Back in 1980, there was an impending crisis looming tall in the cascade mountains of Washington. Mt. St. Helens, an active volcano, was showing signs that it was near erupting. Authorities worked to evacuate the area in preparation, and news stations got their helicopters and cameras ready. Then, on May 18th, at 8:32 am, it happened. With an energy equivalent to 1500 atom bombs, the volcano spewed rock and superheated gas outward at speeds of up to 400 MPH; the surrounding area was decimated.
Yet not all was lost. In the midst of the ash and the rubble were what scientists call "refugia:" small ecosystems of life protected under stones and trees. From these "refugia" sprung new life on the mountain: they were refuges where new life could come in the midst of destruction.
Listen as Pastor Clint explores how the Christian church can become a "refugia" in our world today: by remembering the dignity of creation, practicing care of creation, and living our capacity in creation, the church can become a place where life springs forth in the midst of a world that is in ecologically dire straits.
Sermon Resources:
1. IPBES Report on earth's Ecosystem - https://ipbes.net/global-assessment
2. U of A Report on American Food Waste: https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2004/11/26/US-wastes-half-its-food
3. "Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth," by Debra Rienstra - Pastor Clint borrows the analogy of refugia for the church from this book.
4. For graphics on order in Genesis 1, email us at clint.springpeople@gmail.com
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