Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

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In this special archive episode of the Earthkeepers podcast, Forrest engages with Reverend Dr. Randy Woodley, exploring the intersection of indigenous theology, environmental justice, and the need for a paradigm shift in how we relate to the earth. Woodley shares his journey of establishing the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice, and discusses the transformative experiences offered to those seeking a deeper connection with the land. The conversation delves into the implications of decolonizing evangelicalism, the role of the church in environmental stewardship, and the importance of embracing indigenous wisdom for a sustainable future.

Dr. Woodley's books

Eloheh Seeds

Takeaways

• Indigenous worldviews offer transformative experiences for understanding our relationship with the earth.
• The Western worldview has contributed to environmental destruction.
• Social media has democratized voices, allowing for new perspectives on environmental issues.
• Decolonizing evangelicalism can lead to a more just and equitable approach to creation care.
• The church has often acted as a poor imitation of government rather than a voice for justice.
• Indigenous wisdom is crucial for healing both the land and communities.
• Understanding our connection to the land is essential for sustainability.
• The values of indigenous cultures can guide us toward a more harmonious existence.
• We must recognize the dignity of all creation and our role within it.

Keywords

Earth Keepers, Indigenous Wisdom, Environmental Justice, Decolonization, Spirituality, Community, Land Care, Western Worldview, Transformative Learning, Theology

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In this conversation, Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross discuss their book Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, exploring themes of earth care, spirituality, and the deep connections humans have with nature. They emphasize the importance of recognizing our kinship with the living world and the wisdom that trees can impart. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration, the unique perspectives each author brings to the project, and the necessity of paying attention to the natural world as a means of understanding and learning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of fostering deep relationships with nature to inspire environmental advocacy. They explore the balance between contemplation and action, emphasizing that both are essential for effective earth care. The dialogue also delves into the tension between metaphorical and literal understandings of nature, highlighting the significance of recognizing trees and other beings as interconnected entities. The speakers encourage listeners to engage with nature practically and meaningfully, fostering a sense of community and interdependence.

The Center for Spirituality in Nature

Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees

Earthkeepers last episode with Leah Rampy, 104. Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos

Takeaways

• We are inextricably linked to the world around us.
• The book aims to remind readers of their deep connections to nature.
• Trees can inspire, comfort, and heal us.
• Spirituality can mean different things to different people.
• Trees hold unique wisdom that we can learn from.
• Building relationships with trees involves vulnerability to loss.
• Nature has its own miraculous processes beyond our understanding.
• Paying attention to nature is both a spiritual and educational practice.
• Understanding the ecology of trees enhances our spiritual connection.
• Collaboration enriches the exploration of spiritual wisdom. The book aims to motivate action for environmental advocacy.
• Deep relationships with nature foster love and protection.
• Contemplation and action are intertwined in Earth care.
• Emotional connections are more impactful than intellectual arguments.
• Metaphorical understanding can lead to objectification of nature.
• Trees and humans share a fundamental interdependence.
• Engaging with nature requires both rational thought and emotional connection.
• Practical experiences deepen our relationship with the environment.
• Recognizing trees as sentient beings enhances our connection to nature.
• Building community is essential for both trees and humans.

Keywords: spiritual wisdom, trees, earth care, community, nature, ecology, spirituality, environmentalism, regenerative agriculture, kinship, environment, advocacy, contemplation, action, interdependence, metaphor, literal, nature, ecology

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In this engaging conversation, Forrest speaks with Jo Swinney and Jessica Schroeder about their journeys in environmental stewardship, mindful eating, and the role of food in community building. They explore the impact of food choices on the environment, the challenges of discussing climate change, and the importance of creating a nurturing community through shared meals. The discussion highlights the transformative power of food and the need for sustainable practices in our daily lives. In this conversation, Jessica Schroeder discusses the importance of mindful eating, the joy of food as a gift, and the responsibility that comes with food choices. She emphasizes the need for compassion in dietary decisions, the significance of food justice, and the nutritional aspects of plant-based diets. The discussion also touches on the environmental impact of food production and the importance of making informed choices to care for the Earth.

