by Rev. Ryan Cullumber
Associate Pastor, Harbor Christian Church
On April 22nd the world celebrates God’s creation on International Mother Earth Day. It is a day:
- to give thanks and feel gratitude for this amazing planet and all the life that it supports;
- to recognize and feel the interconnectedness not only between people but also all of the life around us;
- to see the Body of Christ as encompassing all of the natural world, not just humans;
- to see how each ecosystem, when it is working in balance, sustains life and supports neighboring ecosystems.
- to see how all of the ecosystems are unique and beautiful in their own ways and necessary for the thriving of life everywhere.
It is humbling to slow down enough to think how amazing this planet is and how the Earth provides everything we need to survive and thrive. And not just for humanity but for all of life from the microscopic organisms to the Blue Whales. The Earth is truly a gift from God.
One of the major ecosystems that supports all life on this planet are the oceans. The oceans and the creatures that inhabit them produce nearly half the oxygen on Earth. World Aquatic Animal Day has been celebrated every year on April 3rd since 2020. This day raises awareness about wildlife that lives in or near the water. These places not only include oceans, rivers and lakes but also reservoirs and wetlands.
One of the creatures that most of us have not given a second thought to is plankton. Zooplankton, animal-like plankton and phytoplankton, plant-like plankton are the base of the ocean’s food chain and provide half the oxygen on this planet. Without plankton we as a species would not survive along with many others. So as you take a breath remember to thank our tiny friends for their contribution to this amazing creation we call home.
Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, California has established a program called Living Coast Ministry (formerly Blue Theology) that focuses on the interconnection between the natural marine world and the divine. Our Living Coast Theologians enjoy a week-long summer residential program at Harbor Christian Church. Harbor is located just across the street from the Upper Newport Back Bay. Being located in coastal Southern California gives us access to many wild places that most people never have the opportunity to experience. Living Coast Ministry at Harbor supports participants in visiting these natural wonders while helping to develop an ecological spirituality.
What do we mean by ecological spirituality? Throughout the week, each group enjoys hands-on experiences that deeply connect them to the surrounding ocean and shoreline ecology. Each evening participants are led in discussions, sacred experiences and activities that support them in crafting their unique ecological lens on spirituality. In other words, Living Coast Ministry brings together real world experience and the sacred, allowing participants to ask new questions of their faith and to open to more expansive experiences of the divine.
We love the opportunity to host youth groups and their chaperones from all over the country. To date we have hosted groups from Minnesota, Colorado as well as local groups from Southern California. This summer we will welcome groups from California, Kentucky and Maryland. Our Living Coast Ministry team would love to hear from and potentially host you and your group.
