April 1, 2024 //
It cleanses, nourishes, redeems, and heals. It is symbolic and significant in our lives and in our faith. The blessing of water is God’s gift to us, and this gift is inseparable from life. The waters of Minnehaha Creek have been a part of our parish life since its beginnings in 1937 and the remain an important part of our shared life today.
“Minnehaha Creek is obviously connected to our church as we sit on its shores but even more importantly, we’re connected to the creek because we baptize our children in its water,” shared committee member Jim Korslund. “On creek baptism days, we use the water for what it really is – a gift from God. It’s an outward sign of the commitment we make to our children.”
During COVD times, we reconnected with the creek beyond Baptism when our back lawn came to life with worship and events that brought us together outdoors when we couldn’t be inside the church. Our neighbors discovered the peace of our shoreline too and we continue to welcome neighbors as they walk their dogs or find peace by the labyrinth.
So, perhaps it’s no surprise that the St. Stephen’s Creation Care Committee is planning a series of great events to encourage us all to join in Celebrating Water during this year’s Earth Day season.
In April, we’ll have opportunities to learn more about the Biblical imagery of water and how Minnehaha Creek is being cared for and improved. Come May, we’ll enjoy the beauty of our creek together outdoors while learning and playing on the back lawn of the church during a fun event on Mother’s Day!
CREATION CARE EVENTS
Sunday, April 14th
9:00 AM // Life, Death and Water: Water Imagery in the Bible
in the Commons Room
Our leader, Joyce Denham, has a new lessen to share this April at this special edition of Compass! We’ll learn about God’s priceless gift of water and how it enriches our worship and spiritual growth. The Bible begins and ends with water. And water appears everywhere in between. What does the Bible tell us about water? What part does it play in Creation? Above all, what does water mean? Come and hear of the great symbolism and theological significance that water carries in the Bible.
11:30 AM // Celebrating Our Creek
in the Chapel
Come hear from Minnehaha Creek Watershed District board member, recent recipient of the ‘Home Town Hero’ award from Mayor John Hovland, and parishioner Steve Sando, about the Principles of Renewal of Minnehaha Creek with examples from Arden Park. We’ll also share photos and reflections from our parish’s past and current life on Minnehaha Creek.
Sunday, May 12th
9:00 AM // Celebrating Earth, Water, and Moms! Part 1
in the Commons Room and on ZOOM
At the 9:00 AM hour, Learn from a panel discussion, container garden demonstration, information on climate-friendly gardening, and a visit from the Minnehaha Water Stewards with details on the use of salt and fertilizers, run-off, and the Adopt a Storm Drain program.
11:15 AM // Celebrating Earth, Water, and Moms! Part 2
in the Commons Room and on the patio/back lawn
Enjoy special refreshments and a fun and informative Creation Care Fair — including drawings and swag bags for moms! We’ll also make great use of the back lawn with activities including guides at our Memorial Garden and Labyrinth.
