Creation Care Course Week 2
Let the waters be separated
In this session our theme is the power of water, created by God as a valuable resource for all – both in the spiritual and in the physical sense in our lives. We look at the impacts of climate change on water supply and the quality of water. We consider our levels of respect for and relationship with this vital resource.
Optional preparation reading
‘Saying Yes to Life’ book, Chapter 2
Welcome back to week 2 – opening questions
Any good news stories in terms of actions taken already or plans made since we have started the Creation Care series?
Are we finding this topic tricky and how can we help each other?
Bible reading selected from
Genesis 1: 6-8
Psalm 42: 1-2
Psalm 65: 9-13
Ezekiel 36: 25-27
John 4:10 -15
Optional video viewing
Your group may watch these in advance of meeting to allow more discussion time:
Ruth interviews Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town - Saying Yes to Life Resources
Katharine Heyhoe - Film seven: Climate change is a threat multiplier - Tearfund
Video discussion and questions
Our discussion this week includes looking at the many ways water impacts our lives and we consider our respect for water as God’s gift to us. Our themes include considering if we sin by wasting and polluting water and looking at how we can protect water provision better as a church and in our own lives.
Your leader may also email you some specific questions to consider in advance of the session.
Reflection and prayer
Closing with gratitude to Jesus, the water of life, and requests for renewed motivation to conserve water as part of God’s creation.
“Climate change does not respect borders; it does not respect who you are – rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call ‘global challenges,’ which require global solidarity.”
– Ban Ki-moon
Actions and ambitions planner –
How can I show more gratitude for water?
Short Term – I can do this today!
Make a note of every time you use water today, ask all the family to join. Review the list and seek easy steps you can take to reduce the quantity of water you use individually and as a family
Each time you use water – turn on a tap, flush the toilet, etc pray for those who do not have easy access to clean water
Become aware of your ‘virtual water’ usage www.waterfootprint.org
Steam your vegetables over an existing saucepan on the cooker rather than use another pan of water. They will taste better too!
Shower more, bath less and time your shower – do you really need to sing all those songs before you even start washing?
Leave a bucket or two out to catch rainwater for the garden
You will love this one – Clean your car less – think of even more exciting things you could do with the time or use the money you spent at a car wash to give to water related charity
Medium Term – I will start on this next week and work on it!
Transition to more eco-friendly cleaning products that are made using less water
Check out charities that are working to improve clean water supply to the world’s most needy such as Unicef, WaterAid, Toilet Twinning (www.toilettwinning.org) you may want to make a one-off or a regular donation
Consider a water butt at home to preserve the rainwater for garden use
Think about reducing meat consumption and/or dairy consumption – huge amounts of water are needed for sustaining the animals that we eat. Meat free Mondays are a great way to start!
Longer Term – New Year Resolution!
Get writing! Time to pen that letter or email to a company or an MP to ask that they act on water
Water is required to produce textiles. Being more responsible with the amount of new clothing you purchase, buying fewer new items. Think about saving water, emissions and money by buying second hand or just consuming less?
Do you have a water cooler in the office, at church? Think about drinking water and raising money for Christian Aid: Aquaid projects