The Tree of Life

The imagery of trees is centered in this week's texts and our worship experience because trees are sources of life. They provide oxygen we breathe, food that nourishes us, and shade that protects us. Make worship this week be like a tree, inviting participants to breathe in with the Spirit, to be nourished by the good word they hear, and to be protected from harsh conditions that challenge their convictions and the ability to live them out.

This week, you can interact with your terrarium or altar display in several ways that might invite new life. One option is to bring a small rake (from a sand tray) and “till” the soil around the plants to mix in the leaves you added last week. Another option is to add a small earthworm or caterpillar that could eat some of the large leaves added last week. If you choose this option, you should not leave the creature in the terrarium from week to week unless your terrarium is large and has plenty of food. You could also add a tiny figurine of an animal that can keep the plant company but doesn’t require food. The idea is to have opportunities for interaction within the terrarium between the soil and the plant or between the plant and the animal.

Invite someone to speak who is advocate for environmental issues. If you have an Interfaith Power and Light organization or a United Methodist Creation Justice Movement contact near you, those might be places to start. They might talk about their experiences of working on behalf of trees and other parts of the natural world that don’t have a voice in decision-making bodies like government or even church councils. The speakers might want to invite congregation members to a spring event in the area that celebrates the interdependence of creation.

Rev. Laura Baumgartner is pastor of Haller Lake United Methodist Church in Seattle, WA. She is also active in her local Interfaith Power and Light affiliate, Earth Ministry. Before attending seminary, Laura was a high school chemistry teacher for over 20 years. Her interests at the intersection of faith, science, and environment lead her outdoors, to the handbell table, or to the pet shop on her e-bike frequently.