Interdependence

In July we mark Canada Day, and in the US they mark Independence Day. These national holidays focus on freedom, nationhood, and independence. In contrast, today we will focus on our interdependence and interconnectedness with all creation.

Our readings came from Deuteronomy 6:4 and excerpts from 1 Cor. 12:14-27.

The body analogy used in the second passage could just as easily be applied to a forest, or any ecosystem. We are all parts of something bigger than ourselves, and all parts play their own important roles. Randy Woodley, a Cherokee theologian, calls it the “community of creation.” He writes that the community of creation seeks restoration of harmony between people and “the Creator, the earth, and all that God provides through the earth such as plants and animals.”

In our wandering and wondering time we were invited to pay attention to what drew our attention, and allow them to be our teacher or preacher about interdependence with this place and the lives that live here.

Benediction:
Thank you God, for your presence among us today. Go with us from this place and enable us to live with wisdom and humility, knowing we are connected in a tapestry of relationships that stretches across the earth. Amen. 

Our worship today was a tapestry of interconnection with others who are engaging in various forms of eco-spirituality or land-based worship. The theme came from Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship's contribution to the summer Wild Church worship series in Leader magazine. The opening prayer and closing benediction were adapted from Dirt Church Liturgy. And some of our practices were picked up at the Wild Church Network retreat in June.