Browsing Environment

Earth Stewardship Leads to Solar Project

Folks at a Lutheran congregation in Washington State were so inspired by Frances Moore Lappé’s book, “Ecomind,” that they took a step in addressing climate change. Partnering with local educators, they installed solar panels on a middle school. What can your congregation do? (Photo by Ellen Lamiman)

What If Climate Change is Real?

Climate scientist (and Christian) Dr. Katharine Hayhoe’s TEDx talk provides a good conversation starter about climate change and stewardship of creation. Hayhoe provides excellent illustrations, clear explanations, and a smattering of humor to this presentation about a critical subject.

Plan a ‘Creation Sunday’ Celebration

This April 22 marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Why not celebrate the occasion with a special Earth Sunday or Creation Sunday worship on the April 19 or April 26? You can make it a celebration of the natural environment, or possibly a blessing of the seeds, farms, orchards, gardens and fields. Why not preach on how we must take better care of God’s good earth. Here are some places to get ideas and resources.

Earth Preaching for Palm/Passion Sunday

Palm/Passion Sunday provides plenty of opportunities to lift up themes of creation and creation care, says the reflection from lutheransrestoringcreation.org, which offers a weekly commentary to bring preaching “down to earth.”

Go Green! Getting Started in Your Church

Greening your church provides a wonderful opportunity to make qualitative shifts in your church life. You can adopt practices that save money; explore new perspectives on faith, worship and spirituality that will renew and energize your members; engage Christian education students of all ages; and involve new people in your ministry! (Photo by Michael Coghlan, used by Creative Commons License)

Climate Change: Finding Common Ground

“When you dig to the bottom of it,” climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says, “the problem many people have with climate change is not with the science. The problem is that people believe climate change is not consistent with their ideological values, political values, or faith values.” Read more of Hayhoe’s perspectives in this article. (Photo: […]

Join the Energy Stewards Initiative

ELCA congregations and outdoor ministry sites are invited to participate in the Energy Stewards Initiative, a one- to two-year program to help lower their energy usage, which not only is good for the planet but it also frees up money for mission. Deadline is May 15. Check out the details at Lutherans Restoring Creation. (Photo […]

Francis Calls for Protecting Creation

“A Christian who does not protect Creation, who does not let it grow, is a Christian who does not care about the work of God,” Pope Francis declared in a homily. Human sinfulness has led to environmental degradation, and he called for Christians to care. (Photo by Semilla Luz, used by Creative Commons license)

Three Layers of Environmental Preaching

Pastors who may be reluctant to preach on environmental issues can take inspiration from this informative essay, which broadens the conventional notion that environmental preaching always means addressing controversial political issues. Good reading for pastors who want to lead their congregations in new directions, from Eco-Justice Ministries. (Photo © Nelos – Fotolia.com)  

Check out the Global Catholic Climate Movement

The Global Catholic Climate Movement seeks to rally the world’s largest Christian denomination behind care of God’s creation and the fight to stop climate change. Started only in January 2015, it has already gathered dozens of partner groups across the globe. Be sure to read their statement.  (Photo @ Keller, Fotolia)