Lent

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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Make the Pledge

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5  Your Actions Matter for the Planet  Today we would  to invite you to  make a pledge and share it with others to inspire and encourage them –  if you feel comfortable. This is a pledge for what you will do during Lent – make it achievable and remember that you will also be inspiring others! For example-  I won’t buy junk food during Lent                           I will eat vegetarian food every Monday                          I will take my own bag when shopping You might think, “I’m just one person—how can I make a difference?” But small actions add up! When you choose to recycle, walk instead of drive, or use less plastic, you reduce pollution and inspire others to do the same. If millions of people make eco-friendly choices, the impact is huge! Big changes start with individuals. Companies and governments respond to what people demand. By making greener choices and speaking up for the planet, you help create a cleaner, healthier future. Every action counts—because when we all do a little, together we achieve a lot! Please join us by writing your pledge on a piece of paper and sharing it on social media!

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Make Your Mark – What size is your Carbon Footprint?

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

What Is a Carbon Footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), that a person, product, or activity releases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to climate change. Almost everything we do—driving a car, using electricity, eating food, or even buying clothes—adds to our carbon footprint. For example, when you eat a burger, carbon is released from raising the cows, transporting the meat, and cooking it. The same goes for using a smartphone, which requires energy to make, charge, and use. Even streaming videos online has a footprint because it requires massive data centers running on electricity. Plastic has a big carbon footprint because it’s made from fossil fuels like oil and gas. Making just 1 kg of plastic releases 2.5 to 6 kg of CO₂. Transporting, using, and throwing it away adds even more pollution. Reducing plastic use helps protect the planet from climate change!Reducing your carbon footprint means making choices that create less pollution, like walking instead of driving, eating less meat, recycling, and using renewable energy. Every small change helps slow down climate change. Your choices today can make a big impact on the future of our planet! If you would like to measure your carbon footprint there are some great sites to do so. We like the one from WWF Australia – check it out!https://wwf.org.au/get-involved/ecological-footprint-calculatorhttps://wwf.org.au/get-involved/ecological-footprint-calculator Here is another good one from the Nature Conservancyhttps://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator Think about what changes you would like to make in your life and share your pledge with us on Saturday! The Church of the Holy Spirit, Hazendal held an eco-audit – to measure their use of electricity and water. They mended leaks and changed their light bulbs

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Ash Wednesday 2025 – Sustainable Shift

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Turn away from sin and believe the good news” These are the words that are said as the priest marks you with the cross of ashes.  Turn away from sin Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This reminds us that no one is perfect—we all make mistakes. That includes how we care for the environment. Maybe we’ve littered, wasted food, or ignored the impact of our choices. But God calls us to be stewards of His creation (Genesis 2:15). Even though we’ve fallen short, we have the chance to change. Small actions—like reducing plastic waste, conserving water, or planting trees—reflect a heart that values what God has given us. Our mistakes don’t define us; our willingness to do better does. You have the power to influence the future. Will you help heal what’s broken? Let’s take responsibility, not just for ourselves but for the world around us. When we care for creation, we honor the Creator. It’s never too late to start making a difference. Believe the good news For years, we’ve been fed this idea that humans are the problem, that just by existing, we’re harming the planet. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to do less, take less, be less. And sure, being mindful matters, but what if our real power isn’t in pulling back, but in stepping up? What if we’re not here to shrink our existence, but to find our light and let it shine—brightly, boldly, and unapologetically? Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to leave a footprint. It’s time to rewrite the story. Maximizing our footprint isn’t about being reckless or consuming endlessly. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about recognizing that we do have power—and using that power to create more good in the world. Let’s start with the 40 days of Lent! Share a photo of yourself with the Ash Cross!

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