Congregations care for creation in a variety of ways:
Recycling
Community Supported Agriculture projects
Worship
Bible Study
Energy Audits
Insulation
Geo-thermal energy
Participants gathered for a conversation at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations identified these and other ways that congregations and faith communities can care faithfully for God’s creation of which we are a part.
Representatives of five congregations took part: First Chinese Presbyterian Church, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Huguenot Memorial Church, Old Bergen Church, and the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. Rebecca Barnes-Davies, associate for Environmental Ministries, joined the group as did the members of the January Term Doctor of Ministry class offered by Columbia Theological Seminary.
The conversation began with Rebecca sharing about the resources avaible through the Environmental Ministries Office. Participants then shared about the efforts – and questions and challenges – of their respective congregations. The January Term Doctor of Ministry class members reflected on what is happening in their congregations. Dr. Mark Douglas spoke about environmental initiatives at Columbia Theological Seminary.
It quickly became clear during the conversation that each congregation – each community is caring for God’s creation in some way. Each has a story to tell. Similarities exist, but each story is unique. At the same time, each congregation, each community has much to learn and more to do.
Many ideas were shared and resources identified. Watch for information about those ideas and resources in the days ahead to help in your ministries.
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
Psalm 24:1
Thanks to Ricky Velez-Negron for the picture.