Makes the heart glad – Environmental Expo at Church of the Advent in Colwood, BC

I totally get it! When things change for me, other changes follow. When clergy leave a parish (or cathedral) things they valued sometimes disappear. (Trust me on this.) Joseph had led the people of Israel during times of famine. His prophecy of good and bad times was fully realized. As a result he enjoyed the pleasure of Pharoah. (Genesis 41:42) But then, a pharaoh came to Egypt who knew not Joesph and everything changed. (Exodus 1:8) Time to “get out of Dodge.” Same for clergy; same for me. I get it.

Sometimes however one’s legacy remains in an evolved form. Imagine my delight when I discovered that a former parish, the Church of the Advent on Colwood sponsored an Environmental Expo just a few days ago. I smiled; I was delighted to see that one particular tradition continued. Early in my tenure there, we sponsored a national conference, an Environmental Justice Camp which attracted national attention and rightly so. It was a great experience for so many participants and supporters.

A website invitation reads: “Join us at the Environmental Expo for a day filled with fun activities, informative talks, and interactive tables all centered around environmental sustainability. Learn about ways to reduce your carbon footprint, discover eco-friendly organizations, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about protecting our planet. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact and help create a greener future for all!”

I wondered who initiated this Expo? The priest? It didn’t seem so though as a Franciscan nun she would be supportive. My former  administrator shared that it was initiated by a grade-12 high school student who made environment her graduation project. “Whoo-hoo” I shouted. A new generation of leader is finding her voice and passion.

Even better, I recognized her name, Taylor Gossman, a member of a longtime active parish family I know well. And, best news yet, I am pretty sure I baptized her about a dozen or so years ago. Now I have never spoken with her since that childhood celebration, but hey, I’ll take some credit here. Well done Taylor; (well done Ken?); better still, well done Holy Spirit.

Now gentle reader, I write this blog on the day in the Christian calendar when we commemorate the Baptism of Jesus by John, the Baptizer. We take time today to ponder how baptism figures in our own life.

Let’s start with the service itself. It is a public ceremony that celebrates the relationship between the baptized and God. It is a public ceremony which embodies the connection of the baptized with parents, friends, sponsors, parishioners and the Christian community, both local and global. At several points in the service participants are challenged to make commitments, to God, to creation, and to each other.

Early on, candidates and sponsors are asked a question: “Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?” Each answer, “I renounce them.”

As a blessing is pronounced over the baptismal water, “We give you thanks, [Creator] God . . . for by the gift of water you nourish and sustain all living things” all are reminded of God’s gracious gift of creation (environment) to us.

As the community shares in saying the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God . . . Creator of heaven and earth,” all rehearse a fundamental understanding of Christian faith. We exist by the nature and goodness of God.

The community next promises both God and each other: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”

Finally, after the adult or child is baptized, the officiant offers a prayer that looks to the future:

[Holy One]
we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit
you have bestowed upon these your servants
the forgiveness of sin,
and have raised them to the new life of grace.
Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.
Give them an inquiring and discerning heart,
the courage to will and to persevere,
a spirit to know and to love you,
and the gift of joy and wonder
in all your works. Amen. [Emphasis mine]

I have always loved reciting these lines. They are kind of like a “what will you do when you grow up” imaginative speculation. While they do not predict the future, they acknowledge that we are people with a future. Holy Baptism formalizes a relationship already commenced—we could argue about when the relationship commences, but that’s another blog for another time—God is active, relevant, provocative, a constant accompaniment in our lives at all times, in all places, and through all circumstances.

Every once in a while I discover someone who has “taken the bull by the horns” and done something with their life, for Christ, for  creation, and for others. Without ascribing too much virtue to you,   Taylor, you have made my heart glad and your church, school, family, and community all benefit from your efforts.