Introducing…Renewal!
October 30, 2008
A formal introduction to the student creation care network Renewal, from its current coordinator, Anna Jane Joyner.
In August 2008, a dozen Christian college students and recent graduates from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered around a dinner table to explore how to connect, inspire and equip the growing movement of Christian students engaged in caring for God’s creation. Observing these passionate student leaders, I couldn’t help but feel that we were on the cusp of something big.
From this gathering, ‘Renewal: Students Caring for Creation’ was born. A student-initiated, student-led network, Renewal seeks to follow Jesus’ example of love, stewardship, and reconciliation. For us, this means taking care of everything that God so lovingly created: the earth and each other.
Two months after the initial planning meeting, I looked out across a room of over 50 Christian students from all across North America. These dedicated student leaders trekked out to Eastern University for our first event–the ‘Renewal Summit.’ They came eager to connect with other Christians engaged in caring for God’s creation and to get equipped to lead their campuses, local churches and communities.
The Renewal Summit is just the first of many gatherings. As we move forward, Renewal will continue to sponsor events and initiatives to equip and inspire Christian students to lead their communities in Christ-centered stewardship of all of God’s creation. Each year, the students of Renewal will organize prayer meetings, environmental service-projects, and public advocacy opportunities and invite the larger Christian community to join hands and hearts as we work together for the renewal of God’s creation! Please check out Renewal’s website for more information and upcoming events: www.renewingcreation.org
Anna Jane Joyner, a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina, is the Coordinator of Renewal, brought on to support the student leaders of this exciting new initiative. She lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
2008 Day of Prayer for Creation!
October 29, 2008
Join with the Renewal student network today as college students across the world pray for the renewal of God’s creation. You don’t have to be a college student or even know one to join in this day of prayer: pray for forgiveness for our treatment of God’s world, pray for wisdom in how to take better care of that world, pray for God’s love to be known throughout creation, and pray out of gratitude for the marvelous natural world he has placed us in! For more information and ideas for prayer today (and every day!) visit www.renewingcreation.org/get-involved/pray/2008-day-of-prayer.
Praying for Creation
October 24, 2008
I’ve recently become involved in Renewal: Students Caring for Creation. These are students and recent grads who have a heart and love for all that God has made. The mission of the Renewal network is “to inspire and equip the student generation to lead its communities with justice and compassion in Christ-centered stewardship of all of God’s creation.” It’s a beautiful vision and one that I think will have a tremendous impact in the days ahead.
One of Renewal’s first activities is a Day of Prayer for Creation Care. These students are calling on the entire creation care community to set aside October 29, 2008 as a national day of prayer. They are asking all of us to pray for the church’s stewardship of creation, for our own repentance from callousness towards creation, and for the renewal and wisdom from God to walk boldly in the light of the Lord on this matter. So gather, fellowship, and worship the Lord Jesus on October 29th and pray for the renewal of all that he has made.
Below is my contribution. You can find out more at
http://www.renewingcreation.
Praying for Creation
Father, we come before you as your children. We come to repent for our poor stewardship of creation. Lord we know that in our materialistic age that we abuse all that you have made, particularly your creation. Though you have given us Christ, in this present age we poorly reflect your intent when it comes to creation care.
We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have neglected your truth, we have turned from your ways, and we have abused your creation. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
Father help us to have discernment to understand the times that we live in. Give us, and indeed all peoples who call upon the name of your Son Jesus Christ, wisdom to care for what they have been entrusted with. Help us to steward creation in such a way that all might come to know you and glorify your Son.
Lord we ask that you would empower this generation with your spirit to boldly be who you are calling us to be. Help us to lead with your heart for creation. Help your servants, especially our present leadership, to more truly reflect your will in the church.
Father your word says that the Creation eagerly waits with anticipation for the children of God to be revealed. Your word says that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. Father your word speaks of the hope, reconciliation, and peace of Jesus Christ for the whole of creation. Lord we long for your scripture to be fulfilled! We long for our own freedom from sin, corruption, and decay. We long to live in such a way that we might walk with you in humility and truth. We long to be instruments of your reconciliation to all creation.
Father may our prayers be added to the groans of creation as we call upon your Son Jesus Christ to be our wisdom and shield of protection. Help our work in creation care to bring us and all peoples closer to you.
Amen.
Alexei Laushkin, a graduate from Claremont McKenna College, works for the Evangelical Environmental Network. He and his wife live in Alexandria, VA.
