curricular aids/resources

Increase Awareness | Publications | Curricular Aids & Congregational Resources

Recommended Curricular Aids & Congregational Resources

Out of a wide variety of ecumenical, creation-honoring tools and resources, the following is an abbreviated list of Earth Ministry’s recommendations.

Curricular Aids
Congregational Resources
Resources for Children and Youth

Curricular Aids
(teaching/learning tools including videos and written resources)

Affluenza: the Cost of High Living and Escape from Affluenza (videos), produced by John DeGraaf and KCTS/Seattle and Oregon Public Broadcasting (1997, 1998). Affluenza highlights environmental, social, community, and spiritual costs of consumption. Escape from Affluenza helps viewers move beyond costly consumption. Each includes a guide for group discussion. To order go to Bullfrog Films' web site.

Cherishing God’s Creation: Short-term Study Course for Adults (video), produced by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program (1998). This five-session video series, with accompanying curriculum, is meant for short-term study courses, workshops, gatherings, summer camp programs, etc. The five sessions – Earth, Air, Water, Habitat, and People – explore the intersections between ecology, human crises and stewardship, and theological foundations for creation care from biblical sources and Christian tradition. The overall tone of the video is empowering and compassionate, encouraging all humans to protect the integrity of God’s whole creation. To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

Earth Ministry Videotapes. A wide selection of videos ranging from Earth Ministry-sponsored lectures (with speakers such as Sallie McFague, Cal DeWitt, and Terry Tempest Williams), gatherings and celebrations (with speakers such as Bill McKibben), and other Earth Ministry Events. In addition to these “homemade” videos, you’ll also find other excellent commercially and denominationally produced videos. Available through Earth Ministry’s Resource Library and catalogued on our web site. www.earthministry.org/videos.htm.

Food & Faith: Justice, Joy, and Daily Bread, edited and complied by Michael Schut, produced by Earth Ministry, and published by Living the Good News Press (2002). This book/curriculum focuses on the enjoyment of food, on our food choices as a dimension of Christian spirituality, on the ways in which eating connects us to the land and to each other, and on the responsibilities of eating as they relate to the economic, environmental, and cultural implications of our daily food choices. It will encourage movement from passive consumerism to mindful participation in all the systems involved in bringing food from farmer to table. The book includes an extensive resource guide on where to shop (both locally and nationally) for more earth-friendly food and provides ideas on how to support local, sustainable agriculture. In addition, it includes a eight-session curricular group learning experience that guides participants through the following:
    Developing Community
    Food as Sacrament
    Cogs in the Industrial Food Economy
    Global Markets to Backyard Gardens
    Life is a Journey: Don't Forget to Eat.

For God So Loves the World: Peacemaking and the Care of God’s Creation, by Vera K. White, published by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program (1997). This curriculum consists of six sessions. Based on selected biblical passages on the care of creation. The session titles summarize the movement of the course: God Creates, God Reveals, God Gives Freedom, God Mourns the Brokenness, God Offers Rest and Peace, and God Redeems. To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

The Global Banquet: Politics of Food (video), Maryknoll World Productions, directed by John Ankele and Anne Macksoud (2001). This two-part, fifty-minute video explores the politics that threaten global and local food security – particularly politics that center around corporate globalization of food. Study guide included. To order, go to Maryknoll World Productions' web site.

God’s Creation and Global Warming (video), produced by the Eco-Justice Working Group of the NCCC. This twelve-minute video is an easy-to-understand introduction to global warming, its current and potential impacts, and the overwhelming ways in which industrial countries contribute to it. The video skillfully places this issue into a faith-based context – clearly showing why people of faith should respond to this crisis. To order this video, email the Eco-Justice Working Group at info@nccecojustice.org.

God’s Earth, Our Home, produced by the Environmental and Economic Justice Hunger Concerns Working Group of the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCCC; 1994). This is an excellent resource for studying a myriad of human and natural crises that arise from environmental degradation and economic inequity. It is divided into twelve spiritually rich and thought-filled sessions. Each session contains a discussion of the particular crisis, a section entitled “what we can do,” questions for group discussion, and bibliographic resources. To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

Keeping the Earth: Religious and Scientific Perspectives on the Environment (video), produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. This inspirational, twenty-seven-minute video (with discussion guide) features prominent scientists and religious leaders who share their perspectives on the need to protect creation. To order, go to the Union of Concerned Scientists' web site.

