news stories Tagged “Creation Care”
Do your part at Annual Conference to help make the world a little cleaner
May 4, 2026 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Justice Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you remember 2020? Amidst the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a strange, silent miracle. The unending rivers of cars and trucks in our streets vanished. The 8:00 a.m. traffic jam dissolved into thin air. The world didn’t stop spinning; instead, the birds sang a little louder, and for the first time in decades, the horizon over our …more
Solar incentives for churches expire soon
April 27, 2026 / By Rev. Merle Showers, UNY Creation Justice / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If your church has even considered installing solar panels, the window to receive significant federal financial support is closing faster than it may appear and waiting much longer could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in missed reimbursement. Financial help is available through the IRS solar “Elective Pay” program, but key deadlines are approaching quickly. To qualify, your project must be registered with the IRS by …more
Celebrating a decade of creation care with EarthKeepers
April 22, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Today is Earth Day, a moment to reflect on how we care for creation and one another. As the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program marks its 10th anniversary, United Methodists across Upper New York are engaging in meaningful, community-based efforts to care for God’s creation. Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips United Methodists …more
The joy of serving: Put love into action
January 26, 2026 / By Tara Barnes
Being United Methodist means striving to be “perfected in love,” to grow hearts capable of fully loving God and neighbor. In our local churches we find joy, respite, and inspiration during worship on Sunday mornings, we grow spiritually in Bible studies, and we extend our hands to our communities through meals, pantries, clothing drives, bike repairs, backpack giveaways, and more. We also belong to a connection. From Niagara …more
Be a Global Ministries EarthKeeper
January 22, 2026 / By Betsy Croft, member of Saint Paul’s UMC Castleton/Schodack and member of the Creation Justice Team
Creation is calling and the Church is responding. The application period for the next Global Ministries EarthKeepers online training is now open. This free training is planned from May 1-16, 2026 and will connect you with resources and new friends across the country. Speaking from personal experience, when you attend, your time will be repaid with a multiplicity of blessings! …more
Commentary: Climate change and crops
October 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Justice Team
The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley on behalf of the UNY Creation Care Ministry. The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Creation Care Ministry, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. October is here and what a month! First, International Coffee Day came and went on October 1. October 31 is Halloween. This …more
Creation Care: Doing it God’s way
June 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, Creation Care Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley, Chair of the UNY Creation Care Team. The views expressed in this article are of the author and team, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. If you are familiar with the Bible’s book of Genesis, you know that God gave the …more
Caring for God’s Creation at Buffalo University UMC
April 8, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, Creation Care Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
University UMC in Buffalo has chosen to be concerned about being a GOOD Steward of God's Creation. We want to do all in our power to do as little harm and as much good to the great gift God has given us. In 2013, our gas bill for the year was $10,179.82 and our electric bill was $3,706.53. That was very alarming as far as our budget was concerned, but for …more
Climate Change Superfund Act: Great news from the UMUNY Creation Justice Team
January 9, 2025 / By UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Governor Kathy Hochel has signed the Climate Change Superfund Act. This Act requires the largest gas and oil companies who do business in New York State to pay the State $25 billion over ten years, $3 billion each year. The money will be used to help municipalities pay for the damage caused by the climate crisis. In addition, the Act will require at least 35% of the monies received be directed to protecting …more
Commentary: Caring for creation while tackling food inflation
December 13, 2024 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Justice Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley on behalf of the UNY Creation Care Ministry. The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Creation Care Ministry, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. Before Thanksgiving, as our congregation’s team began packing food bags for a local food pantry, our Deacon, the Rev. …more