Rev. Kathi's Message

Sometimes it helps to see examples of the ingenuity of the human spirit being used for the common good. This week, some people on our West coast did a lovely thing: In the first crowdfunding effort of its kind, they raised $3 million to purchase a stretch of coastal wilderness in British Columbia to save it from development.

 

An article on the CBC web site described the movement:

"Crowdfunding efforts were organized by B.C. Parks Foundation, a non-profit group whose mission is to protect natural landscapes in the province. The foundation's CEO Andrew Day told the CBC that the land, which is being sold by a private owner, had some interest from logging companies and developers. So, people stepped up to stop that from happening. And it wasn't just a handful of rich donors who pooled their money—scores of average Canadians offered what they could to the fundraising effort."

Last week the world watched as Swedish teen and climate activist, Greta Thunberg completed a 15 day trip to New York City aboard a zero-emission sailing boat. Greta is calling all people, but especially young people, to take a stand against the destruction of our world by chronic polluters. She is drawing support of ordinary citizens from all over for her Climate Strikes – walkouts intended to bring attention to the growing crisis and demand a change. (Greta’s work is the cover of the most recent Broadview Magazine)

 

As we watch institutions collapse and governments stumble, it's a good and hopeful reminder that "we the people" have more power than ever before to advocate and act for a better world. We have the tools to democratize equality, access and wellbeing. 

All great social transformations, including the start of the Christian movement, started with a small group of people doing something daring together for the common good. It's the way the Spirit is moving - and has always moved - among us. Inspired by courage and creativity, there is so much we can do to make our world better.

 

Kathi

 

PS. If you are looking to help with the aftermath of hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, The United Church of Canada is accepting funds to help with relief and reconstruction efforts, working with global partners the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) and ACT Alliance (ACT). ACT’s regional office in El Salvador is mobilizing a rapid assessment team in the Bahamas to assess humanitarian needs.



Please include the people of the Bahamas in your prayers as they face the long and difficult journey from emergency response to reconstruction and recovery.