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: Check out this series of readings for 7 Summer Sundays focusing on creation. Start planning now to observe a Season of Creation in September. Consider creation-focused prayers for Sundays after Pentecost in year A. Here is another creation prayer resource. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary are available.
- Education: The Renew VBS, which had been out of print, is back. Kids nature education, including a free online course for teachers/parents, is available. A book study on Coming Home to Earth may be just the thing for a small group. The Earth Honoring Faith Retreat at Ghost Ranch in NM in early July is in its final year. Take the opportunity to attend.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ Bible verses & creation-care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Pass along these tips to green a picnic or barbecue. Summer is a good time to consider living a simpler life. Simple living and New Dream can help. Members can learn how to be good stewards at the Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza on August 12 in Houston; the Fest’s theme this year is stewardship.
- Building & Grounds: Did you know that the City of Houston offers curbside recycling for houses of worship at low cost? Partner with Compucycle to host an e-waste recycling event at your church. Check out Terracycle for ways to recycle just about everything. Interested in solar power, but put off by the high installation cost? You can purchase solar from Local Sun, a solar farm in Sealy. For lots of ideas on going green in your building, visit the Green Building Resource Center in Houston.
- Public Ministry/Advocacy: The weekly Opportunities to Care for, Learn About, and Enjoy God’s Good Creation features volunteer events in the greater Houston area. Attend the free Justice Advocacy Workshop in Houston on July There are several environmental non-profits that highlight Texas specific eco-justice issues. Check out Sierra Club, Alliance for a Clean Texas, and Texas Campaign for the Environment.
Please contact Lisa Brenskelle from the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for creation care assistance/information. In addition, the team is seeking additional members. If you would be willing to serve, please contact us.