PC(USA) celebrates 5 years of Earth Care Congregations program, 14 churches honored
LOUISVILLE
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Five years after it began, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Earth Care Congregations program is celebrating 14 churches that have demonstrated a commitment to caring for God’s creation.
To be certified as an Earth Care Congregation, churches complete projects in four areas: worship, education, facilities and outreach. These activities can range from the simple — displaying an earth-themed banner during worship — to the more involved, such as establishing a wildlife habitat on church grounds. Each activity is assigned a point value; churches must earn 100 points to be certified as an Earth Care Congregation for one year. After a year, churches can complete new projects to get recertified.
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The Earth Care Congregations program can serve as a form of evangelism for participating churches, many of whom display their certification on their websites or even on reusable grocery bags. Participants can also connect with other eco-focused congregations via a map on the Earth Care Congregations webpage, allowing them to find encouragement, support and new ideas.
“The PC(USA) is a connectional church, and connecting our own faith life to the rest of God’s creation is a vital way we practice discipleship,” Barnes said.
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To read the whole article, go to: PCUSA News.