No longer a slave, but family.
This week’s workbook is based on the following structure, and includes, as always, discussion points and a prayerful pilgrimage through the week as we walk gently on sacred earth.
This text explores what it means to “choose life,” drawing on biblical examples and local environmental stewardship in Gippsland.
Core Themes and Passages
• Starts with Moses’ call in Deuteronomy to “choose life” for ourselves and future generations.
• Uses Psalm 1’s imagery of the righteous as thriving trees grounded by water, symbolizing a faithful, nourished life.
• Cites Luke 14 to stress that genuine discipleship comes at a real cost and affects all areas of life.
• References Paul’s letter to Philemon as a call to transform relationships and seek restorative justice and unity.
Connection to Creation
• Argues that being rooted in faith means caring for the environment and living sustainably.
• Encourages the church to work with groups protecting Gippsland’s natural habitats (wildlife rangers, conservationists, etc.).
• Calls for seeing nature not as a resource to exploit, but as a gift to be cherished and safeguarded.
Call to Action
• Urges Christians to actively care for creation, echoing Christ’s call to wholehearted discipleship.
• Frames “choosing life” as practicing justice, unity, and environmental stewardship for the benefit of all and the future.
Breaking Open 