Anglican EcoCare
Communing with creation More than 40 people from East Lake Macquarie Anglican Parish ‘communed with creation’ around a picturesque location as part of an inaugural Meaningful Meander event.
There was also an element of listening. What was the being trying to say? What might God be saying through this creation?
The parishioners met near the Pirrita Island boardwalk, behind Swansea Holiday Park, for the walk, which included shorter and longer distances to cater for people of varying abilities.
Finally, they were asked to find a way to offer love by saying thanks, offering a prayer to God for the encounter, or wishing their new friend well. The aim was to find a way to acknowledge the gift that had been received and the desire to give something in return.
Following a brief prayer, participants were instructed to meander, linger, listen, and love. They set off to slowly walk or look around and see if they could notice if any member of creation attracted their attention – it might be a cloud, a tree, or a plant. The aim was to linger, to pause, and to use their senses to take in the wonder of this creature: the colours, shapes, smells, and textures.
Participants were asked to consider entering into dialogue with this member of creation, calling to mind St Francis talking to the birds and seeking Brother Sun and Sister Moon.
According to Anglican EcoCare Newcastle, to contemplate creation is to hear a message, to listen to a paradoxical and silent voice. It encourages people to listen to other beings – to learn from animals, birds, the sky, and the land. This can be done inside or outside. Following the success of the Meaningful Meander, Anglican EcoCare Newcastle will be encouraging other parishes to organise similar events in the near future.
Visit Anglican EcoCare’s Facebook page to stay up to date.
Encounter October 2023
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