Jessica Schroeder

·      Eden + Me website

·      Eating for Eden podcast

Jo Swinney:

·      A Rocha International

·      A Place at the Table: Faith, Hope, and Hospitality

·      Fieldnotes podcast

Takeaways

• Eating for Eden encourages mindful food choices.
• Plant-based eating can be delicious and delightful.
• Conversations about food can bridge political divides.
• Sustainable change is about incremental steps.
• Understanding stewardship is crucial for environmental care.
• Community is enriched through shared meals.
• Cooking from scratch enhances appreciation for food. Eating plant-based can be done with love and intention.
• Food is a gift that can bring joy and connection.
• We have a responsibility to make ethical food choices.
• Food justice is a critical issue in global contexts.
• Not everyone has the same access to food options.
• B12 supplementation is essential for plant-exclusive diets.
• Food production significantly impacts the environment.
• Plant-based diets can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Cultural wisdom in food preparation is valuable.
• Start with small changes in dietary habits for sustainability.

Keywords

food, plant-based diet, environmental impact, climate change, mindful eating, community, stewardship, plant-based conservation, theology, food justice, nutrition, earth care, sustainable eating, environmental impact, food choices, global perspectives, hospitality, environmental justice, social justice, Peter Harris, Miranda Harris, plant milk, grass-fed beef, ethically raised meat, pupusas

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In this episode Forrest, along with Christine Sine, talk with Ruth Valerio—a British author, speaker, and activist who is passionate about both social justice and environmental justice. In this conversation, Ruth shares her journey of faith and environmental awareness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. She discusses the importance of earth care as an important element of faith practice, advocating for simplicity and sustainable living as essential responses to the climate crisis. Ruth encourages faith communities to mobilize for environmental action, highlighting the potential for collective impact. Importantly, she also exhorts us not to try to do more than is ours to do when it comes to making a difference in the world. 

Ruth Valerio’s website, including list of publications and resources

Christine Sine’s website, including publications and resources

Liturgical Rebels podcast

Keywords: Earth care, social justice, simplicity, community activism, earth advocacy, creation care, church mobilization, climate crisis, sustainability, Embrace the Middle East, A Rocha, Tear Fund

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In these times of environmental crisis, it becomes crucial for us to think innovatively—even experimentally—to find ways to protect and advocate for the earth. In this conversation, Paul Dettmann shares insights into Cassinia, an organization dedicated to managing 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation. He discusses the journey of Cassinia from its inception, the challenges faced, and the innovative approaches taken in environmental entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the concept of encumbrance in land management, the role of mitigation banking, and the importance of community engagement in nature conservation. Paul emphasizes the need for creativity in nonprofit work and offers advice for organizations seeking to reimagine their approach to environmental stewardship. In this conversation, Paul shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure, curiosity, and innovative approaches to environmental solutions. He discusses the critical connection between human flourishing and nature flourishing, highlighting the role of relationships with Indigenous peoples and the transformative power of cross-cultural interactions. Paul also offers encouragement for finding hope in challenging times, advocating for humility and a focus on relationships as essential for both personal and environmental well-being.

 Cassinia website

Takeaways

• Cassinia aims to manage 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation.
• The journey of Cassinia began with a focus on carbon conversations.
• Encumbrance on land titles is crucial for conservation efforts.
• Mitigation banking allows for compensating environmental impacts.
• Cassinia promotes natural communities that integrate people and nature.
• Personal connections to nature can inspire conservation efforts.
• Environmental entrepreneurship offers new possibilities for Earthcare.
• Cassinia operates as a for-purpose business, not a nonprofit.
• Creativity and innovation are essential in nonprofit work.
• Following threads of good ideas can lead to impactful projects. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
• Curiosity about others can lead to innovative solutions.
• Human flourishing is intertwined with nature's flourishing.
• Building relationships with Indigenous peoples enriches understanding.
• Reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
• Humility is essential for personal and environmental growth.
• There are always opportunities to learn, even in difficult times.
• Innovative business models can emerge from challenging situations.
• Nature and people can thrive together through symbiotic relationships.
• Rethinking traditional models can lead to better outcomes for all. 