Love the Earth and Be Healed (video), produced by the United Methodist Communications Office. This series of six videos (about twenty-five minutes each) examines a real-life case study and includes reflections from some of the most articulate voices within the field of eco-theology: Sallie McFague, John Cobb, Cal DeWitt, and Jay McDaniel. To order, call (800) 967-0880.

One God, One Family, One Earth: Responding to the Gifts of God’s Creation, published by the Episcopal Church Center (1994). This introductory, six-session curricula is divided into three groupings: One God (Think Globally), One Family (Act Locally), and One Earth (Commit Individually). This curriculum also contains an extensive list of other Episcopal, environmental resources. To order, call (800) 762-0968 (between 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST), ask for EJ 8915.

Simpler Living, Compassionate Life, edited and compiled by Michael Schut, produced by Earth Ministry, and published by Living the Good News Press (1999). A four-, six-, eight-, or twelve-week curriculum that uses a shared leadership format. This best-selling study, with thirty-two accompanying readings, looks at voluntary simplicity from a Christian perspective. “This wonderful collection of essays on money, time, environment, community, and related topics offers a compelling alternative vision of a healthy, whole, and balanced life.” (-Jim Wallis, Editor-in-Chief, Sojourners.) This book may also be used for personal study.

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Congregational Resources
(practical resources including sermon aids, liturgy ideas, environmental stewardship advice, and more)

EarthScore: Your Personal Environmental Audit & Guide, by Donald W. Lotter, Morning Sun Press (1993, 2002). While intended for personal and household use, this resource can also serve as a helpful guide for congregations that want to quantitatively evaluate their ecological “footprint” and take steps towards greater sustainability and social equity. To order, contact your local bookstore or call Morning Sun Press at (925) 932-1383.

Eco-Church: An Action Manual, by Albert Fritsch and Angela Ladavaia-Cox (1992). This resource contains helpful audits, suggestions, and resources for individuals and congregations. To order, go to Resource Publications, Inc.'s web site.

God’s Earth, Our Home, – A Resource for Congregational Study and Action on Environmental and Economic Justice, produced by the Environmental and Economic Justice Hunger Concerns Working Group of the NCCC (1994). This is an excellent resource for studying a myriad of human and natural crises that arise from environmental degradation and economic inequity. It is divided into twelve spiritually rich and thought-filled sessions. Each session contains a discussion of the particular crisis, a section entitled “what we can do,” questions for group discussion, and bibliographic resources. To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

Green Guidance, produced by the Women’s Division of the United Methodist Church (UMC). A well packaged guide for environmentally responsible meetings and events. Rich with a variety of resources that may be used in many areas of church life. To order, call (800) 762-0968 (between 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST), ask for EJ 9905. To read an excerpt, go to the UMC General Board for Church and Society's web site.

Greening Congregations Handbook, produced by Earth Ministry (2002). This 225-page Handbook is a “tool box” for all who want to foster creation awareness and care in their congregations. It helps readers actively respond to the question, “Why should people of faith care for creation?” The Handbook also helps congregations develop an enduring, creation-honoring focus within all dimensions of congregational life.

Guide to Resource Efficient Church Buildings, produced for the Evangelical Church in America by the Center for Resourceful Building Technology. This guide deals with the responsible use of God’s gifts in constructing churches. It considers “embodied energy” (energy spent in production and transportation of materials), recycling, and the disposal of construction waste. This guide also gives a list of manufacturers of resource efficient building materials. To order, call (406) 549-7678.

