Celebrate Earth Day, April 22

Since a protest on April 22, 1970 against environmental exploitation, people around the world have celebrated this day to mark the need to protect Mother Earth. The WaterCare Allies of First United Church offered and coordinated A Time of Prayer for the Earth at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Earth Day. Everyone was invited to join in this unifying experience of Sacred Activism.

A Time of Prayer for the Earth
We invite you to sit quietly and clear your mind of the news that swirls around you.
Slowly, take a few deep breaths....breathe in, breathe out....repeat five times. 

Listen for the call to action to heal the Earth. 
Listen for ways you can walk the talk. 

Listen for the ways Mother Earth is responding at this time of crisis,
as we are all isolating to keep ourselves and others safe.

Listen to the reduced noise levels with less traffic....
Listen to the songs of the birds, the babbling of the river rapids, the wind whispering in the trees. 
Listen to these natural sounds that were previously been drowned out in our busyness. 

Take a moment to be filled with gratitude
for the incredible sounds of nature as we sit together in silence.
Continue to breathe deeply and slowly. 

Bring to mind those things that come from the Earth that sustain us: 
The air we breathe
The water we drink 
The food we eat 
The materials that build our homes
The clothing that keeps us warm
All of these come from the life-giving planet we call home.

Take this moment to silently thank the Earth
for all that you appreciate in your life.

Thank you for sharing this time with us to honour Mother Earth.