by Rev. Ryan Cullumber
Associate Pastor, Harbor Christian Church
Freshwater Ecosystems
Life on Earth depends on healthy ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands, rivers, mangroves and aquifers, are a critical part of the global water cycle – supplying, purifying and protecting freshwater resources. We often do not think about where our water comes from and simply take it for granted when we turn on our taps. Water is the source of life and everyone needs access to clean and safe drinking water.
World Water Day is March 22nd. World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. Ecosystems supply, purify and protect freshwater resources. Apart from directly captured rainwater, humans get every drop of freshwater from either groundwater, surface water or frozen water.
Freshwater ecosystems such as wetlands and marshes mitigate the effects of floods and drought. These important ecosystems protect the land from erosion and inundation and help to regulate water flows. These freshwater ecosystems are also important breeding grounds for aquatic animals and migratory birds. Because of habitat loss and the dangers of pollution, biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems is in danger. In fact freshwater species are going extinct more rapidly than terrestrial or marine species.
Another benefit of preserving these wild places is that wetlands such as mangroves, seagrasses, marshes and swamps are highly effective carbon sinks that absorb and store carbon dioxide. All these ecosystems are examples of how the natural world acts like the body of Christ, each with an important and vital role to play.
Living Coast Ministry
Harbor Christian Church 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 in Newport Beach, California. 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. If you would like more information on Living Coast Ministry in Newport Beach please click here:
