Church study groups:
The Cry of the Earth, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ pastoral reflection on climate change, provides an excellent starting point for a series of discussions. It invites individuals and parish communities to reflect on the challenge of climate change and the actions we can take to help construct a more sustainable environment. Also, to reflect on the covenant between human beings and the environment “which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying”. See www.catholicbishops.ie/features/features-archive/1580.
The Diocese of Bath and Wells has produced a Lenten course called Love for the Future, which consists of six short films on DVD for house-groups or church services. The course poses the question, What can we find within ourselves to develop family and community life, respond to the environmental crises and achieve a sustainable world? It also looks at ways that we can allow God to develop within us respect, compassion, justice, simplicity, repentance and hope. See www.bathandwells.org.uk.
Operation Noah’s Between the Flood and The Rainbow is a six-week programme that looks at the causes and impacts of climate change, insights from scripture and suggested action based on Christian respect for the earth. The guide, which can be downloaded from www.operationnoah.org, includes prayers, liturgies, reflections and action sheets, which can be adapted to meet the needs of individual groups.
The Church in Society Environmental Advisory Group has produced an Environmental Bible Study – Five Studies on God’s Works in Creation and Redemption. These aim to show that creation care is an integral part of the Christian faith (not merely an option for a minority) and demonstrate that we all have a part to play, however implausible this may seem in view of the scale of the problems. See www.churchinsociety.org.
What does the Bible say about climate change? – a Lenten Bible study pack from the Methodist Relief and Development Fund – also contains material for six interactive and engaging sessions. As well as Bible readings, activities, discussion questions, prayer and action ideas are also included. The studies aim to provoke practical responses and to encourage people to rethink their attitudes and everyday lives in new and creative ways. This resource can be downloaded from www.mrdf.org.uk.
Also recommended is the Omega Climate Change Group’s resource – a five-week climate change course that encourages people to respond creatively, imaginatively and effectively to the challenge of climate change. See .www.omegaclimate.wordpress.com
Individual study and reflection:
For individual study, Judy Cannato’s Quantum Grace: Lenten Reflections on Creation and Connectedness (Ave Maria Press) is highly recommended. Through daily readings, Cannato provides compelling reflections and shows that “remaining vulnerable to the divine presence, allowing God to expose the places in our hearts that suffer from the illusion that we are separate and apart – this is the real work of Lent, and it is a co-creative activity that requires us to be honest with God so that God can be honest with us.”
Also recommended is Judy Cannato’s Quantum Grace: The Sunday Readings – Lenten Reflections on Creation and Connectedness (also Ave Maria Press).
Many people nowadays say that Lent is not a time for giving up, but for taking up. Love Life Live Lent is a delightful book filled with suggestions for both children and adults to undertake during Lent – small and fun actions that can inspire and transform one’s family, community and the wider world. See www.livelent.net.
And, finally, why not sign up to Tearfund’s Carbon Fast (www.tearfund.org), Christian Aid’s Count Your Blessings campaign (www.christianaid.ie) or The Ecumenical Water Network’s Seven Weeks for Water (www.oikoumene.org/7-weeks-for-water)?