September 2nd
Creation Care

Creation Care at Mount Royal Mennonite Church

September 2, 2021

September 1 marks the start of the Season of Creation. The month of September is a good time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through repenting, repairing, and rejoicing together. I will write a weekly blog to help us focus on various aspects of the creation which sustains us. ~ Claire Ewert Fisher

Trees, for me, “give off hints of gladness” (Mary Oliver). They help me to slow down, to re-energize and to appreciate life. I sense God’s presence when I am close to trees. Each time I’ve bought a house, its nearness to trees has impacted my decision.

This past summer, the vast destruction of forests around the world was particularly distressing.

  • On September 1, 2021, of the 592 wildfires in Saskatchewan this summer, 62 are still active. This number surpasses by more than 150 fires the province's five-year average.  (Government of Saskatchewan report)
  • The fires raging in Siberia are bigger than fires in Greece, Turkey, Italy, the United States and Canada combined. Analysts warn that 2021 could surpass Russia’s worst fire year, 2012. (Greenpeace Russia)

            Did you know?

  • Globally, wildfires have many impacts on humans, wildlife and the economy. Wildfires are a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions and are also responsible for 5-8% of the 3.3 million annual premature deaths from poor air quality, research suggests. (carbonbrief.org)
  • Young trees are 25% better at absorbing CO2 (carbon dioxide) than older trees. Planting trees has the potential to preserve endangered species and shrubs that wildlife depend on. The most important side to planting trees is the shade trees provides. Planting near streams can lower water temperatures by ten degrees. (Cieara West, Ocean Blue Project)

            What can we do?

  • In this season of Creation, pray regularly for all God’s created order
  • Take a walk, or several walks through the trees and see how their leaves are changing colours and dropping to the ground to build up the humus stores
  • Let’s plant some trees! The Meewasin Memorial Forest in Gabriel Dumont Park is a special way to contribute to the conservation work.

Check it out at https://meewasin.com/donate/