Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR last year helped to organize and host an “Earth Care Day Camp.” The team provided for transportation, a nutritious snack and lunch every day for the campers, and introduced the 16 youth and 9 children to themes of water, trees, watershed management, food gardens, pollinators, wildlife habitat, wildlife. Tangible enhancements included increased native planting, the establishment of two pollinator gardens, increased water sources for wildlife, and a re-planting of a demonstration garden as an alternative to lawn. Only 3 of the 25 young people had had previous contact with CHPC and most brought their families in a family night potluck and to a follow-up event (a Neighborhood Front Porch Party).
A certified PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation since 2012, this small congregation has been able to do an amazing amount for God’s creation!
Matthew 13:3-9 3And Jesus told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen!”