Archer Earth Community February Update

[Dianne Hearn]

Dear Friends

Archer Meditation  and Agapes

Our meditation and Agape gatherings will commence again in March.

Planning for Archer Earth Community 2026

Our planning meeting for Archer Earth Community 2026 will be held on Wednesday 4 February at 2461 Sandgate Rd Boondall.  If you are unable to come but have suggestions please let either Tony  AEHemp...@edmundrice.org or Di hear...@gmail.com

know.  We will gather from 10am for a 10.30 start and end with a shared lunch so please bring something to share for morning tea /lunch. 

Living Earth Community Website

The Yale Forum on Religion & Ecology has created a new website called Living Earth Community.  The website has 3 wings: the intelligences of nature, ecological worldviews, and Earth law. The images are stunning, inspiring a re-enchantment with nature, and encouraging engagement with the planet’s complex biodiversity.

See:  https://livingearthcommunity.com/

Visual Meditations from Emmaus Productions

Emmaus Productions have a series of meditations based on Laudato Si.  This meditation entitled, Born of the Universe is based on the writings of the late Denis Edwards. See https://www.emmausproductions.org/laudato-si/laudato-si-en/#hm-agh

Pilgrimage through North Wales

You may enjoy this series on ABC iview which takes us on a pilgrimage through various Celtic spiritual places in the beautiful natural wonders of North Wales.  See https://iview.abc.net.au/show/pilgrimage-the-road-through-north-wales

Living Connected to Place and Why it Matters Now by Matt Bigger

This article reflects on the importance of being connected to our physical surroundings both from a personal perspective and a societal perspective.  It explores some of the constraints we face in trying to live this way and offers some suggestions for embracing this approach to life.  See https://www.localfutures.org/living-connected-to-place-and-why-it-matters-now/

UN Review of Australia’s Human Rights Record

The recent 5 year review of Australia’s human rights record by the UN Human Rights Council raises concerns about the age of criminal responsibility, treatment of first nations peoples and offshore detention.  Furthermore it recommends Australia legislate a statutory Human Rights Act.

See https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/un-periodic-review/106271490

Key Dates

2 February World Wetland Day

The theme for World Wetlands Day 2026 is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage," focusing on the vital role of indigenous and local communities' ancestral knowledge in sustaining wetlands, preserving identity, and promoting sustainable management for future generations, highlighting the deep connections between people and these ecosystems. For more information and to view beautiful wetland photos including the one below from Iran,  see: https://www.worldwetlandsday.org

8 February World Day against Human Trafficking

The 2026 theme is Peace Begins With Dignity.  See  https://acrath.org.au/take-action/world-day-of-prayer/

13 February Anniversary of the National Apology

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the apology to Australia’s Indigenous people by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at Parliament House in 2008 on behalf of the nation. QPAC and Link-Up (Qld) are hosting a free event in the Concert Hall Foyer to mark this important commemoration.  The event will also be live streamed.  See https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/18th-anniversary-of-the-national-apology

18 February Ash Wednesday

20 February World Day of Social Justice

The theme for 2026 is Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future.  The theme challenges us to ensure our move towards a low-carbon future benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable.  See https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day

In conclusion we pray for those impacted by fire in the South and floods in the North of our country.

Creator God,

breath and source of life,
in love you called the world into being.
We stand in awe of the wonder of creation:
its beauty and wildness;
complexity and power;
resilience and fragility.

You call us to be participants in the web and wellspring of life:
to be nurtured by the planet;
to be nurturing of the planet;
to cherish the world and all that lives.

We pray for people and communities 

suffering the devastating effects of fire and flood.
May they receive the support and care they need.

We pray for us all,
that we might restore our relationships with one other 

and work together to heal the earth.  Amen.

Blessings from

Archer Earth Community

E: hear...@gmail.com

M: 0448275712