Earth Day 2020 – 50th Anniversary

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Fifty years ago, April 22, 1970 was the first Earth Day. It marked a watershed in history with millions of people rallying and calling for collective action to protect our planet. It was just the beginning…..

How do we mark Earth Day today, in the midst of sheltering in place? With no rallies or cleanups or gatherings allowed? We begin by giving thanks. We open our hearts with gratitude and love for Mother Earth and for all that she provides, no strings attached. We revel in her beauty and abundance! We go outside and get our hands dirty. We see and feel the natural beauty and interconnection of all living things, and say yes to standing together and caring for her.

What can you do?  Despite the Covid limitations, there are still plenty of ways to connect with others, albeit virtually, and actions you can take individually and collectively.

Join Plymouth’s EcoChallenge 

One great way to get involved, and positively impact the world in community with other Plymouth members, is to participate in the Draw Down EcoChallenge, as part of the Plymouth Church Team.

What is the Eco Challenge?
Powered by the Northwest Earth Institute since 2009, EcoChallenge is an online educational platform that challenges you to take action on environmental and social issues that matter to you. Common wisdom says it takes at least three weeks to change a habit: if you can stick with new behavior for 21 days in a row, we believe you’re a lot more likely to keep it up forever. Throughout the event, Eco-challengers share their progress and reflect in the social feed, earn points for taking action, and watch the impact they make add up in real time!
Getting signed up is really easy—just check out our video tutorial!
But I have so many questions about what it is and how it works! No problem. We’ve created a handy set of FAQs to help you navigate this challenge!
This challenge is a simple, enjoyable way to connect with fellow Plymouth members, while also multiplying our collective impact as we work to make our Earth cleaner and greener. Sign up today!
There are also dozens of Earth Day virtual events happening on April 22 and all week locally and nationally. You need only search on-line to connect with live-streamed events to get ideas and inspiration about ways you can make a difference. Go to MNEarthDay.org to see a full listing of local events and organizations you can connect with.
You can also check out these two articles featured in the Star Tribune:

Plymouth’s Prayer Circle

As part of Plymouth’s Earth Sunday, we’ve created a “Prayer Circle” in the garden near the Jones Commons entrance. The circle, which is based on Ojibwe spiritual teachings, was guided by Sharon Day an Ojibwe elder. Sharon has created these circles on land all around the country as she has led ceremonies and walks that follow the path of rivers.
In this short video Sharon talks about the prayer circle and how it is a place for reflection and prayer for the earth and the water and our relatives and all that is. She encourages each of us to find a special place and make our own prayer circle where we can lay our prayers. Everyone is also invited to use Plymouth’s prayer circle.

 

Earth Sunday in July

We still have plans for an in-person Earth Sunday celebration at Plymouth on July 12th. Don Shelby will be here to give the sermon and there will be informational tables and activities for all ages in Jones Commons. We hope to see you there.
In the meantime, stay well and peace be with you ~
Plymouth’s Climate and Environmental Justice group
“The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” —Lady Bird Johnson