April 19, 2026: For the Beauty of the Earth
Genesis 1: 1 - 2: 3

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

On the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, the horizon doesn’t just end; it seems to lean into the infinite. During my recent journey to Kenya, I stood in the quiet of the savannah and felt the truth of our scripture, Genesis 1:1-2:3, in a way that felt brand new. In the Mara, you can still hear the “Divine Breath” that brought order out of chaos. You hear it in the rhythm of the great migration, the wisdom of the Maasai guardians who live in harmony with the land, and the delicate balance that sustains every living thing. It is a place where God’s declaration of “very good” still echoes through the tall grass.

But as we gather in advance of Earth Day, we must also listen to a different sound: the cry of a creation that is out of balance. Earth Day is not merely a secular holiday; for us, it is a Sabbath moment. In our Genesis reading, God completes creation by resting, signaling that the Earth has its own inherent value apart from what it can “produce”.

To be a “Sabbath people” means honoring the Earth’s need to rest and recover. Climate justice is the recognition that when we deny the Earth its rest, the most vulnerable among us suffer first. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the beauty of this world — from the acacia trees of Africa to the hills of Mt. Diablo — and recommit ourselves to the holy work of ensuring it remains “very good” for all of God’s children.

Sabbath for the Earth: 3 Ways to Practice Creation Justice

• The Power of “Stop”: Commit to one “No-Drive” or “No-Spend” day this week to reduce your carbon footprint and practice Sabbath stillness.

• Restore the Soil: Plant a native species in your garden or a pot to support local pollinators, honoring the biodiversity God called “good.”

• Advocate for Rest: Write one email to a local representative supporting policies that protect our local watersheds and green spaces.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.