Autumn, to me, has always felt a bit like the season of contemplation: after the vibrancy and excitement of spring and summer, the world is preparing itself for rest and renewal. Thus, autumn has always been the time of year where I feel the most reflective. As we say farewell to the Season of Creation, and as Thanksgiving and the Reformation are fresh on our minds, it is a natural point in the year to ruminate on our lives and the wondrous creation that surrounds us.
A lot has happened this year. I—like many of us—have been doing a lot of reflection on all the change that surrounds us, as well as my own role and duty in the change that I am witnessing.
While the climate emergency is always weighing on my mind, the Season of Creation boldly reminds us of our fundamental relationship with Creation, and our calling to nurture it as its stewards. I am overwhelmed by my love for Creation, and I am simultaneously overwhelmed by my knowledge of how extreme the crisis is that we’re facing. Now, more than ever, is the time to continuously and persistently put our faith into action, to propel us into a just and sustainable future and actualize the vision for Creation set out by Christ.
This issue of Canada Lutheran explores how our community has stepped up to that calling, and highlights the recent work of our church and its members as we collectively work towards ensuring the health of Creation through faithful action, in response to the climate emergency. The cover story also provides insight into how we can continue this work, year round, and build upon it.
I’d also like to take a moment to introduce myself, as the new editor for Canada Lutheran. It is my honour to step into this role as Carter’s interim position comes to an end, and I am beyond thankful to Carter, and Trina, for their guidance as I begin this journey.
As a recent graduate of Carleton University, where I studied journalism and political science, I am currently living in Ottawa, ON, on the un-ceded and un-surrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, though I grew up in Kitchener, ON. Throughout my life, I have been involved in the work of the church, through volunteering with my youth group growing up, working in outdoor ministry at Camp Lutherlyn (Golden Lake, ON), and writing for Canada Lutheran and Canadian Lutheran World Relief.
As a younger person in the church, I am passionate about young adult leadership and youth involvement in our faith communities. Through outdoor ministry, through CLAY, and through various other endeavours, I have seen the faith, passion and involvement of our youngest members, and that excites me tremendously as we move into the future of our church, and navigate the change that our church, and the world, is experiencing.
It is my hope to bring fresh perspectives to the magazine, and I’m also very much looking forward to the opportunity to connect with, learn from and give voice to all of you.
Sarah Malina
Editor
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