John-Paul Roberts

I want you to get out there and walk – better yet, run! – on the road God called you to travel. Ephesians 4:1, MSG We all love to be in nature, the sounds of birds, the beauty of a sunrise , but it is not just a ‘feel good’ experience, there is actually research that has been done on the health benefits of being in nature. Reduces stress and hypertension: Studies show that people who spend more time outdoors have better moods, expanded thinking, and find more meaning in life than individuals who often stay indoors. as your stress levels reduce, this can have an impact on high blood levels (hypertension). Awareness of conservation: It is only when you go out into nature that you become aware of the relationship between humans and nature – for instance we can see clean water and the life that it supports, and this inspires us to work for cleaner urban water. When we feel the clean air, it makes us more aware of the air pollution that we live with in cities. You will not protect what you do not love – if you don’t experience nature you won’t love it! Improved sleep: exposure to sunlight during the day increases your melatonin production at night – which helps to regulate your sleep cycle. Physical activity leaves you physically tired which will help you to sleep. Better vision: Hours behind a computer or smart phone screen can take its toll on your eyesight. Spending time outdoors gives your eyes a chance to focus on objects farther away, which can reduce eye strain. Improved relationships: Getting out into nature is a great way to reconnect with family and friends and catch up in person. A hike is a great way to restart your youth group or as a bonding time for church council! Reference https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/november-2019/benefits-of-being-in-nature/

And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.  2 Kings 20: 7 Traditional medicines: A gift from God. A TEARFUND Bible Study From the very beginning, we read in Genesis 1:29 how God placed plants in our lives. He gave us seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit for our use as food. And so in every place; wet or dry, land or sea, appropriate plants grow (Isaiah 41:19). What does this mean in our daily lives and to life on earth?A body, which is well nourished, is also usually a healthy body. When we eat a balanced diet (Ezekiel 4:9) the food we eat can be seen as preventive healthcare. In addition, God gives us the use of plants and herbs for curative care, both physical (2 Kings 20:7; Psalm 51:7) and emotional (Psalm 45:8; Genesis 43:11). Reflect on how people have used plants, seeds and herbs. What are the consequences of such use?Jesus’ ministry included both spiritual healing (Matthew 9:2) and physical healing. He used divine power (Luke 5:17), faith (Luke 7: 6-10; Luke 18:42), touch (Matthew 8:2-3) and even prepared products such as the mud and saliva used for healing in John 9:6-7. There were also rituals associated with cleansing and healing both in the Old and the New Testament (Leviticus 14:49-57; John 17:12-19; Mark 8:22-25). Consider the different healing methods that are available today and the rituals associated with them. Which would you, as a Christian, agree with and why? Read Philippians 1:9-10 and James 1:5 As we consider the use of traditional medicines, let us make choices through careful study and observation, asking God for wisdom to see clearly what treatments are best, pure and blameless. Dr Eva Ombaka is a pharmacist and the Co-ordinator of the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her e-mail is [email protected] Reference: https://learn.tearfund.org/en/resources/footsteps/footsteps-41-50/footsteps-48/bible-study#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20God%20gives%20us,%3B%20Genesis%2043%3A11). More references: Revisiting medicinal plants in the bible and holy land Only five species are mentioned explicitly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), ‘Balm of Gilead’ (Commiphora sp.), and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). Plants mentioned in the Bible and known as medicinal in Egypt and Mesopotamia include: Myrtle (Myrtus commnis), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Garlic (Allium sativa), Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Cedar (Cedrus libani). The proposed biblical medicinal plants (45 in total) are all known as such in the ancient civilizations of the region. All have been in continuous medicinal use in the Middle East down the generations and are used in the Holy Land today. Most have at least one additional use as food, in rituals, for perfume and cosmetics, and as incense. Some could now be studied further to determine their chemical composition and medical activity with a view to isolating compounds for possible drug development. Want to grow medicinal plants? https://wle/herbs/hgen/medicinal-herb-plants.htmww.gardeningknowhow.com/edib

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 Today share what you have learned about trees with someone else. This might be chatting to them, or sharing on social media. Talk especially to children, to get them excited to learn about trees and to commit to growing and looking after them. Each one Teach one!

They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Isaiah 65:21 Today take a walk to the Church with some other members who are interested in or already take part in greening/gardening at the church. Here are some questions to think about. What is your source of water? Could you improve it – perhaps look at a water tank or grey water? What is already growing? How healthy does it look, does it need more water, fertilizer, TLC? Are there any invasives that should be taken out? Or water guzzling aliens that could be replaced? What additional space could be used for trees, plants or vegetables?What resources do you need (people power/ equipment/compost/seedlings) draft a budgetCould you put in a compost pile? Start small and take one idea at a time. Take the ideas to your priest or parish council , get a team together and do one action -then you can build from there Here is a lovely idea you might want to consider: Create a wildlife ‘hotel” Fill a frame with hollow canes (e.g. sections of bamboo, elder or hogweed, bricks with holes, pinecones, straw, etc.) Pack together lots of different sized holes which bees and other invertebrates will use. Provide a wide shallow dish in a shady place for water which birds can use. Create a wood pile using different sized prunings or sections of felled trees. Add to it whenever you can. https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/biodiversity#na