CAPTION: The Live Lent Challenge is available in adult and child friendly formats and as an app
Caring for God’s Creation: New Live Lent 40 Day Challenge
The Church of England is highlighting the climate crisis with a new 40 day #LiveLent resource themed around the first Genesis account of creation and the call to care for God’s world.
It was launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Lambeth Palace.
He said: “COP26 [the UN climate conference in Glasgow this November] is a unique opportunity for the future of this planet.
By providence, we have the Lambeth Conference this summer, with 655 bishops coming from 160 countries, most of which are affected – in ways that threaten life – by climate change.
“Today, not in 50 years, today, and without the resources to defend themselves from that.
“Climate change is causing war, inter-ethnic violence, food shortages… and is in every way a current catastrophe.”
Live Lent is available as an app or in small easy-to-use booklets. There is also a version aimed at families.
For each day of Lent they include a Bible reading, a short reflection and an action designed to help you, your family and your church live in greater harmony with God, neighbour and nature.
It is being recommended as a resource for a Sunday service, for housegroups, individuals and children. To order copies go to: www.churchofengland.org/livelent
Live Lent was inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2020 Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio. The book is bursting with practical advice as well as biblical reflection, discussion questions and prayers.
It is a call to look after the world that God has made – and to share in God’s joy and creativity by making a difference for good.
To read more about the launch, click here.
Our Diocesan Environment Officer, Chris Keppie, attended the #LiveLent launch, and is encouraging churches and individuals to engage with the campaign.
He would love to hear from anyone who has environmental events planned: “We’d be delighted to hear about and promote events such as special services, beach cleans, tree planting, EcoChurch meetings, and would also love to see and share the photos afterwards.
It would also be great to hear about plans you or your church may have such as switching to renewable energy or pledging to eat or travel more sustainably.” Get in touch with Chris
Tickets are also still available for The Big Green Event at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 22 February. This one-day festival about faith and the environment is the Saturday before Lent starts, so is perfect to get you in the mood! Hear from Bishop Nick Holtam, National Lead Bishop for the Environment, and take part in the brilliant line up of workshops. To book click here
