Safeguarding the Creation that Sustains Us

With the warmer weather, many people spend time enjoying the great outdoors. In the Anglican Marks of Mission (5 signs of God's action in the Church and the world) the fifth mark of mission which we are called to carry out is as follows: "To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth." Here are several ways that you can respond to this call and make faith a part of your outdoor adventures this summer.

Noticing Nature:



Nature is all around us. Even in the city, we are surrounded by plants and animals and life of all kinds. Taking time alone or as a family to notice the life around us can bring us closer to God our creator. Check out this activity on Noticing Nature.

In order to safeguard the integrity of creation, we must take time to understand our place within it and the relationship we have with other created beings. This exercise is about contemplating and deepening that relationship.

It is easy to get caught up in the fast pace and noise of life. We are often not aware of our natural surroundings and environment.

Take a few minutes to explore and notice nature. If you are in a city, go to a garden, forest or park and walk around. Take time to notice the sights, sounds and smells that surround you. If you are in a rural area, go outside and intentionally be aware of your surroundings.

Be silent.

You can sit still and notice nature around you or move slowly through your environment.

Think about one of the other creatures that you see, a plant or an animal, and how their life is connected to yours. How is your life connected to the rocks and soil and water in creation?

Once you have spent at least 15 minutes in creation think about the following questions and what they tell us about the fifth Mark of Mission and our role in safeguarding creation.

How are you connected to Creation?

How are you connected to God as Creator?

Enjoying Creation:  

Many summer activities involve exploring nature. Camping, hiking, cycling, canoeing or even lying on the beach are ways we enjoy God's creation. When we are out in nature, it is important to consider how our activities affect the life of the rest of creation. To learn more about how to reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation, check out this great blog post from sustainable solution consultants terrapass.

Giving Thanks:


 We are sustained in body and spirit by our relationship with the rest of creation. From our the food we eat to the land on which we make our home, our life depends on the life of the earth. Taking time to give thanks to God for all of creation strengthens our sense of connectedness with the web of all life. Here are several prayers of thanksgiving which you can offer for creation.

We thank you, God, for all the goodness and beauty we encounter. We thank you for new green shoots, the buds, the blossom, the tadpoles in the pond, the clear, crisp sunshine calling the earth back to life. We thank you for this life, this love.
       - Rebecca Winter



Creator God, today I watched an ant carrying a seed four times its size. You made an amazing world!        - Sue Atkinson

We pray for animals who are suffering because of human cruelty and greed. May such injustice be brought to light. Please be with those who work on behalf of animals.
        - Rebecca Winter

VBS and Camps in BC this Summer

During the summer months, Churches host many special programmes for children and youth. These include Vacation Bible Schools, day camps and residential camps. Below you will find information and links to some of the wonderful programmes being run by Churches in the area this summer. Even if they are not the right fit for your family this summer, I urge you to learn a bit about these ministries. Many of these programmes are funded by donations from Churches and individuals, and they would appreciate your financial support.

VBS with St Mary's: In the last week of August, St Mary's Kerrisdale will be offering a week long Vacation Bible School held at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church. For more information contact the Rev. David Taylor.

Camp Spirit: The United Church in the Lower Mainland is hosting six weeks of day camp at different Churches in the area - each one on a different theme from music to science to the environment - all from a Christian perspective. For more information, to donate to Camp Spirit or to register, visit their website.

Camp in the Community: The Anglican Diocese of BC is providing 6 different camping programmes around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. With both day camps and wilderness camping programmes with varying themes and activities, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit their website.

Sorrento Centre: Each summer, the Sorrento Centre on Shuswap lake offers six weeks of family retreats during July and August. They provide daily worship, adult education programmes, access to their beach on the lake, community activities and a dynamic children and youth programme morning and evening. In addition, they also offer a leadership programme called LEAP for one week in July. Visit their website for more information on registration, programmes, and how to support the work of Sorrento Centre.

Ask & Imagine:The Ask & Imagine Youth Scholars programme is a chance to go to university on full scholarship for two weeks in the summer. It’s for young people who are between 16 and 20 years old. As a Youth Scholar at Ask & Imagine, you’ll be part of a small group of up to 20 others selected from across Canada. You’ll be accompanied by a team of carefully selected mentors, taught by university professors and live on the beautiful campus of Huron University College, part of Western University. For more information and to submit an application, visit their website or speak to Caitlin.

Anglican Camps in BC: Many of the Diocese in our ecclesiastical province of BC and the Yukon offer residential camping experiences: Camp Owaissi just outside Kamloops, Camp Caledonia near Smithers and Camp Braeburn in the Yukon. Camp Artaban, in this Diocese, will not be operating this summer due to severe financial deficits (see their website for more information).