Yesterday our congregation observed its own Earth Hour during worship. We turned off the lights and went without our projection equipment for the morning. Our music director played the piano rather than the organ and our children's time focussed on care for the planet God has created and is creating.
When I asked the kids how many had observed Earth Hour on Saturday evening I was surprised by how many hands shot up. They were eager to tell me of what had happened in their homes. Apparently school children were encouraged during class to mark Earth Hour and there was an automated phone message from the school board reminding households to turn off the lights.
Although we have since heard that energy use dropped by ten percent during the hour -- the target -- this was only one hour. Skeptics argue that this isn't much of a victory given the enormous challenge of reversing climate change.
Of course I am in the business of symbols and know how powerful they can be. The sacraments of baptism and communion point us to a greater spiritual reality even though some argue they are nothing more than water and wind and bread.
I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of our children and want to believe that this symbolic action can lead to a change of outlook across the generations. Christ can be our light in the darkness and even lead us toward darkness for the greater good.
When I asked the kids how many had observed Earth Hour on Saturday evening I was surprised by how many hands shot up. They were eager to tell me of what had happened in their homes. Apparently school children were encouraged during class to mark Earth Hour and there was an automated phone message from the school board reminding households to turn off the lights.
Although we have since heard that energy use dropped by ten percent during the hour -- the target -- this was only one hour. Skeptics argue that this isn't much of a victory given the enormous challenge of reversing climate change.
Of course I am in the business of symbols and know how powerful they can be. The sacraments of baptism and communion point us to a greater spiritual reality even though some argue they are nothing more than water and wind and bread.
I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of our children and want to believe that this symbolic action can lead to a change of outlook across the generations. Christ can be our light in the darkness and even lead us toward darkness for the greater good.
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