DEN Enews

What direction was this Enews going to go this week? A question I ask myself often. Should have known God would have the answer.

Yesterday this editor was discussing a liturgy for All Soul’s day and I commented that the church has forgotten how to lament. Surprise, surprise. I finally checked my mail box and there was the October issue of the Anglican Journal with an article by Nicholas Fournie titled Lament and Hope in a Time of Climate Crisis.

The author speaks of climate disruption “impossible to hold at arm’s length” citing Jasper forest fires, a Vancouver church opening a cooling center due to extreme heat and a church in the Yukon whose foundation is cracking due to loss of permafrost. The stories tell the truth that “creation is groaning and the church stands within that lament, holding fast to its calling to embody hope and point toward renewal.”

In his conclusion, he writes: “To walk as Christ did is to walk as kin with creation, tender to its wounds, steadfast in its hope for renewal.”

Hope for renewal is essential but DEN believes we need to action that hope. 

The Rev. Lorraine Otto embodies that principle and there is an excellent article in the Diocesan Journal titled Our Finest Gifts. Rev Lorraine has channeled her training as a biologist with a specific interest in water systems into an activist with DEN but for all of us. She says, “…we are going backward at an alarming rate. Governments seem to be determined to not only allow industry to pollute our life-necessary water but to encourage it. So I will continue to fight for clean water for all as long as I have a voice

Rev. Lorraine is a perfect example of turning Lament into Hope into Action.

What will you do with your passion for Creation?

Den believes you are doing all you can in your personal lives; composting, recycling, more efficient use of your resources, etc. These are all noble and necessary but Climate Scientist Katherine Hayhoe says in her recent newsletter that “ Industry has masterfully marketed the “carbon footprint” to put the responsibility of climate action on us as individuals.

And yet the true problem is structural, not individual. As people concerned about climate change, we need to shift from asking people to make individual changes. Instead, we need to focus on the power of collective civic action to change policy. Collective action works.”

The world certainly saw collective action in rallies south of us this past weekend.

Katherine goes on to write: “For example, sports games, religious contexts, and any number of other places where people show up in large numbers should thoughtfully incorporate – not just offer – opportunities for civic and political action. The repeated, in-person nature of locally driven action has been proven (yes, proven) to turn the apathetic into the engaged.”

What do you think? Can the church turn the apathetic into the engaged?

Where is action needed?

Save Sandy Lake https://www.facebook.com/sandylakebedford

Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park https://www.facebook.com/savewestmaboubeach

Ingraham River Wilderness Area https://www.facebook.com/IngramRiverWildernessArea

and so many others. Follow us on Facebook as issues like these are posted daily. https://www.facebook.com/groups/101542159983749

Kudos to the Parish of French Village

From their Facebook page : It was a beautiful day to join with community members, parishioners, government representatives, interested parties, partner organizations and so many more, to make the hike back to our newly finished natural labyrinth. Here we gathered for a service of dedication with Bishop Sandra Fyfe who offered wonderful words of reflection. We pray for God's continued blessing as we "strive to safeguard the integrity of God's creation and respect, sustain and renew the life of the earth"

For more pics: https://www.facebook.com/parishoffrenchvillage 

Premiers Doug Ford and Danielle Smith have already gutted environmental protections in their provinces. Now they’re pressuring Ottawa to follow suit — to weaken federal laws like the Species at Risk Act and Impact Assessment Act. These are Canada’s last line of defense for nature. They’re pushing a false narrative that environmental laws block economic growth, but real nation-building is about investing in smart infrastructure that creates good jobs, respects Indigenous rights, and protects the land and water we all depend on. You don’t build a stronger country by tearing down the protections that hold it together. Gutting oversight isn’t leadership; it’s a favour to polluting industries at the public’s expense. Please add your name to defend federal protections and demand real solutions.

The federal government is making critical decisions right now on Canada’s climate future. Seniors across the country are speaking up, and our voice matters. Send a message to the Prime Minister and key cabinet ministers today to demand that the federal government: hold firm and build on Canada’s climate targets, stop using our tax dollars to fund fossil fuel and pipeline expansion and boost investments in clean energy transition. We also want Canada to have a clear voice for climate in 3 weeks at COP30! Note: after filling in your name, address and email, it says 'start writing'. When you click on that, you'll see a letter provided. You can use it as is or even better, change it a little. One doesn't have to be a senior to send this!

Dozens of beluga whales remain confined to small concrete tanks at Marineland in Ontario, with no certainty about their future. These highly intelligent and social animals are denied the space, stimulation, and natural environment essential for their well-being. While Canada’s 2019 legislation banning the capture and breeding of cetaceans for entertainment marked a historic step forward, it left the existing belugas without a clear path. With Marineland now closed, responsibility for their future rests entirely with the federal government, making humane action both urgent and necessary. Euthanasia is now being considered as a “solution,” alongside the federal government assuming custody. We cannot allow this. These marvelous animals should not be euthanized. They deserve a chance to live out their remaining days with dignity, in a home worthy of their final chapter — right here in Canada. THERE IS HOPE: There are a number of sanctuaries these whales can be transported to within Canada. For example the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia is building a seaside sanctuary (Port Hilford Bay Sanctuary) where belugas could potentially swim in natural ocean water, explore their surroundings, and live with freedom and care. But this sanctuary needs government support and urgent action to be ready in time. Please consider signing this petition calling on the Government of Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to: Reject euthanasia as an option for Canada’s captive belugas, support and fund the completion or expansion of the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia and relocate captive belugas to seaside sanctuaries as soon as possible.

