04188
April 20, 2004

Prayer for air

April 25 is Earth Day Sunday

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE — Presbyterian congregations across the nation will join other Christians this weekend in giving thanks for the wonders of creation on Earth Day Sunday.

   Congregations will mark April 25 — the Sunday closest to Earth Day (April 22) — with worship experiences, educational programs and other activities emphasizing environmental stewardship.

   “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the gift of God’s creation and what we need to do to protect it,” said the Rev. Bill Somplatsky-Jarman, associate for the PC(USA)’s Environmental Justice Office.  

    This year’s Earth Day theme focuses on air quality. The National Council of Churches (NCC) has compiled a resource highlighting ways for individuals and congregations to celebrate and protect this integral part of God’s creation.

   The resource — “Life-Giving Breath of God: Protecting the Sacred Gift of Air” — includes basic information on air quality, a sermon starter, and ideas for personal, congregational and community action.

   “I hope that Earth Day for individual Presbyterians and congregations goes beyond just a single day or even a single Sunday worship experience,” said Rebecca Barnes-Davies, coordinator of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation. “I hope that it becomes incorporated into people’s individual discipleship as well as corporate discipleship.”

   Additional information and a free downloadable copy of the 2004 Earth Day Sunday resource are available online at the Environmental Justice Office’s Web site, www.pcusa.org/environment; or you may contact Cassandra Carmichael, the NCC’s director of eco-justice programs, by telephone at (202) 544-2350, ext. 27, or by email at  cassandra@toad.net.