by Sandy Drescher-Lehman
Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman (Methacton [Norristown, PA]) shares a blessing crying out for better stewardship of God’s creation and beginning the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom series. Originally published by MC USA and reprinted with permission.
Wild blessings
Wild blessings to all who feel burdened, by the love of Christ, to invite people into direct relationship with some of the most vulnerable victims of our destructive cultures: the land, waters and creatures with whom we share our homes. May we serve alongside them, to help us all flourish.
Wild blessings to all who are aware and repentant for the injustice of claiming the sacred space of the [name(s) of those who lived on this land before the Europeans arrived] people as our own. May we honor their spirits, who continue to live with us. And may you, Great Spirit, who created us all, keep us mindful of those who have thrived and died on these lands and waterways for many generations before us.
Wild blessings of laughter and tears, love and heartache, filling our prayers, which continually blow through the trees and grasses, rocks and creatures. May we work to sustain the waters that flow through these lands and feed all the life they nourish. And may we be renewed with rest, grateful for our place in the story of creation.
Wild blessings of mindful living, as winter turns to spring, cold days turn to warmer ones, noticing what is thawing and rising with blessings in our hearts and in our souls. Renew our faith that our gratitude adds peace to the world. Amen (or Aho).
Sandy and her husband, John Drescher-Lehman, a therapist, host a Wild Church gathering each third Sunday afternoon of the month at their home and retreat center in Southeast Pennsylvania.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.