SUNDAY SERVICE
April 21, 2024
Neighborhood Clean Up
Wellington Heights Community Church is hosting the 4th annual neighborhood clean-up day this Sunday from 10-11 AM. Each year on the Sunday prior to Earth Day
we practice embodiment of our faith as we host the wider community to meet and pick-up litter and enjoy the presence of one another.
Our neighborhood and the natural world is God’s and we are given the gift of stewarding it with care. Psalm 24:1-2 says, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it!” Unfortunately, humans haven’t always stewarded creation with compassion and care. Because of our lack of care, in a very real way, creation is groaning!
At Wellington Heights Community Church, we want the next generation to inherit a flourishing neighborhood and environment. We care for creation because, as Deuteronomy 10:14 shares, all of heaven and earth belong to God! When we care for our physical environment along with people, our labor and gathering is an act of loving worship to the Lord of all of creation! This is why each year we open our doors to the wider community on Neighborhood Clean-Up. We show up, roll up our selves (or bundle up, we do live in Iowa!) and work together, because care of community and care of creation go hand in hand.
Come alongside the WHCC staff in extending hospitality and welcome to the wider community this Sunday during Neighborhood Clean-Up!
Please consider arriving at 9:30 AM for a time of refreshments and conversation.
Together, may we embody 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.”
Spiritual Formation at-home (Kid-Friendly!)
Consider reflection and discussing these questions:
Read:
Psalm 24:1-2
Listen:
Reflect & Discuss:
How would it feel is someone did not take care of something you made?
How is caring for nature and neighborhoods a way to not only love God but love our neighbor? How is this a form of praise or worship?
In what ways do you see this form of gathering as an embodiment of our faith? In what ways does this “non-traditional” form of gathering lead us into a deeper connection with God, self, others and all of creation? Does this bring about any discomfort? Anticipation? Hopefulness?
What is one practical thing you can do to help care for the environment?
Prayer Practice:
As you walk the neighborhood take notice of the people, greenery, animals, homes and even the weather. While you are walking take time to take a mental note of things you are grateful for and thank God for those things.
Picture Book Recommendation:
Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Benjamin Schipper
A young girl wonders how to be a good neighbor to the dozens of people in her apartment building, the people on the street, and the other kids at the park. With help from her mama, the girl discovers that all it takes is a little kindness and creativity to show love to neighbors near and far.
