Lent Course
The world is in crisis; Creation is groaning. People and the Earth have been crying out for many years. But for too long, many people - particularly those in the global North - have chosen not to listen, instead remaining complicit in destruction and continuing to increase inequalities. In such a time as this, what have Christians got to offer?
Our doctrine of creation suggests that it was never meant to be like this, but that human nature is tarnished or fallen. The biblical narrative of salvation provides a remedy and challenges us to play our part in the process of redemption and re-creation. This is the journey that we will take together over the six sessions looking at the implications for our daily lives both as individuals and as communities of faith and hope.
We are here for such a time as this. Called to respond with words and actions. USPG partners with churches across the world in their mission of transforming lives through education, health care and justice for all. USPG’s partner churches offer us insights, hope and encouragement in the ways that they are confronting the issues of ecological justice in their own context: and in doing so, challenge us to respond: are we ready to accept the challenge?
Ar Gyfer Amser Fel Hwn (For such a time as this - Welsh)
For such a time as this - a theological introduction to ecological justice from the Asian Theological Academy the full article as referenced in Week 1 of the Study Course
Partner contributions to the USPG Online Lent Course
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Unfortunately, due to an impossible internet connection for the Lent course this week, Bishop Carlos Matsinhe had to communicate over the phone which affected audio quality. The transcript of his Bible reflection can be downloaded below.
Bishop Carlos Matsinhe's reflection on Romans 8:18-30 (PDF)
Week 5
Week 6
Introduction to the Asian Rural Institute (ARI)
Take my Hand - the Asian Rural Institute magazine
Read more about the ARI on their website
Suggestions for Opening Prayers
Lord, you love life; we owe our existence to you.
Give us reverence for life and love for every creature.
Sharpen our senses so that we shall recognise
the beauty and also the longing of your creation,
and, as befits your children,
treat our fellow creatures of the animal and plant kingdoms
with love as our brothers and sisters,
in readiness for your great day,
when you will make all things new.
From Switzerland
Creator God, breathing your own life into being,
you gave us the gift of life:
you placed us on this earth
with its minerals and waters,
flowers and fruits,
living creatures of grace and beauty.
You gave us the care of the earth.
Teach us, Creator God of Love,
that the earth and all its fullness is yours,
the world and all who dwell in it.
Call us yet again to safeguard the gift of life.
Christian Conference of Asia
Walk with love and care on God’s earth;
walk with vital awareness
of God’s comprehensive vision
and purpose for creation;
walk with awe and gratitude
to ensure justice to the trees and rivers
as well as the person next to you –
they are not without purpose in God’s vision.
A prayer from Archdeacon Taimalelagi Fagamalama Tuatagaloa, Samoa
Almighty God,
You created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them.
And you created humankind in your own image and it was very good;
Grant us the courage to recognize our failure to maintain your creation.
And by your grace help us to halt the degradation of our environment.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who came that we might have life in all its fullness
Amen
A prayer from the Anglican Consultative Council and Anglican Communion Environmental Network (Published in The World is Our Host, 2015)
Visit this page to Order copies for your church
Posters for your Church:
If you would like a poster to use in your church please find downloads below:
USPG will be facilitating a group that will gather on zoom with contributors to the course and other global partners, to study this course together on the six Mondays during Lent, on:
STUDY 1 For such a time. With the Asian Theological Academy.
Monday 22 February 10am GMT/UTC
STUDY 2 Creation. With the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.
Monday 1 March. 10am GMT/UTC
STUDY 3 The Fall. With the Diocese of Belize, Province of the West Indies.
Monday 8 March. 2.30pm GMT/UTC
STUDY 4. Salvation . With the Diocese of Lebombo, Mozambique.
Monday 15 March. 2.30pm GMT/UTC
STUDY 5. Restoration. With the Green Schools, Church of South India.
Monday 22 March. 10am GMT/UTC
STUDY 6. ReCreation. With the Asian Rural Institute, Japan.
Monday 29 March. 10am BST
To be a part of this online group please email Gwen Mtambirwa at gwenm@uspg.org.uk who will send booking details.
In order for your church Lent groups to be able to share in the wisdom that our partners offer to our online sessions we will be recording their contributions and posting them on this page by 5pm on the Monday of each week (starting on the 22 February)