Keywords: Cassinia, environmental entrepreneurship, nature conservation, ecological restoration, biodiversity, social entrepreneurship, land management, community engagement, mitigation banking, natural communities, entrepreneurship, failure, curiosity, environmental solutions, business models, human flourishing, indigenous peoples, cross-cultural relationships, hope, innovation, A Rocha USA, World Vision

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If you’re a regular listener, you’ll know that one of our frequent—and recent—guests is Victoria Loorz, one of the founders of the Wild Church movement. In this conversation, she discusses her book Field Guide to Church of the Wild, which serves as a resource for individuals and communities seeking to reconnect with nature and spirituality. The book is a collection of stories, practices, and prayers from the Wild Church Network, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world. Loorz emphasizes the importance of listening to nature, the diversity of spiritual practices, and the role of community in creating a sacred space outdoors. The conversation also touches on environmental concerns and the hope found in nature, encouraging listeners to embrace their kinship with the earth.

About the book Field Guide to Church of the Wild

Wild Church Network

Center for Wild Spirituality

Takeaways

• The book is a follow-up to Church of the Wild 
• It provides resources for starting wild church gatherings.
• Nature invites us into a sacred relationship with God.
• Listening to our own yearnings is the first step.
• Wild Church is an emerging spiritual practice.
• Diversity in spiritual practices enriches community.
• The field guide format encourages exploration and play.
• Practices in the book can be adapted by anyone.
• Community gatherings can include diverse spiritual backgrounds.
• Hope can be found in nature amidst environmental crises. 

Keywords: Church of the Wild, spirituality, nature, field guide, community, environmental care, kinship, diversity, listening, hope, Wild Church, Seminary of the Wild, Center for Wild Spirituality

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As always, Earthkeepers is on the lookout for stories of faith communities who are creating new, imaginative ways to integrate creation care into the values and practices of faith life. In episode 121 for example, we spoke with folks at the Rainier Avenue Church about their urban community garden and their creation care study group. In this episode, Forrest talks with Matt and Mary Anne Ryan about their church’s efforts to engage in social justice by growing fresh produce for their community’s foodbank. Their faith community—called Vineyard Christian Fellowship, located just north of Chicago—has converted a large part of their property into what they call the Vineyard Farm. In that context, Matt and Mary Anne are pioneering some great new ideas in community-based earth care.  

Evanston Grows

Evanston Vineyard Christian Fellowship

Vineyard Farm

Vineyard Farm Photos and Vids

Keywords: Evanston Grows, Vineyard Church, food insecurity, community farming, environmental justice, volunteer opportunities, creation care, sustainable practices, church initiatives, local produce, nature, environmental stewardship, church, community, creation care, theology, sustainability, future generations, partnership, small beginnings

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This is a podcast interview that took place almost five years ago. We’ve chosen to air that episode again because it really speaks about the formative stages of the Earthkeepers podcast, and serves as a reminder that one of our core purposes has always been, even from the very beginning, to give more air space to “corrective voices from the margins” as often as we can. And that includes Indigenous voices.  

In this episode Forrest talks with Lenore Three Stars. Lenore is a member of the board for Circlewood—and Circlewood, as you may know, is the larger creation care community to which the Earthkeepers belongs. In many ways, Lenore has had a shaping influence on the priorities and values of this podcast. In particular, as a member of the Lakota people, she has helped us to understand and embrace elements of an indigenous world view.  

