Reflect:
In todays Gospel, Jesus is mocked by the soldiers as he hangs dying on the cross. One thief mocks him. The other thief asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, King of the Universe,
You showed us the path to eternal life is through service to others.
May I always give of myself generously for the benefit of others
And in so doing help your Kingdom to become visible in this world.
Amen
Act:
The climate change talks in Brazil at Belem have now finished. Without the attendance of major industrial countries the results were bound to be limited however some work has been achieved especially regarding the deforestation in the Amazon and the Congo although these results are fragile.
Various decisions were taken regarding the protection of Island states and states threatened by floods and deforestation, but it has to be said that what was agreed at Paris in 2015 is still a long way from being fulfilled, especially trying to keep the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees. We ALL need to keep all of this in our prayers and do what we can to protect the future of the planet. During the forthcoming season of Advent make a special effort to act in a way which protects our planet. For ideas, refer to the Challenge section below.
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- It's easy to overindulge during the Christmas. Try to be more mindful of how much you consume. Only buy what you need and use leftovers wisely,.
- As Christmas approaches look for ethical ways in which you can support others at this time. Buy Fair Trade goods; look for environmentally friendly products; try to buy locally produced items; give generously to those who require support at this time.
- You may be tempted to tidy up your garden - DON'T. Overwintering insects and small creatures such as hedgehogs will appreciate finding a pile of leaves or rotting logs under which they can shelter.
- Revisit how you recycle things. Wigan's recycling policy is quite good and allows extensive recycling, within certain limits.
- As it becomes cooler consider how you heat your home. Keep doors closed, turn the thermostat down 1 degree, put an extra layer on. Can you donate warm clothing to the Barnabas Collection in St Margaret Clitherow parish?
- Care for Creation As part of the church’s initiative on how we care for the world around us, there will be a meeting with reps from the Diocese to look at how we as a parish, and as individuals can live more sustainably and economically, and at the same time look after our world. ALL are welcome to come and take part. The meeting will be at St Richards club at 7:00pm on 4th November. Although aimed primarily at St John Rigby's parish, I'm sure interested parties from other parishes will also be welcome.
- Be generous! What can you spare to give to others? There are lots of opportunities to be generous offered to us each day, just act!
- It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the issues around us yet even just a small group of committed people can make a difference....you are not alone in your commitment to doing what you can to improve the lives of the poor and the needy. Have faith!
- Autumn may normally be a time for tidying the garden. This year why not leave areas of leaves and dead wood which will provide shelter for insects and animals over the winter months?
- Can you commit to having one meat free day per week? There are many plant based alternatives available in the shops.
- For many now is the time to gather the bounty of the harvest, but how often do we not appreciate those gifts we are given? How often do we waste food or are greedy in the amount we eat? This week ensure that you take and eat only what you need and in so doing leave some for those who have very little.
- This year has been particularly challenging for maintaining water supplies. Take steps now so that you can benefit from harvesting rainwater over the Autumn and winter periods when it is likely to be wetter.
- The season of Creation starts on September 1st. Look for ways you can plant seeds of peace and hope for others. On a practical level, this could be a time to assess your seed stocks and start to plan for next years growth!
- Give thanks for the fruits of the harvest, early this year, but still vital for our lives. Can you donate to the CAFOD collection for Gaza, where people are suffering from a man made famine?
- The shortage of water is becoming a major concern. The UK's climate should not resulkt in water shortages. What are you doing to conserve our reserves?
- Have we become lax in our approach to protecting our Earth? Take time this week for a walk amongst nature. Feel it re-grounding you and be inspired by the effect this simple act has on your well-being.
- Find a charity you are happy to donate too and offer them our support, through donating to them or supporting them in another way.. (e.g., see the note about Cancelling the Debt in the News Bites section)
- This week try your best to walk or use public transport rather than driving everywhere, taking the time to enjoy the beauty which surrounds us all.
- Do you have insect friendly plants in your garden? Buddleia, lavender and marjoram are all great for butterflies - and smell wonderful too!
- Water supplies are being depleted once more. Is it really needed to put a machine wash on each day - or could you cut your water usage by using the washing machine every other day?
- Look at the ways in which you can repurpose things rather than simply throwing them away. This week I've seen a pair of old boots transformed into an unusual plant pot, pruned branches reformed into bee and insect hotels and pieces of card packaging repurposed into luggage tags. What can you think of?
- Perhaps we have started to wane in our efforts to protect our earth......On a recent visit to a less populated and unspoilt part of the country I was reminded of how much wildlife has disappeared from my daily life by the abundance I was seeing and hearing whilst out and about. Look for ways in which YOU can nurture and protect all that is precious in our world.
- God nourishes us through the Body & Blood of Our Lord. Through our generosity we can give nourishment to others both spiritually and materially.
- One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is that of knowledge. Knowledge helps us to see the world as gift, creation as Sacred and life as a place to encounter God. Show you believe this!
