By Lisa Brenskelle
The mission of Lutherans Restoring Creation is to promote incorporation of care for creation into the full life and mission of the church, working in five areas: worship, education, discipleship, building & grounds, and public ministry/advocacy. Check out these timely tips:
- Worship: Plan now for a Season of Creation in September. Hymn Sings are great fun. A PowerPoint listing of creation-focused hymns in Lutheran resources is available. Another resource is this Liturgy for Earthkeeping commissioned by Luther College. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary can help with weekly sermon preparation. Use these creation-focused prayers for the Sundays after Pentecost in year C.
- Education: The Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation web meeting series continues on July 31, with a presentation on Reducing Toxins in the Home. The Creation Care Fest – Environmental Extravaganza on August 13 offers education for all ages (see separate article). A recent college course project on environmental ethics offers an interesting idea for a high school group study/activity. For adults, consider the free studies: Rooted in God’s Word and Land or To Till and To Keep.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ Bible verses & creation-care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Point members to the most effective environmental stewardship actions they can take. This listing of creation-focused table graces encourages discipleship in the home. To support members in their creation care at home, use this survey. These 8 tips can help parents get their kids ready for back to school in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Building & Grounds: Inspire your building & grounds committee to care for creation with this short video. These green tips from the Mission Investment Fund can get you started. If you will be building a building, consider building green. Have sufficient property for a garden? Here’s some information to get your garden growing. Alternatively, consider a rain garden.
- Public Ministry/Advocacy: Use the Opportunities to Care for, Learn About, and Enjoy God’s Good Creation that is updated weekly (see upcoming opportunities link). Work with your municipality to organize a trash bash in a blighted neighborhood, a public park, or local waterway. Join a local non-profit in planting greenery in a public space. Arrange for donation of surplus produce from member gardens to a local food bank or pantry. Advocate for the protection of Texas bays and estuaries, nurseries for marine life.
For creation care assistance and information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle with the Lutherans Restoring Creation Team.