Healing and Defending God’s Creation: Hands On! Practical Ideas for Congregations, by Vera K. White in cooperation with the Social Justice and Peacemaking Ministry and Stewardship and Communication Development Ministry Units of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993). This resource book/curricula has the following sections: (1) Discipleship and Worship; (2) Learning and Teaching (providing lesson plans for preschool children through adults); (3) Lifestyle (individual and communal lifestyle choices); (4) Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling (exploring consumption habits); and (5) Legislation, Public Policy, and Community Involvement. Each section also contains a sub-section entitled, “What Churches are Doing,” which gives concrete examples of creation care. The resource concludes with an extensive resource list. To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

Household Ecoteam Workbook: A Six-month Program to Bring Your Household into Environmental Balance, produced by the Global Action Plan for the Earth (1992). This workbook divides environmental concerns into six areas and recommends that small groups meet regularly (over a six-month period) to address these areas – including water efficiency, energy efficiency, transportation, and garbage/waste reduction. Each month, the group can take specific actions in order to implement ideas within a household or church congregation. To order, go to the Global Action Plan's web site.

Let the Earth Bless the Lord: God’s Creation and Our Responsibility, A Catholic Approach to the Environment, produced by the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Department of Social Development and World Peace (1996). This resource is not a curriculum but has many materials that may be adapted for adult group studies. Materials include articles on sustainable development, international environmental justice, as well as practical hints to implement and sustain parish-based environmental programs. To order, go to the U.S. Catholic Conference/Catholic Bishops' web site.

101 Ways to Help Save the Earth with Fifty-two Weeks of Congregational Activities to Save the Earth, produced by the Eco-Justice Working Group of the NCCC, care of the United Methodist Church's (UMC) General Board of Church and Society. To order, go to the UMC General Board of Church and Society's web site.

Renewing the Face of the Earth: A Resource for Parishes, produced by the U.S. Bishops’ Department of Social Development and World Peace (1994). This is not a curriculum per se, but it contains readings and other resources related to the “connection between the environment and social justice.” (From the NCCB/USCC web site.) To order, go to the U.S. Catholic Conference/Catholic Bishops' web site.

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Resources for Children and Youth
(curricular aids and activities)

Caring for God’s Creation: A Five Section Curriculum for Children with 101 Nature Activities, Carole Essenmacher and Nancy Regensburger (1996). The authors write, “our purpose is not primarily to do environmental or science education, but rather to ground creation issues in belief in God as Creator.” It includes times of worship, hands-on learning activities, games, stories, and much more. To order, write to Carole Essenmacher, 221 N. West St., Vassar, MI 48768.

God’s Good World: A Peacemaking Resource for Children, by Vera K. White, published by the Presbyterian Peacemeaking Program (1997). “This [five-session curriculum] was designed to serve as a vacation Bible school or church school curriculum for third through sixth graders, but can be used in a variety of other ways. …Through activities, stories, and prayer, children and their leaders will learn more about God by experiencing God’s world and will find out ways that they can help to care for the world.” (From the Introduction.) To order, go to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s web site.

Loving Our Neighbor, The Earth: Creation-Spirituality Activities for 9-11 Year-Olds, by Christie L. Jenkins (1991). This curriculum consists of twenty lessons for children and teaches them to enjoy creation and the Creator, and care for creation. Topics include water conservation, cultivating the Earth, “God and Garbage,” learning the stars, and more. Contains photocopiable handouts. To order, go to Resource Publications, Inc.'s web site.

Protecting God’s Creation: A Resource Manual, produced by the National Catholic Youth Initiative (1999). An excellent resource for youth that creatively combines Catholic social teachings with actual opportunities to care for creation. After an introductory session on the sacredness of God’s creation, youth and their leaders may choose from a variety of topics (wastes, pesticides, rainforests, etc.) to further explore care for creation. To order, call the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry at (202) 636-3825, or email: info@nfcym.org.

Sharing Nature with Children; Listening to Nature; and Sharing the Joy of Nature: Nature Activities for All Ages, three books by Joseph Cornell. These classic environmental education resources engage children in nature awareness. Each book is filled with ideas, reflections, and creative games that serve to involve all of the senses with the natural world. Order through your local bookstore.

Your Will Be Done on Earth: Eco-Spirituality Activities for 12-15 Year-olds, y Christie L. Jenkins (1993). Eighteen easy-to-follow lesson plans combine theology and science to provide background information, activity ideas, and photocopiable handouts on issues such as habitat and species loss, animal rights, environmental degradation, and global warming. To order, Resource Publications, Inc.'s web site.