Lenore Three Stars

North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies

Richard Twiss. One Church, ManyTribes 

Wendell Berry: "There are no unsacred places, only sacred and desecrated places." Given 

Standing Rock Water Protectors 

Albert White Hat 

Dr. Randy Woodley. Shalom and the Community of Creation

Keywords: Native American, First Nations, creation care, ecology, environment, Lakota, environmental justice, kinship, dualism, indigenous world view, Richard Twiss, Randy Woodley, Standing Rock, Water Keepers

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Earthkeepers podcast is committed to helping communities think creatively and boldly about ways they might care for the places where they live. In this episode, Forrest chats with three people—Rachel, Logan, and Celize—about the ways in which Rainier Avenue Church, an urban faith community in Seattle, is trying to actively integrate earth care and faith practice. Among other things, these folks have been seeking to learn and grow in their understanding of earthkeeping through a multi-week group discussion. Notably, all of their themed sessions are oriented both around readings, but also on episodes of this podcast. We love that idea, of course, and appreciate the creative, community building experimentation that it represents. Here then are Rachel, Logan, and Celize discussing how they have been promoting creation care thinking and action in their urban Seattle neighborhood.

Rainier Avenue Church
Rachel's Creation Care Discussion Group Curriculum

Takeaways

• Community living fosters deeper connections and support.
• Eco-theology bridges the gap between faith and environmental care.
• Oral storytelling enhances understanding of scripture.
• Sustainability is a journey that evolves over time.
• Gardening connects individuals to their heritage and community.
• Church communities can be catalysts for environmental awareness.
• Diverse experiences enrich discussions on earth care.
• Scripture reveals a strong connection to creation care.
• Healthy soil is fundamental to human health.
• Community engagement is essential for fostering relationships. 
• The use of different lenses impacts our understanding of scripture.
• Creation care is often overlooked in church discussions.
• The gospel should encompass restoration of all creation, not just souls.
• Awareness of environmental degradation can lead to a sense of hopelessness.
• Churches need to take ownership of their impact on the environment.
• Social justice and environmental justice are interconnected.
• Community engagement is essential for meaningful impact.
• Love of place fosters deeper connections within communities.
• Younger generations seek tangible connections between faith and real-world issues.
• Hope exists in grassroots movements and indigenous teachings.
  
  Keywords:
  community, eco-theology, environmental justice, earth care, communal living, sustainability, social justice, gardening, faith, scripture, creation care, environmental justice, church responsibility, social justice, community engagement, faith praxis, ecological theology, hope, interconnection, love of place
  
  
  

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At the end of last year, Forrest spoke with Victoria Loorz about the ways in which a more ecologically-conscious faith offers hope for “edgewalkers”— a term used to describe Christ followers who have moved away from the center of conventional church, and moved  toward the creative edges of the institution—those generative marginal spaces where new imaginings and alternative expressions of faith life are being explored. In this episode, the conversation continues with Victoria — cofounder of the Wild Church movement, and current director of the Center for Wild Spirituality. This episode focuses on a pragmatic question: What are some things we can actually do to practice a more ecologically informed faith life?  Here is part two of that conversation with Victoria Loorz.

Guest: Victoria Loorz
Center for Wild Spirituality
Wild Church Network

Takeaways

• Wild spirituality encourages a connection with nature.
• Creation-centered practices can rejuvenate faith.
• Encountering the sacred requires courage and intentionality.
• Urban environments can also be spaces for spiritual practice.
• Reverence transforms our relationship with the natural world.
• Gardening fosters a long-term relationship with nature.
• Understanding life cycles deepens our spiritual awareness.
• Emotional expressions, like tears, are sacred experiences.
• Awareness of the divine presence is essential in daily life.
• Faith is meant to be constantly evolving and reborn.

Keywords: wild spirituality, creation-centered practices, sacred encounters, urban spirituality, reverence, gardening, life cycles, emotional connection, awareness, evolving faith

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