It’s a Beautiful Earth (Learning, Listening, and Loving the land)
Five Fridays in The Season of Creation, 10:00 am, @ St. Thomas Church and an outdoor location in Rosedale
Facilitated by Terisha Bailey, Aleesha Jones, Jodi Krahn, and Rev. James Hwang
Sept 5 Week 1- The Beauty of All Created Things
Facilitated by Terisha Bailey. Terisha will show the beauty and importance to mankind of insects considered bad or unpleasant. Mosquitoes and flies come to mind because they make us itchy or plague our fruit bowl or lay eggs that become wriggle maggots. She will present them in their beauty by sharing macro photos of their gorgeous faces, wing shapes and intricate behaviors and together, we will discuss and reflect upon what services and importance they hold. We can be connected to not only the beautiful or ‘good’ parts of creation, but we can have a renewed appreciation with those that might not be as desirable – Just like in all of life!
Terisha Bailey is a Field Crop Entomology Research Technician, working in the Integrated Pest Management department of the Agassiz Research & Development Centre under Dr. Wim van Herk. Integrated Pest Management means using a variety of tools, techniques, and monitoring, to manage pest population, rather than just relying on pesticides. Essentially, we research methods of managing insect pests of field crop vegetables while using the least amount of pesticide possible. Environmental protection and human health is foundational to everything we do. The better we understand how species live, reproduce, feed, and interact within their ecosystem, the better equipped we are to find balance between them and our need to produce food.
Sept 12 Week 2 – Caring for the Earth
Facilitated by Terisha Bailey. This session will be a farm focused session speaking to some of their challenges from a pest/environmental perspective followed up with an explanation of how we try to manage these challenges without pesticides or environmentally deleterious means. We will interactively engage in conversation around supporting farmers and agriculture from the perspective of protecting creation. Fun fact: green leafy vegetables that have insect holes/bites in them are healthier for us to consume because when the insect bites a hole, plant defensive compounds are sent to the site to heal it which can increase antioxidant values. Knowing this, we can try not to turn our nose up to produce that is not perfect, which reduces food waste.
Sept 19 Week 3 – Indigenous Learning, Listening, and Loving the Land
Facilitated by Aleesha Jones. Aleesha will share a First Nations perspective of relationship with land and creation. She will share a differing perspective on the hierarchy between humans and the natural world. Aleesha will guide an exploratory conversation on how humans can be seen as stewards instead of rulers of the earth if we recognize the interwoven and interdependent nature of our relationship.
Aleesha Tearl Jones is an Nlaka’pamux woman, however, she was born in Coast Salish territory where she now lives and works among the Stó꞉lō people. Aleesha has completed a Master of Science at the University of British Columbia in the Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems program. Aleesha works at Seabird Island Band, as the Food Sovereignty Coordinator. In her role she addresses the contemporary challenges of establishing sovereign food systems within the community. Aleesha’s hobbies include knitting, beading, reading, gardening and canning.
Sept 26 Week 4 – Wild Church (*Note: 9:30am – 2 pm in Rosedale)
Facilitated by Jodi Krahn. Jodi is a Wild Church facilitator and passionate about being with God in all creation – the roofless cathedral. Jodi will lead us to enjoy and engage with God as we listen and linger in nature at a location in Rosedale. Bring a bag lunch and/or food to share. In the afternoon Jodi will lead a Going Deeper session to look at Mother Earth and the Divine Mother as sacred presence. Dress appropriate for being outdoors for this event.
Jodi is a psychotherapist, spiritual director, and life coach. Jodi has been facilitating workshops, retreats, women's circles and spiritual formation circles for several decades. Jodi is passionate about gathering community together to listen to Spirit and self in creative and embodied ways. Jodi lives on a farm in the Okanagan with her husband, and her dog River. She loves playing with her grandchildren, spending time with family and friends, hiking in forests, dancing the 5 Rhythms, reading good poetry, expressive painting and pickle ball!
Oct 3 Week 5 – St. Francis, Patron Saint of Creation
Facilitated by the Rev. James Hwang. Who is Francis? How did he encounter and embody God in the world? What does his spirituality tell us today in our world? It would not be too much to say Francis is one of the most favorite saints of the modern Christian community. From my personal experience and stories, we will explore together what we can learn from St. Francis.
James is the rector at St. Matthew in Abbotsford. He has been a Franciscan since 2003 while living in Korea. He has an extensive back ground in theological studies, pastoral counselling, and Franciscan Spirituality. James embodies what he believes and is a sincere and humble servant of Christ. He is a blessing to anyone who spends time with him.
No registration or fee - Drop in! Donations are gratefully received.
(cover image credit: pexels_KelseyErinSky-20797717)
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