From the Chaplains

From the Chaplains

Thank you for being part of our Season of Creation

Over the past few weeks, we have joined with the Global Church in the celebration of the Seasons of Creation.

We have been so delighted with the contributions that you have made to this important topic through each of the Chapel Services. 

Thank you for your attention and for your contributions in many so many ways, including those of you who were brave enough to be filmed as part of the first reflection.

Most importantly we want to say thank you for contributions to the gradual growth of our Tree of Wisdom that is currently taking pride of place in the Chapel Sanctuary. It is made from thousands of pieces of recycled paper that would have otherwise gone into landfill that takes its inspiration from the symbol above. You will remember that in week 7 we created the branches and roots, week 8 the soil and grass and last week the sky.

Now that it is almost done, this tree represents our collective prayer through the commitments, hopes and dreams of our school to the environment. Between you all you have made no less than 5000 commitments to the environment. If you haven’t had a closer look please come into the chapel when you have a moment.

Rev. Cass and I have been blown away by the maturity, knowledge, care and concern that has been expressed through each contribution, some of which you will find below.

As we head off for the holidays, I want to encourage you to continue to hope, dream and take real action to care for the environment.

It is through each of our small contributions that together we will change the world in a way that brings hope, care and protection for the animals, plants and eco-systems that ensure our future, and the future of the most vulnerable of all things- our planet.

This is how we can be part of God’s love in caring for creation.

“God so loved the world (not just humanity) that he gave his only Son.’ John 3.16

Here are just some of the incredible commitments and hopes that you have included on the tree:

  • I will recycle my paper
  • My commitment is to take litter off the animals when I see them with it
  • Use public transport instead of cars
  • Plant trees
  • Shorter showers
  • Not keep the taps on for unnecessary amounts of time when not using it
  • Grey water systems
  • Turn lights off
  • Reduce my use of single use items
  • Open the curtains instead of using lights
  • I will put my rubbish in the bin
  • Don’t let food get wasted
  • I will use mor re-usable plastic containers and use dimmer lights in the bathroom to save electricity
  • Participate in the clothes swap
  • Don’t buy or use balloons
  • Use less paper
  • Spread knowledge about nature
  • Use rainwater
  • Re-wear outfits
  • I hope for a healthier environment where animals are safe and free
  • That there is no more rubbish/pollution in the oceans
  • Dear God, could you please heal warfare across the world for a united peace
  • I hope for less endangered animals
  • Use less ChatGPT
  • I hope that there are green spaces for people to enjoy like national parks
  • I hope that we achieve our sustainability goals by 2050
  • I hope that we prevent bush fires
  • I hope that landfill will decrease filling so rapidly
  • Dear God, could you heal earth and make the world a better place for everyone and everything

Rev. Danielle Hemsworth-Smith

College Chaplain