" ...There is no speech [to tell of God's wonder], nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the earth... ." Psalm 19 It has been nearly a month since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Since April 20, anywhere between 750 and 1,890 liters of crude oil has been spewing into the ocean every day. Attempts to stop the flow have been unsuccessful and it appears that blame and excuses are flowing as freely as the toxic sludge that darkens the waters of the gulf. We are kidding ourselves if we think this is the first oil spill since the Exxon Valdez in 1989. Oil "spills" occur regularly at an alarming rate. However, the loss of 11 lives as a result of the explosion and the unfolding and unknown ecological ramifications of this event have put this event in an entirely different category. This disaster is so visible, and the magnitude of the damage to the ecosystems of the area so great, that most are now calling this the worst ecological disaster to affect the United States. But this flow of oil into the gulf affects all of us, and raises profound, difficult questions: about our dependency on oil; our ability to protect fragile lands and biodiversity of life; our relationship with and responsibility to this planet; and our willingness to look at ways we can and must change -individually, corporately and politically. For the past three years, in preparation for our "gathering of the waters" service in the fall, we've invited folks to collect bits of water from our travels, holidays and special events. As we've come together for that September service, we've prayerfully named places of beauty around the world, places of rest and replenishment, and we've contemplated and celebrated the wonder and importance of water for our life and spirits. With the disaster in the gulf close to our hearts, this summer's invitation takes on an additional plea and imperative. As we work, play, and go about our travels these next months, let's show our gratitude for God's glorious creation, the gift of water and life. Let's prayerfully consider our place as part of creation - not separate from it - and our need to honour all of life. And let's gently, tenderly walk on this earth, contemplating how we ourselves might respond to this disaster, with hope and healing action. So this year as we collect water from various settings let us offer three prayers: a prayer of gratitude for the precious gift of water; for guidance about our actions; and a prayer for healing of the earth. Let justice flow like water and righteousness like a never-ending stream...Amos 5:24 Pastor Carol