The Amazon rainforest sustains life for millions of people and countless species. Life on our planet depends on this rainforest to regulate our climate and weather patterns. However, industrial-scale agriculture and illegal gold mining is threatening the largest rainforest on Earth. While scientists warn the Amazon may soon be reaching a tipping point, these industries are cutting and burning down vast areas of forest to make a quick profit. In 2024, Greenpeace revealed that Canada was the number one destination for Brazilian gold exports. This November at COP30, political leaders, surrounded by corporate lobbyists, will meet in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon to decide the future of the planet. Communities across the Amazon are standing on the frontlines and trying to push back at the destruction. This petition is an opportunity to stand with them and the forest by demanding that global leaders protect the Amazon rainforest from illegal mining and other destructive industries.

Madagascar is a unique African country and one of the most biodiverse places in the world. There are a vast range of ecosystems and many species that live only here. For example, all 104 lemur species and subspecies exist nowhere else on Earth. Recently, the European Union and international corporations have shown increasing interest in Madagascar as a source of rare earths, graphite, and other raw materials. These minerals are considered critical for the energy transition, digital innovation, and defense, but mining them leads to human rights violations and widespread environmental destruction. The Base Toliara rare earths mining project is following suit with destruction of land and radioactive contamination from mining. Local communities are protesting, and facing violence and arrests. The transition away from fossil fuels is essential in addressing the climate crisis, but must not come by harming communities, destroying ecosystems, or intensifying the crisis itself. This is exactly what is happening in Madagascar. Please join in calling the government to stop the Base Toliara project, reject similar proposals, and end the harassment of those who speak out.

Biodiversity Loss - Where Have All the Birds Gone?

When I was a girl, you couldn’t hang the laundry out without a dozen sparrows scolding you for taking over their clothesline. Chickadees flitted in the lilacs, butterflies danced over the garden rows, and the evening chorus of frogs was as steady as the ticking of a clock.

Now? Some days, I notice the silence more than the song.

Scientists have a term for this: biodiversity loss. More than half of the species they keep track of, birds, frogs, fish, and even insects, are in decline. I have a simpler way of putting it: where have all the garden songs gone?

It’s easy to feel discouraged, but here’s the good news: we can help, right from our own backyards. Every patch of wildflowers, every tree we plant, every little bird feeder is a lifeline. Even a humble tomato patch buzzing with bees is part of the rescue team.

Grandma’s suggestions are simple:

Plant with purpose. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees feed the pollinators and shelter the birds. A patch of milkweed can bring back the monarchs.

Feed the singers. A bird feeder or birdbath makes your yard a welcome stop. Just keep them clean and filled.

Let it be a little wild. A corner left unmowed, a brush pile, or even a log left to rot will become a haven for wildlife.

Teach the kids. Bring the grandkids out to plant a sunflower or watch a bee at work. Caring grows when we see nature up close.

Imagine if every backyard in Nova Scotia and PEI became a tiny sanctuary. The silence would be broken again by wings, songs, croaks, and buzzes. That’s a future I’d like to hang my laundry out to. Let’s make our backyards noisy again, with life, with joy, with the music of nature finding its way home.

Start walking

Like most things in life, you don’t realize how much you enjoy something until it’s gone.

With the heavy gardening done for the year, Grandma decided it was time to start some kind of exercise program. After Sunday service, I thought I’d just walk around our community centre a few times. It’s all flat land, and I figured if I ran into any trouble, there’d be plenty of folks nearby to lend a hand.

It felt safe — and it was — but I’ll admit, it was a bit boring. Then my friend Cheryl dropped by. She told me she walks the trail every day and couldn’t believe how much it tired her when she first started again after the woods reopened. The trail never seemed that long before!

Cheryl and I are about the same age, so I figured if she could do it, so could I. So today, I walked all 2,100 steps of that trail! It’s the one by the Blandford Community Centre, open for everyone to enjoy. It starts just behind the centre — look for the small sign — and winds through gentle slopes, shady woods, and grassy patches. It’s a lovely, peaceful “go at your own pace” kind of walk.

Now, of course, I do have a few complaints. My feet are sore,  which probably means I’d better keep at it and toughen them up! My back’s a little achy too, so out come the walking sticks.

I took some pictures along the way and started thinking,  wouldn’t it be fun to make more of this trail? Maybe a free guided walk through the Recreation Department, or an event for seniors with younger folks joining in. We could even finish with hot chocolate at the community centre! Or how about a carriage walk for young mothers and their little ones?

There’s so much we could do with that two-thousand-step trail. Got any ideas? Grandma would love to hear from you. Send me a note.

 A Flu bug

I’m so sorry, my dears — Grandma (and Nana too!) has come down with our first cold/flu since the pandemic. Let’s hope it’s the last one, too!

Crafting and extra cooking will have to wait another week, but I’d still love to hear what you’ve been up to. Send me your craft ideas or favourite recipes anytime at [email protected] — they always brighten my day.

Grandma’s sending big hugs and a sniffly smile.

 Lord, Show me where my world hurts and move me from Lament into Action for Creation.

Amen

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