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. For some timely tips in these areas, see below:
- Worship: For a fresh look at baptism, see water in worship: The Ecology of Baptism. Thanksgiving liturgies that recognize the blessings of creation are available. Use this tree-planting liturgy when planting trees for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. 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 continue on October 30 and November 20, with discussions on the Theology of Earthkeeping. Attend the Creation Care Retreat in Galveston October 28 – 30. In Advent, use this Advent Study with a creation theme. Use these discussion questions & short excerpts from the Caring for Creation social statement as devotions to open council/committee meetings. In response to the ELCA’s resolution on stewardship of water, consider this Living Water Bible Study.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ Bible verses & creation-care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Contact the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for devotional materials for use during the U.N. Climate Conference, November 7-18. In Houston, encourage cycling by promoting the Bike Safety course on November 6. Offer members these 10 tips for a green Thanksgiving. Consider greening your congregation at Advent.
- Building & Grounds: The EPA’s free building management tool, Portfolio Manager, has a new capability. It can now track waste, as well as water and energy use. Going to be building? Check out these webinars on building “green”. Considering an energy efficiency upgrade? Check out this website for financial incentives. Get free trees to plant on your property for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Consider composting yard/kitchen waste for your property.
- 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). In Houston, participate in the Fall 2016 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event on November 13. Consider a project to improve the environment in a low-income neighborhood. Advocate for improvements in the Gulf Coast Eco-System Restoration Council’s comprehensive plan or petition congress to protect our public lands.
To contact the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for creation care assistance/information, write to Lisa Brenskelle.