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ACTinG seeks to inspire, encourage and equip Gippsland Anglicans to act on climate change in our households, churches, schools and agencies; to study the theology of creation; and to pray and act for the good of Earth and all creatures.
January 2025 ACTinG Bulletin #7 Acting on Climate Together in Gippsland
CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS:
‘Climate change contributed to the deaths of at least 3,700 people and the displacement of millions in 26 weather events we studied in 2024.’
This quote comes from the first annual report of the World Weather Attribution group. The report is titled ‘When Risks Become Reality: Extreme Weather in 2024’, and can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ynfjp7cf
Also on this site: ‘Climate change increased the likelihood of wildfire disaster in highly exposed Los Angeles area’: https://tinyurl.com/47mb37yx
INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT:
‘Gift economies are everywhere…’
Think freecycling, clothing swaps, food swaps, The Buy Nothing movement, repair cafes, open-source software, Youtube videos for teaching new skills, alternative local currencies, money-free work exchanges, community gardens and tiny street libraries.
‘Ecopsychologists have shown that the practice of gratitude puts brakes on hyper-consumption. The relationships nurtured by gift thinking diminish our sense of scarcity and want. In that climate of sufficiency, our hunger for more abates and we take only what we need, in respect of the generosity of the giver. Climate catastrophe and biodiveristy loss are the consequences of unrestrained taking by humans. Might cultivation of gratitude be part of the solution?’
The quotes above are from an inspiring book, The Serviceberry, An Economy of Gifts and Abundance, 2024, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of the bestselling Braiding Sweetgrass. Robin is ‘a mother, scientist, decorated professor and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’.
The book is beautifully woven around the picking of a ‘pail’ (yes, it’s American) of serviceberries. Highly recommended!
Note: Praying for Creation Zoom. Apologies if you were trying to access the January prayer Zoom – technical problems meant we weren’t able to run it, but please do come to the 25th February prayer time. We’ll have it sorted!
Season of Creation Find out what’s happening in Gippsland during the world-wide Season Of Creation Festival (1 Sept – 4 Oct) when we are urged to pay attention to our responsibility as Christians to care for creation.
Standing Up for Climate Action Read about how Anglicans across Australia and in Gippsland have been advocating for commitment to climate action in decision-making circles. Click here to read more.
Towards Zero - Connecting Faith and Action The Uniting Church in Australia, through the leadership and work of Rev Dr Ji Zhang, has published the ‘Towards Zero’ Vimeo series. These free resources support churches to take effective action to support a sustainable climate and have been shared with permission from the uniting Church in Australia. Click here to read more.