Fast for the Earth 2025

Communion Forest? Find out more

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. – Rev 22: 2 My name is Irene and I am a tree hugger. Many people like animals and in the same way, I like trees. I am awed like a child when I walk under a canopy, I cry sometimes when I see trees and forests from a distance and I like hugging trees and sometimes, I feel hugged back. When I joined the Communion Forest in 2022, the core message resonated deeply within me, and it continues to do so: ‘To plant is to hope, to restore is to heal, to protect is to love.’ It’s a simple truth, yet profoundly moving. To plant is to hope—for fruits we yearn to taste, for shade beneath which we long to rest, and for the songs of birds that will fill the air with life. As it says in Revelation 22: 2; The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations, it is this hope that keeps me grounded in my tree-hugging (lol) and in the work we are doing in the Communion Forest of Ecosystems CPR! I am inspired by the work in local churches, as much as the work on global platforms because all of it contributes to the healing of nations through restoring biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and fostering community sustainability. Learn more about Communion Forest CPR (conservation, protection,and restoration) on our website and social media @communion forest. Irene Sebastian-WaweruCommunion Forest Facilitator – Africa Region

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Let Nature In

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The Lord will plant what was waste – Ezekiel 36:36 Whether you work from home or go into the office, you may feel that you rarely get chances to be in nature. Why not bring a little bit of nature into your home or work? Pot plants have many benefits:Having a potted plant in your room isn’t just about looking cool—it comes with real benefits! First, plants improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen, helping you breathe easier. If you struggle with focus while at the computer, plants can boost concentration and memory.. Taking care of a plant can also be a great way to de-stress. Watering and watching it grow gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, plants add a natural, cozy vibe to your space, making your room feel more inviting. Want something practical? Try growing herbs like mint or basil—they smell great and can be used in snacks and drinks! Whether it’s for air, mood, or just aesthetic, a potted plant is an easy and fun way to brighten up your life. Why not give it a try? Having indoor plants in the house brings in a sense of  life and freshness. We have found that adding the plants have also added colour to the space. It is amazing to see them grow. – John-Paul Roberts (Diocese of Cape Town)

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Plant a tree

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3 Across the Anglican Communion people are now linking tree growing with different spiritual moments, from baptism and confirmation, to weddings and funerals. Many bishops now bless saplings or plants as young people are confirmed as a symbol of their spiritual life. Like a tree, your faith needs to be rooted, and watered regularly. On the 05th June 2024 the Parish of St Peter’s Greenpoint. Diocese of Kimberly and Kuruman hosted the Bishop Brian and had the confirmation service that coincided with World Environment Day. As a symbol our of faith and commitment to caring for creation a small spekboom plant was planted What events are coming up for you or your organisation where you might plant a tree to mark the day?

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Veggies for the Win

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.” – Daniel 1:12 Why a Plant-Based Diet is Good for You and the Planet Thinking about going plant-based? Whether it’s for a meal, a day, or a lifetime, eating more plants has huge benefits—not just for your health but also for the environment. Better for Your Health A plant-based diet is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that keep your body strong. It can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains fuels your body with clean energy, improves digestion, and can even give you clearer skin! Plus, plant-based diets have been linked to a longer life—who wouldn’t want that? Saves the Planet Animal farming is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. Producing meat and dairy requires huge amounts of land, water, and energy, while also releasing greenhouse gases like methane. By choosing more plant-based meals, you reduce your carbon footprint, save water, and help protect forests and wildlife. Less Waste, More Impact A plant-based diet can also help fight food waste. It takes way more resources to produce animal-based foods than it does to grow plants. For example, it takes 1,800 litres of water to produce just one kg of beef! Imagine how much water we could save by eating more plant-based meals. Small Changes, Big Difference Every plant-based meal makes a difference. Try Meatless Mondays, swap dairy for plant-based milk, or load up your plate with veggies. Your body (and the planet) will thank you! Are you ready to take the first step? Rev Charlotte Brown, is the deacon at St Thomas Church Rondebosch in the Diocese of Cape Town. Here she is enjoying a veggie burger meal. Charlotte identifies as a vegetarian.  Below is one of her favourite meals to make for her family. Penne with smoked trout .. Or tinned tuna ( almost as nice ) 4 large leeks 250 mascarpone cheese Zest and juice of one lemon 200g smoked trout, sliced Or 2 x tins drained tuna Rocket Penne Cut the leeks into R5 rounds and sauté in oil until soft. Add lemon zest then juice S&P. Stir wellAdd mascarpone and blend into the leeks etc.Remove from heat and add trout / tuna and stir. Spoon onto cooked penne and garnish with rocket.

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Prepare for Action: Caring for God’s Creation

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13 In a world facing climate change, pollution, and deforestation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as Christians, we are not called to sit back and watch—we are called to action. 1 Peter 1:13 challenges us to prepare our minds, be self-controlled, and set our hope on Christ. These principles apply not just to our faith but also to how we care for the environment. Prepare Your Mind for Action God has entrusted the earth to us to care for  (Genesis 2:15), and we must be intentional about how we care for it. Learning about environmental issues, understanding our impact, and taking responsibility are all ways to prepare for action. Small, mindful choices—like reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting sustainable businesses—help protect creation. Be Self-Controlled in Daily Choices Self-control means resisting wastefulness and overconsumption. Do we really need fast fashion, excessive packaging, or constant upgrades? Thoughtful choices, like using reusable products, eating sustainably, and reducing energy use, reflect discipline and care for God’s world. Hope in Christ While Acting for Change Our motivation for environmental action isn’t fear—it’s hope. We know that Jesus will restore all things, but that doesn’t mean we ignore our responsibility now. By caring for creation, we reflect God’s love and point others to Him. If we work together with others, we can have a powerful voice and influence. Advocate for sustainability, make responsible choices, and encourage others to do the same. When we act in faith, God can use us to make a lasting impact on His world.

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ECO-HEROES ASSEMBLE – WHAT KIND OF ECO-HERO ARE YOU?

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9  We need to keep fighting for climate justice, even when it’s hard! God is calling you to be an eco-hero in the area where you are – your classroom, your school, your church.  We would like to share a story of an eco – hero today! Meet one of our eco -heroes, Mrs. Kim Melanie Williams, from the Church of The Good Shepherd, Grassy Park, in the Diocese of False Bay, South Africa. She is the Director of Visions of Change SA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental awareness through community mobilization and beach clean-ups. On June 15, 2024, Kim secured second place in the Sport, Culture, and Environment category at the prestigious DearSA Future Leaders Awards held at Montecasino, Johannesburg. This recognition highlights her commitment to educating youth about environmental stewardship and driving meaningful change. Growing up, Kim witnessed issues like illegal dumping and plastic pollution, alongside a widespread belief that the environment would always recover. This inspired her to take action, using practical initiatives and educational programs to raise awareness. Another key milestone in her journey was when  Visions of Change SA ( an organization she’s part of) was recognized at the 2023 Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Awards, further cementing their impact in environmental advocacy. Kim’s leadership continues to inspire young people to take responsibility for their surroundings, fostering a new generation of environmental champions dedicated to protecting our planet. Kim’s message to all young eco-champs is that “It’s never too late to start. Stewardship is for all and by all. And just as we extend kindness to people, we extend kindness to the environment!”.  You can be an eco-hero too , start small – in your servers group or organisation at church, or at school or at work -you can make a difference!

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