Under the leadership of Earth Keeper Christy Fitzpatrick, Good Shepherd, Houlton hosted an ecumenical service at the town amphitheater in Monument Park to start off the Season of Creation. There were about 40 in attendance, from 4 congregations. First fruits in the form of vegetables, flowers, and fruits from attendees’ gardens were collected and blessed by Father Kinsey, with the help of several children.
They also sponsored a community lecture by Isaac St. John, Tribal Historic Preservationist for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, who spoke on two-eyed seeing – describing the indigenous view of the world and how combining both the western and indigenous world views can help us address the climate crisis. About 25 people attended.
They decorated the church for the Season, and were blessed to have a service booklet with special prayers and hymns that all three churches in the Aroostook Cluster shared.
Good Shepherd will continue to have educational and faith building events around creation care throughout the year.
