the site, the pastor may consecrate the land.

Almighty God, we appeal to your kindness, asking that you pour out your blessing on this portion of the SPMCI land area. Make this be a fertile ground where the garden of peace based on justice flourish; the trees of life, healing, and hope will be experienced by all. Amen.

 

Then seedlings of Dao tree will be planted by the designated person. And the presiding pastor may give the final blessing.

May the Spirit of God, who is above all and in all and through all, fill you with the knowledge of God’s presence in Earth and the pulsing of Christ within you. Go in peace! Serving Christ and loving all creatures! AMEN.

Reference:

1.       (2013) WCC 10^th Assembly Resources for Prayer and Praise. South Korea: WCC Publications.

2.       UMC Book of Discipline.

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[1] UMC BOD par. 160.