ministries

Upper New York Creation Care

The natural world is God’s masterpiece and the only home we will likely ever know. Did you know that the Bible, the Book of Discipline, the Book of Resolutions, and the Social Principles are all replete with calls to care for Earth? Environmental stewardship is all about loving God by loving God’s handiwork, the incredible universe God has provided to sustain life.

Even so, God’s creation is hurting. Humans are polluting too much and overusing resources, degrading Earth’s ability to support us. Worse still, those who contribute least to these problems are often the ones who suffer the most from them.

So, in August 2023, the Upper New York Annual Conference (AC) joined other ACs across the US in forming a Creation Care Team, tasked with promoting Christian environmentalism across our region. This team is part of the AC’s Social Holiness Team. It will work to encourage environmental stewardship through personal lifestyle choices, responsible financial investments, church-building efficiency, church operations, partnerships with local communities, and government action. Emphasis will include environmental justice, toxic waste cleanup, water and air quality, and reducing/reusing/recycling.

Do you know of lay people or clergy whom God may be leading to collaborate with the Creation Care Team, or to join the team? We are looking for other members, especially those in the Northeast part of the AC.

Please encourage interested individuals to contact Andrew Hartley at khahstats@yahoo.com.

Resources

Beloved in Christ, we aim to offer you some resources for your congregation that will work on caring for God’s creation as a way of faithful living.  Today, we offer a resource that will help your families with children learn and practice Earth-healthy habits: Kids For Saving Earth! Click here to learn more.     

There are activity projects and lots of information that will help kids in your church recognize how they can be empowered to care for God's creation and get active over environmental concerns. As one example, do you know how global warming harms groundwater and what you can do about it? Click here to learn more.

You will also read how to set up art made from garbage, how to have an environmental fair, and what precious species are at risk, and why. God’s creation is at risk and we are its protectors; for this, we praise God! You are invited to put your prayer into action with your family and your church, and have some fun doing it!