Life of Grace for the Whole World, Adult book: A Study Course on the House of Bishops' Pastoral Teaching on the Environment

Jerry Cappel · Stephanie McDyre Johnson

Mar 2017 · Church Publishing, Inc.

About this eBook

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches.

The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation.

The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session.

Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

About the author

Jerry Cappel is an ordained Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Kentucky, currently serving as the Environmental Network Coordinator for Province IV of the Episcopal Church. He serves on the board of the Center for Religion and the Environment at the University of the South and as a fellow with GreenFaith. He lives in Simpsonsillve, Kentucky.

Stephanie McDyre Johnson is the chair of the Episcopal Church’s Advisory Council on the Stewardship of Creation and Environmental Racism. An environmental planner and educator for nearly twenty years prior to her ordination, she is on the Leadership Circle of Blessed Tomorrow, a faith-based ecumenical group working on faith-based responses to climate change in collaboration with Eco America and the Advisory Board of the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Seminary. She is the rector of St. Paul’s Church in Riverside, Connecticut.