FAITH IN ACTION - Sierra Club

DIVERSE PATHS OF WISDOM TOWARD AN
EARTH RESTORED
EAST MIDDLEBURY, VT
Spirit in Nature (SpIN) Interfaith Path Sanctuary is a unique natural
sanctuary that seeks to bring people of diverse spiritual traditions
together to contemplate how deeply connected all faiths are
to nature. In turn, the founders hope that this reflection and dialogue
will “promote education and action toward better stewardship
of this sacred earth.”
The sanctuary consists of a network of ten interconnecting walking
paths, representing ten different faiths including the Bahai,
Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, Quaker,
Unitarian Universalist and Interfaith traditions. Each path is onehalf
to two miles long and includes posted spiritual reflections on
nature. The paths meet at a circle, emphasizing the interconnections
of all spiritual traditions, humanity and the earth. The sanctuary
also hosts educational programs, creative art activities, public
lectures and guided walks.
HABITAT RESTORATION AND A GIVING GARDEN
STERLING, VA
With the declaration that “because we worship and honor the
Creator, we seek to cherish and care for His Creation,” the
Community Lutheran Church of Sterling, Virginia, established
an Earthkeeping Ministry (EKM) in 1994.
The EKM created a wildlife restoration and environmental education
project called the Hedgerow Habitat Trail. The trail seeks
to demonstrate stewardship of the environment and provide
opportunities for recreational and spiritual reflection. The trail is
open to the community for educational purposes and has been the
site of numerous service projects.
The EKM also runs Community Lutheran Church’s Giving
Garden, which provides organic produce to local low-income
families. Each spring, Sunday school classes plant the garden and
it is maintained and harvested by church volunteers.
EKM volunteers are now in the midst of creating a Memorial
Garden to serve as a space for remembrance, reflection and meditation.
The Memorial Garden will be composed of native plants,
and renewable or recycled materials will be used for the structural
features in the garden.
Volunteers and members of the EKM attend monthly work days
to maintain the Hedgerow Habitat Trail and two gardens and to
work on other environmental initiatives. To inspire others, the
EKM also provides eco-friendly tips in the weekly church
newsletter and maintains a bulletin board in the church lobby
with information on environmental stewardship, educational and
volunteer opportunities, and environmental campaigns.
Dan Shea
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