VEJ Staff's Top Earth Day Event Picks

We live hectic, emotionally-charged, and situationally complex lives, which means it often takes a conscious effort to remind ourselves that we, as human beings, are residents of Earth’s arms. Earth Day gives us such an opportunity to participate--individually or collectively--in moments, events, and actions that will re-center our energy on creation.

This week, I had the opportunity to help start some seeds for the garden. As I created little crevices in the soil & sprinkled seeds into the ground, my heart settled & my brain eased. Small moments like these remind me of how incredibly connected I am to the soil that squishes between my toes, the breeze that flushes my cheeks, and sun that makes my heart soar and plants grow. They remind me of how richly interdependent we are on each other & all of creation.

Take a breath, and get yourself started on a more mindful, planet-conscious path on Earth Day! Reinvigorate yourself by attending an event, crafting a prayer, or planting a tree on April 22 (or the weekend preceding it). There are several fantastic events taking place in Detroit or the Metro-Detroit area. Our staff has compiled a list of our favorite Earth Day events & activities below.

At Voices for Earth Justice, we work to practice Earth care & connection every day. We have several programs this spring & summer that uptake prayer, education, and action to care for creation. You can check out these programs at our website to carry on your Earth Day renewed energy & spirit in the practice of everyday Earth Justice.

Reflection
~ MiIPL Earth Day Sermon Contest
Whether you are a seasoned sermon writer or a beginner, you can bring the passion of intersecting faith & earth justice to pen & paper. Submit your words of passion to this contest!
https://www.miipl.org/sermon_contest?utm_campaign=april_enews_19&utm_medium=email&utm_source=michiganipl

Action
~ Brightmoor Artisans Collective Earth Day Event
Tree planting & socializing are two wonderful ways to take action on Earth Day!
https://www.facebook.com/events/429942004438279/
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~ Kensington Metropark Earth Day Clean Up
Roll up your sleeves for Earth. Join in for litter pick-up & general park clean-up.
https://www.metroparks.com/event/earth-day-clean-2-3-2-2/

~ Earth Day Event with Keep Growing Detroit
Plant some gorgeous little cuties (plants), and then dine out for lunch.
https://www.facebook.com/events/396567917845300/

Rejuvenation
~Creation Justice Ministries
This link provides a downloadable 2019 Earth Day Resource for Christian Education.
http://www.creationjustice.org/nextgeneration.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=c24016b5-fee4-4f58-9905-33f8804b7890

Celebration
~West Bloomfield Parks Earth Day Celebration
Planting trees, live animal interactions, recycled crafts, & more! This is an awesome family-friendly way to get everyone involved in celebrating Earth Day.
https://www.wbparks.org/earthday.html

~ Belle Isle Green Day
Earth-friendly crafts, games, storytelling, keeper talks, and exhibits by local conservation groups. Join in on the fun on Belle Isle to celebrate the planet!
https://belleislenaturecenter.detroitzoo.org/events/nature-center-events/green-day/