What does it truly mean to abide in Christ? It’s not just believing; it’s about staying connected, engaged, and completely relying on Christ. Just like my phone dies without being plugged in, we can’t live a vibrant Christian life without staying connected to our source – Christ and His church. And when we do, when we truly abide in Christ, we experience a joy and fulfillment that is unparalleled. The same is true when we care for the Earth, when we honor the incredible gift God has given us: this beautiful Earth. It’s not just a duty; it’s a source of joy and wonder, and a vital part of our spiritual journey.

Did you do anything special for Earth Day this year? Maybe plant a tree, pick up some trash, or simply take a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature? We have a committed gardener who comes to the church to work on the garden, and we’re grateful. We always have folks working on projects around the church and we’re blessed. Indeed, we are individually and collectively God’s ongoing work project.

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” We are called to be caretakers, not abusers. So, as we talk about abiding in Christ and strengthening our church connections, I also want to challenge you to consider how you can connect with and care for the Earth.

Here are some ideas:

• Plant a garden: Even a small herb box on your windowsill can bring life and beauty. Someone gifted me a small potted aloe vera plant last year, and it enjoys the sunshine each morning by the kitchen window.
• Volunteer for a local clean-up: Every little bit helps keep our parks and waterways healthy.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Simple steps can make a big difference.

We can extend this care to our own church grounds!

We all know the feeling of walking by an empty water bottle, a chip bag, or a cigarette bud. It may not be our trash, but caring for our church – God’s house – is a responsibility we all share. It’s not just the trustees’ job or the cleaning crew’s burden. When we see something, let’s do something about it. Taking a moment to pick up a piece of trash is a simple act of love for God and creation. It shows we care about our church community and the beautiful world God has entrusted to us. Let’s remember we are all stewards of this Earth.

Grace and peace!
Sela Finau