The Creation Care Subcommittee of the Northern Illinois Synod is pleased to sponsor a six-week Book Study/Devotion exploration using the Lenten Devotional For the Beauty of the Earth, on Thursdays, beginning March 3 and continuing through April 7, from 7 – 8 p.m. via Zoom.
For the Beauty of the Earth was written by the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, ELCA Pastor and Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary.
This book was first published in 2020 as part of Dr. Schade’s commemoration of the 50th Earth Day (April 22, 2020.) We now are looking forward to the 52nd Earth Day, and this book is as relevant now as it was two years ago. The Creation Care team is offering this book study as one way for us both in the Northern Illinois Synod and beyond to gather and walk together in our Lenten journey. As described in Goodreads,
“As we mark the 50th Earth Day (April 22, 2020), Christians can reflect on how caring for God’s creation is connected to our faith. Drawing on the beloved hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth,” each week of this 40-day Lenten devotional focuses on a different aspect of the splendor of nature, how God nurtures our spirit through creation, and how we must protect our precious home. As we walk with Jesus along shorelines, through gardens, and among trees, we learn from the “birds of the air” and “the lilies of the field.” When our Lenten journey takes us into the heart of Earth itself at Jesus’ tomb, we anticipate the resurrection with eager longing and active hope. Each five-minute devotional includes a scripture, reflection, and prayer.
This Lenten season, reflect on how caring for God's creation is connected to your faith. As we celebrate 50 years of Earth Day, Lent is the ideal season to reform our personal practices, renew our commitment to making systemic changes, and then rejoice on Easter for the incredible gift God has given us in this planet we call home.
Drawing on the beloved hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth," each week of this daily devotional focuses on a different aspect of nature's splendor, how God nurtures our spirit through creation, and how we must protect our precious home. As we walk with Jesus along shorelines, through gardens, and among trees, we learn from the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.”
As planned, each week will focus on that week’s sections which are:
- March 3, Week 1: “For the beauty of the earth” (Soil and Land)
- March 10, Week 2: “For the glory of the skies” (Skies and Air)
- March 17, Week 3: “For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies” (Water, Streams, Rivers, Oceans)
- March 24, Week 4: “Hill and vale and tree and flower” (Trees and Plants)
- March 31, Week 5: “Friends on earth and friends above” (Animals and Birds)
- April 7, Week 6: Christ, our Lord, to you we raise” (Humans Caring for Earth)
There also are two additional sections in the book which participants can study on their own:
- Holy Week: “This our sacrifice of praise” (From Eco-Crucifixion to Eco-Resurrection)
- 50 ways to Celebrate Earth Day During the 50 Days of Easter
The book is available from the usual outlets. If you are planning on attending, you may wish to order the book soon, as it seems to be very popular!
