March 1, 2011

Caring for Creation

Subtle changes happen to the earth as the spring equinox approaches. The sun is higher in the sky and days are noticeably longer. Hints of new growth appear on trees and shrubs. The drab colors of winter give way to the bright colors of new life.

To help us honor this new life that God entrusts to us on Earth, ECF Vital Practices invited people of faith to share resources devoted to caring for all of God’s
creation. Across the country, churches and individuals are changing the ways we live and do business to become better stewards of the natural world that God has entrusted to our care. Why is this important? Without a healthy planet – clean air, clean water, and a stable climate – we won't have healthy people.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue of Vestry Papers:

• In “God is My Rock,” Fletcher Harper of GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition, invites you to reflect on your experiences of God in the natural world and what they taught you about God.

• Caring for the earth is an integral part of children and youth ministries. In “Tending to the Earth with Children,” Sharon Ely Pearson offers a variety of age appropriate ideas and resources to help young people recognize the direct impact they can have in creating a healthier, cleaner environment for the future.

• The 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, through the adoption of The Genesis Covenant, committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from every facility it maintains by 50% by 2019. In “The Genesis Covenant: Action for Climate Change,” Nancy McConnell and Patricia Helmer from the Diocese of Olympia share tools to help congregations track and assess energy and water consumption.

• “A Lenten Carbon Fast” by LeeAnne Beres of Earth Ministry offers resources to congregations interested in using this season of reflecting on and fasting from the actions, objects, or attitudes that separate us from God to reconnect with our Creator and the great gift of Creation.

On April 1, ECF Vital Practices will publish additional Vestry Papers articles related to “Caring for Creation.” During this two-month period we will also offer opportunities to interact with our Vestry Paper authors through Vital Posts and VP Talks with Fletcher Harper on Thursday, March 17 and Sharon Ely Pearson on Tuesday, March 22. 

Recognizing that some readers may choose to print and share this issue, we offer a PDF version of Vestry Papers. We appreciate the feedback we received related to our PDF version and continue to work on refining the format with the goal of making it easy to print and share across all printing platforms.

I hope that this issue inspires you to reflect on ways your congregation can begin, or expand on your ministry in areas related to caring for all of God’s creation. I invite you to add to this content by sharing your “Caring for Creation” resources in the Your Turn section and by participating in VP Talks and/or posting comments related to our articles, blog posts, or other content.