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: Planning for the Season of Creation in September? Check out these resources for sermon preparation and worship & educational materials. Looking forward to St. Francis? Here is a Blessing of the Animals sermon. Consider creation-focused prayers for Sundays after Pentecost in year A. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary are available.
- Education: Do you have members with asthma? This environmental health resource on asthma can help. To educate on climate, consider Climate Change & the Poor or this audio resource. To explore how communities of faith can respond to environmental issues facing oceans, attend Our Sacred Ocean on Sept. 14 in Washington D.C.
- Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ Bible verses & creation-care quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook group each week. Respond to the churchwide assembly resolution on stewardship of water with Stewarding the Gift of Water. Help parents teach their kids to “go green” at school. Here are some prayers for the World Day of Prayer for Creation on Sept. 1. Members can learn how to be good stewards at the Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza on Aug. 12 in Houston. The Fest’s theme this year is stewardship.
- Building & Grounds: To reduce lighting electricity consumption, see this lighting primer. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is offering a recording of a talk on Easy Energy & Water Conservation for Houses of Worship. They will offer programs on Becoming Carbon Neutral on Aug. 6 and Xeriscaping/Landscaping with Native Plants on Sept. 10. Check out the Sacred Spaces & Abundant Life resource from Creation Justice Ministries.
- 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. This site also lists volunteer opportunities in Houston, some of which may be environmental. A recording of the Justice Advocacy Workshop held on July 9 is available. Petition the mayor of Houston to support Zero Waste and the TX legislature to defend local tree ordinances.
For more information on any of the above or for creation care assistance/information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle of the synod’s Lutherans Restoring Creation Team. The team is seeking additional members. If you would be willing to serve, please contact us.