Tag: Agriculture
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Skeptical about climate change
Skeptical Science is based on the notion that science by its very nature is skeptical. It is not the same as doubt. Skepticism is the open-minded consideration of something based on the evidence. A skeptic doesn’t have a preference for what the truth is, a preferred answer. If you want to discover what the truth…
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Sustainable gardens
Compost the soil to retain carbon and grow plants, using a compost bin and worm farm. Use less water by planting native and climate appropriate vegetation. Collect and harness rainwater Plant vegetation to avoid erosion, and take up CO2. Avoid concrete or artificial grass. Plant vegetation that attracts bees, butterflies, cockatoos or other local…
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Rain
O God, the earth is thirsty for rainand we wait for youto refresh the land and all its creatures,the rivers and lakes, the crops and gardens. Send abundant rain, we pray,and teach us to be better stewardsof all the blessings you provide,through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. © The Anglican Church of AustraliaThis text may…
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Salinity
Many areas of Australia are devastated by rising water tables bringing long-buried salt with them. In the past, water tables were kept low by tree and scrub cover. After land clearance for cropping or livestock, the water table rises. Salt poisons the land not only for agriculture but also for most native vegetation. Salinity in…
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Thanksgiving for the Seed
This Thanksgiving may be useful in farming communities where there is a custom of blessing the “plough” (despite no-till agriculture!) or the seed. Biblical references: Mark 4.26-29, John 12.20-25, Psalm 65 God, we thank you for the seed, harvested from an earlier crop, kept with care and foresight. Thank you for the seed, packed with…
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Farming Communities: Prayers of Intercession
Rural and urban Australians experience the land and environmental issues from different perspectives. These intercessions approach land use from the farmers’ and country townspeople’s perspective. Some or all of these petitions may be included and adapted in an appropriate sequence for the local context. For people who love the land and care for it well,…
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Prayers of the People – Food Theme
These intercessions are part of a suite of texts on food and the environment. God of justice,we pray for the feeding of the world.Give wisdom to those who make policy about food,to ensure a fair share for all.Protect good farmland from urban sprawl and industrial degradation. Send plentiful harvests to those who grow crops and…
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Litany – Food Theme
This is part of a suite of texts on the theme of food and the environment. The petition in square brackets referring to Holy Communion (“this holy meal”) should be omitted in non-eucharistic contexts. God the Father, have mercy on us. God the Son, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on…