Our congregations are committed to caring for creation and being mindful of how we steward the earth’s resources. Pictured here are some initiatives in synod congregations plus some ideas from the churchwide organization.
- RECYCLE CELL PHONES – Women of the ELCA has teamed up with the Women’s Funding Network and the Good Deed Foundation in an ongoing effort to recycle the millions of out-of-use cell phones and raise money at the same time to: support programs that lift women and families out of poverty; help provide lasting solutions to climate change, a major contributor to poverty worldwide; and provide 911 emergency phones for senior citizens and people at risk. Learn about postage-paid shipping and join this worthwhile effort.
- GREEN YOUR MEETING – Here are some tips for making gatherings more environmentally friendly.
WHAT AM I SEEING?
Expand the slideshow using the outward-facing arrows and identify pictured congregations by selecting ”show info.” OR, add a little background music by humming this ditty as you read about the pictured ministries (lyrics written by Pastor Sarah Scherschligt, Prince of Peace Lutheran-Gaithersburg, Md., 9/26/09).
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love.
Luther Place Memorial planted flowers, making earth like heaven above.
Eco-justice in the city, bursting with sunflowers far and wide.
A worm hotel, an indoor bike chain – before you throw that paper use the other side!
At All Saints-Bowie up in Maryland, green education is their bent.
Don’t want Styrofoam? Find an alternative at their eco-living event.
Non-toxic cleaners, organic juices, promoting fair trade all year long.
They’ve preserved land for native plants to keep the ecosystem strong.
Down to Rockville, Crusader’s gone green with eco-sermons and earthy hymns.
Bring your dog or cat (no foolin’). They’ll bless those creatures with 4 limbs!
Cleaning up streams, planting trees, doing their part to act locally.
Teaching youth about God’s creation, they love to watch an eco-movie.
Down the road at Prince of Peace the fruitful field’s in full swing.
Bags of food have been donated, and it hardly cost a thing!
CFL lightbulbs, eco-advocacy, the Creation Care Carnival was such a blast.
They’re now wind powered (go Clean Currents!), caring that God’s creation lasts.
Over to Virginia, St. Mark-Springfield; Their building upgrades are quite a feat!
HVAC’s now geothermal, they drill deep to catch the heat.
Solar panels complete their dreams to stop climate change so we don’t all roast.
St. Mark is so cutting edge that it was written up in the Post.
At King of Kings in Fairfax, Virginia, they do their best to save on energy.
Thermostats are regulated, all programmable, saving carbon and money.
Reduce-reuse-recycle’s not just a slogan; it’s put into practice at every turn.
God blessed the earth so they do likewise, with eco-stewardship there’s so much to learn.
Epiphany’s garden in Dale City; Dontcha love Thrivent and what it backs?
They raise produce, sell it for money, and give it away to those who lack.
Don’t toss that bulletin, they’ll use it next week. Dig in the dirt, enjoy God’s world for free.
And please request their newsletter be emailed; Saves on money, and money grows on trees!
There you have it — different churches doing their part to care for the earth.
Like God told the very first humans, the world’s a garden with abundant worth.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee!
