Earthy Wisdom: Oceans

If I were to weave a rug, it would be one colour, bulky and uneven. It wouldn’t lay right on the floor. But a master weaver, exercising skill and wisdom, creates exquisite designs with interconnecting patterns, overlapping threads, and shifting colours. The wisdom and skill of the weaver is literally woven into the fabric of the rug.

The oceans are like a multidimensional living tapestry. Interdependent life forms exist within ecosystems sustained by balanced exchanges of matter and energies, all dwelling together within layered webs of interconnected systems.

Psalm 104 describes this intricate interconnected system as a reflection of God’s wisdom, and as an expression of wisdom. The way the mussels filter water and ocean plants produce oxygen is Wisdom. The way the open ocean stores heat is Wisdom. Creation is the incarnation of God’s Wisdom.

As humans we have our life and breath within this interconnected, evolving tapestry which is the universe, which is the creative work of God. It is our birthright to be a part of this joyous, vibrant creation. 

Wisdom not only forms the intricate balance and structures of creation, but instructs humans how to live well within this created order. Wisdom tells us to work with—not against—the will of God woven into creation, and to live in alignment with the natural processes that uphold and sustain life on earth.

How do we live so as to be in tune with the natural order that wisdom has woven into the oceans? Will this choice I am making harm, help, or heal life upon this earth? 

We make micro choices every day that affect the oceans. Because these choices are small, and the challenge of climate crisis so huge,  it’s easy to think they don’t matter. But these ARE the choices that are within our sphere of influence. It’s only as we, collectively, as human beings align our ethical choices back to the Wisdom within creation, that the earth will have a chance to heal. 

Wisdom is calling out to us like some radical street preacher. You want a harmonious, whole creation? Seek the will and wisdom of God. Eleven million metric tonnes of plastics enter our ocean every year. Plastic particles are being found in the placenta of pregnant women.  This is not the will and Wisdom of God.

The wise person, Wisdom tells us, will align one’s life to support the intricate balance and harmony within nature. The foolish person will ignore and disregard her call.

Question for Reflection: What small daily shift can you make this week to protect and heal the ocean?

Worship Calendar

Location & Zoom. We meet on Sundays at 15639 24 Avenue, Surrey. Zoom is offered if you cannot attend in person. Zoom link. Meeting ID: 831 1690 9977 password: 753319

Listen to Sermons
Follow “Meditations from the Church at Southpoint” on Spotify, Apple and Google

Blogs
Catch up on Anne’s recent blogs under “News” on our website, southpoint.ca

Sun Apr 7
(2) Opening to Love
Rev Anne Baxter Smith
John 21:1-19

Sun Apr 14
(3) Receiving Clarity
Rev Anne Baxter Smith
Acts 3:12-19
 
Sun Apr 21
Rev Scott Swanson
Acts 4:5-12

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

If you’d like to really peek inside, sign up for our weekly Southpoint News (scroll to brown footer at bottom of page). The Southpoint News is a MailChimp distributed email—you can unsubscribe anytime and will not be added to our contacts list. Email us at office@southpoint.ca. Website: southpoint.ca.

Celebrating Kinship with Creation

We’re observing the Season of Creation over the Sundays leading to St Francis of Assisi day on Oct 4.

With readings in a liturgical pattern similar to that of Advent, the series follows a broad pattern of creation, alienation, passion and new creation, giving special attention to the story of the Earth, which complements the story of God and the story of humanity in the Scriptures.

Sun. Sep 11Fauna Sunday
“Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Praise the Lord!”
—Ps. 148.10
Bring a found object that represents the animal kingdom.

Sun. Sep 18Storm Sunday

Sun. Sep 25 ALL IN
Cosmos Sunday

Sun. Oct 2 
St Francis Sunday
Blessing of the animals

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

If you’d like to really peek inside, sign up for our weekly Southpoint News (scroll to brown footer at bottom of page). The Southpoint News is a MailChimp distributed email—you can unsubscribe anytime and will not be added to our contacts list. Email us at office@southpoint.ca. Website: southpoint.ca.