Earth Day Festival

One of the highlights of Earth Month was the first Earth Day Festival held at St Mary’s-in-the-Valley, Ramona on Saturday, April 23, where the Rev. Phil Cooke and many church volunteers warmly welcomed hundreds of people to gather and celebrate the Earth. The all-day, family-friendly event was presented by the Ramona Community Garden and Sustainable Ramona–a grassroots organization that raises community environmental awareness.

Parth Domke, Creation Care Liason for St. Mary’s-in-the-Valley Church and vestry member at St. Bartholmew’s in Poway, said, “Walking around the festival was a delight for the heart and a feast for the eyes. I was struck by so many things that made this festival so festive! The sights of women spinning and weaving colorful scarves and vests, and of the greens of the multitude of potted plants; the sounds of the local musicians, and the conversations among folks as they wove their way around the tents, stopping to chat with strangers and have conversations with old friends – it all added up to an atmosphere of the warmth of community. What a wonderful way to honor our Mother Earth, who nurtures all the communities living upon her! I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”

The EDSD Creation Care team staffed one of many interactive information tables at this zero-waste gathering. Passers-by shared their hope for creation on a world map: from world peace to planting trees, solving hunger to saving wildlife. This uplifting event highlighted the gift that a generous church can offer the community: inviting people to come together for music, food, fun, and discovering more ways to care for God’s creation.