Caring for All Creation

Earth Ministry's four-part Caring for All Creation program encourages both individuals and communities of faith to live in loving community with all of God's creation, in specific aspects of our lives.

Each of the four modules provide resources and worship aids to address a particular environmental issue as part of a worship service and community action event: 

• On the Road – transportation and climate change 
• At the Table – sustainable agriculture and organic/locally grown food 
• In the Home – energy efficiency and toxics/environmental health
• By the Waters – water conservation and river restoration.
  

Changing behavior in these places offers a particularly significant opportunity to protect and restore the gift of God’s beloved creation. 

All of these modules give congregations an understanding of the Christian faith that underlies our call to care for the earth, and a pathway to experiencing that connection in the context of a familiar worship service.  Congregations celebrate an “Action Sunday” around each issue area of transportation, food production, home/grounds maintenance, and water – exploring relevant themes through adult and youth education opportunities, hymn and music choices, prayers and liturgy, and the sermon/reflection. 

The Action Sunday culminates in a congregation-wide activity that brings home the lessons learned in a personal way.  Individuals are invited to join other parishioners in taking action to better honor God’s creation, and sign a personal action pledge to keep their commitment strong after the event is over.

For each of the four modules, On the Road, At the Table, In the Home, and By the Waters, the following materials are included in an organizer’s packet:

• The Scriptural and Ecological Imperative. A brief summary of what the Bible teaches us about these aspects of living lovingly with creation, and the
  ecological concerns associated with each of them.

• Worship Aids. Specific ideas on how to integrate each issue area into worship, including sermon ideas, sample prayers and liturgy, and hymn and music suggestions.

• Educational Resources. Ideas for adult and youth education on each issue in conjunction with the Caring for All Creation Action Sunday activities.

• Culminating Activity. A description of how to carry out the congregation-wide activity that will be celebrated on Action Sunday.

• Additional Congregational Actions. A list of further actions congregations and individuals can take to live respectfully within the web of creation.

• Promotional Materials. Materials to assist congregations in organizing and promoting events associated with the program.

To purchase organizers’ packets for any of the Caring for All Creation modules, please visit our online store or call (206) 632-2426.