Leavenworth, Washington. From a vision birthed during a communion service amongst rural Xhosa villagers in Soto, Mooiplaas, through two draft designs never implemented, an out-of-the-box church has finally emerged at Gqunube Green ecovillage to help unite heaven and earth. It will be dedicated by retired bishops Eric Pike and Norman Hudson on Sunday, 29 June this year. And what a celebration it promises to be!
In this tricircle church design the trinity of Christian orthodoxy - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - unites with the trinity of sustainability - People, Planet and Profit, (or Economic Capital, Social Capital and Natural Capital) -
to ground the heavenly-mindedness of faith with the nitty, gritty challenge of caring for planet and people. In linking the Christian liturgical seasons, advent through kingdomtide, with creations' seasons, autumn through summer, services of worship will rehearse the ancient story of one God, one earth, and the unity of humanity in a fresh and creation-transforming way.
A blessing of the cattle herd after calving season, whose role in ensuring healthy grasslands is practised, reminds us they are partners in farming God's way; a blessing of seeds at springtime as gardeners prepare to plant, hoping for an abundant yield, presents our hopes and aspirations to a loving God; harvest festivals during autumn which give thanks to God for the fruits of the earth reminds us that life ultimately is a gift from beyond ourselves: all these will combine with the worship of God in Christ Jesus to help both shape a Christian spirituality which affirms that the "earth is the Lord's" and empowers the faithful to tackle the challenge of earth care facing us in the 21st century.
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