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: Thinking ahead to Holy Week and Easter? See this youth reflection on Good Friday and water. Consider creation-focused prayers for Easter in year A. During Earth Month, don’t forget Faith Climate Action Week, April 15 – 24. Speaking of Earth Month, see this Earth Day liturgy from McCormick Theological Seminary. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary are available.
- Education: Blessed Earth has resources for children’s creation education. They also have DVD resources that could work for youth or adults. Lutheran World Federation youth YouTube videos on climate change can get the conversation started.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+Bible verses and creation care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Aid members to care for trees on their property with resources from Arbor Day Foundation. Distribute the Tread Lightly for Lent resource from the Presbyterian Church to encourage care of creation. Another Lenten or any season option is member pledges to care for creation. Point members to this eco-prayer resource to use at home.
- Building & Grounds: Planting a tree for Reformation? Locate it to save energy. Food is served at many church functions. Consider these food-related tips from Texas Lutheran University. Now that you know about the new Property Assessed Clean Energy financing option, perhaps you want to go solar. See this congregational guide to going solar. Check out the EPA’s wastewise program to consider how to reduce waste from your operations. In certain areas of Houston, curbside recycling is available for churches for a small fee.
- 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). Organize an activity that cares for water resources in observance of World Water Day on March 22. For those in Houston, organize an activity that has compassion on creation for Compassion Week, April 22 – 29. Caring for Creation, with a particular emphasis on protecting creation from climate change, is an ELCA justice advocacy priority for 2017. Keep an eye on their webpage for opportunities to advocate.
For more information and assistance on creation care, please contact Lisa Brenskelle of Lutherans Restoring Creation.