Embracing the Good News for Planet Earth
Laudoto Si’ and The
Story of Stuff
Lately I’ve been reading Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis.
His book provides insight regarding the environmental problems that we currently
face; discusses the Gospel as it relates to creation; and concludes with a
persuasive call to action. What really
intrigues me is his concept of Earth as our common
home. In
today’s society we focus intensely on ourselves as individuals or our families with
their very busy schedules in what Pope Francis likes to label as
“rapidification”. But we truly ALL share this one precious, finite, and
beautiful planet, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, nationality,
and socio-economic status; this is OUR common home. What we as individuals do, or do not do, in
our own backyard or in our communities can truly affect others. Our job is to protect and cherish our planet and
to open dialogues with one another concerning care for our common
home.
“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation,
each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and
talents.” ~Pope Francis
Recently I was introduced to The Story of
Stuff, a very thought provoking
20 minute cartoon movie about the way we as a culture make, use, and throw away
all the STUFF in our
lives. For me personally it made me
think twice about my actions as a consumer, and the impacts my decisions make,
both locally and globally. Watch this online
video at www.storyofstuff.org and share it
with family and friends—it’s very kid friendly. The website includes activities
and more information.
We encourage you to:
ü Get a jump start on spring
cleaning - Begin cleaning out
your home - collecting clothes, toys, etc. that you no longer use. Olivet’s annual garage sale will be Saturday,
February 27 - a perfect time to get rid of stuff or even find something you
always wanted. It’s WIN/WIN: you reduce
the clutter in your home, and also support the work and mission of OCC.
ü Get the kids involved - This is a perfect opportunity to talk with your kids about consumption in
ways they can understand. For example,
for each new toy they received at Christmas, encourage them to donate an older
toy to our garage sale or another charity.
ü Use the ‘Re-use, Re-purpose,
Re-cycle Center’ – the shelf
unit by the church mailboxes for small items—travel-size toiletries, empty pill
bottles, aluminum pull tabs, Labels for Education, Best Choice and Campbell’s
labels. They’re put to work in new ways.
ü Become involved and engaged
with our bulletin board - We list
valuable resources, activities for your families, and a way that you can show
your support for our common home.
If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us
think we’d be happy with more?
For more information, or questions you want
answered, please contact Kaitlyn Bradley at kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com
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