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 and grounds, and public ministry/advocacy. For some timely tips in these areas, see below:
- Worship: Pentecost soon will be upon us! See this Episcopal resource for a creation series for Pentecost in year A. Get inspired to be an eco-preacher by this blog. Consider creation-focused prayers for Easter/Pentecost in year A. Prayers are also posted weekly on the synod leaders Facebook group. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary are available.
- Education: This Luther College student did a few simple things to incorporate care for creation into VBS. Another idea that provides creation education to a range of ages is these nature videos or the Human Footprint video, with accompanying materials for students. For an adult study, consider the new book The Nature of Things.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ Bible verses and creation-care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Respond to the clean energy memorial passed at churchwide assembly last year by informing members of Solarize-Houston, a Houston non-profit seeking residents and businesses for discounted group purchase of solar panels. Urge members to celebrate World Environment Day, National Trails Day, and World Oceans Day, all in June. For National Pollinator Week in June, materials on creating backyard habitat can aid members in their stewardship of creation.
- Building & Grounds: To steward the biodiversity of God’s creation, consider creating some wildlife habitat or a pocket prairie on church property. In response to the memorial passed at churchwide assembly last year encouraging use of renewable energy, consider how you might leverage the smart grid to be a better steward of energy resources, take action to improve energy efficiency, or switch to renewable energy sources.
- Public Ministry/Advocacy: The weekly Opportunities to Care for, Learn About, and Enjoy God’s Good Creation features many volunteer events in the greater Houston area to engage in public ministry (see upcoming opportunities link). Or look for a National Trails Day or World Oceans Day event near you. With the Texas legislature in session, advocacy opportunities in environmental stewardship are many. Or sign up to receive timely alerts for advocacy.
To contact the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for creation care assistance/information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle. The team is seeking additional members. If you would be willing to serve, please contact us.