- So, 'No mow May' has finished. Can we commit to a no mow June too? Leaving even just a small area of uncut grass can be beneficial for the wildlife in our gardens.
- During the warmer months it's easier to eat less meat and consume more vegetables, fruit and salads. Can you commit to increasing your meat free days?
- It's still not rained and we are being urged to use our water supplies wisely. How about reducing the number of times you put a wash on each week? The average front loading modern washing machine can use around 50 litres of water per wash cycle. That's almost 9 gallons in Imperial measurements.
- It's been very warm recently with very little rain. Take steps now to conserve the water you use, perhaps by shortening the time you spend in the shower, or by gathering that water that runs off while waiting for the hot water to come through.
- Take time to read and consider the words of Laudato Si . The full text of the Encyclical is available here.
- Go for a walk with those you love and celebrate the signs of new life which surround us. Give thanks to God. Pray for those you encounter.
- Buying Easter eggs? Look for the Fairtrade symbol before you buy. Your choice will help cocoa farmers earn a fairer wage for their hard work.
Read more here. - We can make the most of this fine weather by preparing our garden for planting out the seedlings we have been nurturing.
- Now the weather is improving make a commitment to walk more or to use public transport rather than the car.
- This week make a special effort to support your local environment. Take care not to drop rubbish. Keep to footpaths and help protect young seedlings starting to grow. Plant insect friendly flowers in your garden.
- Insect friendly plants are crucial to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Now is a good time to plant a variety of plants and flowers for this purpose.
- 'Nobody else bothers, so why should I?' It's so easy to follow the crowd and take the easy option when things get difficult, but we each need to recommit to doing what we as individuals can do to protect our precious planet.
- The world is in a bubble of hatred and war mongering. We each have within us the facility to bring about peace by starting with ourselves. This week, make efforts to be at peace with each other and with nature.
- February brings an increase in activity in nature to remind us that warmer days are right around the corner. Why not take a moment in your garden or a local park to notice what you see, hear and feel?
- Now is the time to start planting seeds indoors for any vegetables you want to grow this year.
- Check your fuel consumption. Turn off unnecessary lights, close doors, put an extra layer on.
- Look out for other people during this difficult time of the year. Support them by lending a hand, visiting them or providing them, with warm food and clothing.
- It's cold. We need to heat our homes, but are we aware of the energy we may waste by leaving doors open or by leaving radiators turned up in rooms we do not use. Be energy aware this week, but also be mindful of those who are suffering because of the cold. What can you do to help them?
- Don't forget to recycle your tree when you take it down!
- Wrap your gifts in recyclable wrapping paper; place food waste in the green bin; rinse and place empty plastic tubs or glass bottles in your brown bin; cards or paper with glitter or foil cannot be recycled in your blue bin
For more ways on how to recycle visit https://www.recyclenow.com/how-to-recycle/be-a-recycling-hero-this-christmas - Keep things simple. Concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas. Think of the circumstances of Christ's birth - it is love that is the real message of Christmas. Share His love with others.
- The use of plastics and the subsequent waste from them us still a major issue. Search for Christmas gifts which are sustainable and do not affect the environment adversely.
- Perhaps you can donate something special for Christmas to food-banks or charity collections.
- Can you donate items for food hampers for those who are struggling at this time of year? Items needed in the Atherton and Leigh foodbank can be found by following this link (opens in a new window)
- This time of year can be difficult for many people both in this country and abroad. Find ways to support those who need our help, either through prayer or action.
- The poor widow gave what she could, knowing that there was a need for her generosity. Can we too express our generosity and trust in God by giving to those in need?
- This week take steps to reduce the amount of waste you produce. One way is to buy vegetables loose and so cut back on plastic waste.
- Now is a good time to plant bulbs with a view to supplying early insects with a source of food in the Spring. You could also plant broad beans for a crop in the spring.
- Whilst it is tempting to chop back dying or dead plants in Autumn, insects and birds love to feed on seed heads. These are a vital source of food in the cooler months to come.
- Wigan are highlighting the amount of electrical waste going into land fill which can easily be reused, recycled or repurposed. If you find you have a drawer full of old cables, gadgets and electricals, take them to your local recycling centre at Slag Lane, Leigh or Chanters Lane, Atherton. Click here for more info.
- Consider your food choices. Can you commit to having at least one meat free day per week? Perhaps choose to have more plant based food on a regular basis...?
- In spite of flooding in the country, water is still a precious resource. Conserve water by having a short shower instead of a bath.
- Switch off lights and electrical appliances when you are not using them.
- An easy win with the kettle is to measure the amount of water you are going to use into it and only boil what you need.
- Check for gaps where draughts can get in. Block them using draught-excluders. Don't forget the letter box!
- Check to see if your water pipes are sufficiently insulated. This will help to retain heat.