#fast4earth

Let Nature In

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

“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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Prepare for Action: Caring for God’s Creation

“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?

“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

“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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Ash Wednesday 2025 – Sustainable Shift

“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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