Bringing different corners of the community together generates energy. Kick started by a "Creative Initiatives Grant" founded by Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), we set out to bring together a wide array of stakeholders to reflect on the soil health movement of regenerative agriculture. 

The goal was to generate a discussion between scientists, farmers and theologians about the emerging discoveries of soil health. Scientists want repeatable results. Farmers want sustainable businesses. Theologians have an ear for the language and patterns of God. We all benefit from healthy soils and a regenerating food system. CiRCLe M helped the church join this important conversation. Funds went to support farm tours, student tours, scientific testing, specialty crop seeds and the creation of some theological reflections on the experience. The farmers, businesses and NGOs that partnered were impressed by the interest and willingness of Christians to be involved with the promotion of this movement.

Some of the important gifts that the church brings to exploratory practices are:

• an emphasis on grace that gives us courage to take risks and think critically
• a strong affirmation of the vocation of land stewardship 
• an understanding that access to good food and God's justice are interwoven
• ancient stories and rituals that give meaning to the work of food production
• a sense of awe that fosters curiosity at the mysteries of ecosystems

Farmers and scientists, by bringing to the table their careful observations, give the church a new window to explore God's work in the world.

As an organization that seeks to bridge different sectors of the community there is no end to compelling opportunities for discovery and community building.

Taking the land conversation back to our faith communities:

In conjunction with the cropping project, Pastor David Saude developed a four-part curriculum that looks at the role of land in the laws established in the book of Leviticus. Using his training as a counsellor the sessions invite participants to reflect on their own connections to land and agriculture. These personal reflections are what bring the ancient teachings to life. 

Camp Kuriakos of Sylvan Lake, AB hosted four online sessions led by Pastor Saude. Over a hundred households registered showing that there is a keen interest among the laity of the church to discuss land-based issues in a light of our faith. The curriculum is available for use and distribution through Circle M. Please make use of this resource.

Expanding the dialog to cross culture:

The next rendition of the project will extend the conversation to explore land values and spirituality with First Nation partners in the Bow Valley region of Alberta. This work will hopefully open up a model for faith communities to live out denominational and political commitments towards Truth and Reconciliation in our communities.