The mission of Lutherans Restoring Creation is to promote incorporation of care for creation into the full life and mission of the church, working in five areas: worship, education, discipleship, building & grounds, and public ministry/advocacy. For some timely tips in these areas, see below:
Worship World Environment Day is June 5. Here are some ideas to observe the day in worship. This collection of creation-focused prayers from an Anglican resource may be useful. Consider this creation-focused liturgy, also from an Anglican source. Seasonal creation-focused prayers for Easter – Pentecost in year C can be used in worship each week. Creation-focused commentaries on the lectionary from a Lutheran source are available.
Education Here is a confirmation module, Thinking about Science & God, from the Lutheran Alliance on Faith, Science & Technology. Learn about the Texas Coastal Exchange, a new carbon offset program for the TX Gulf Coast, on May 5, online or in person in Houston. Houston Central Solar CoOp for Houses of Worship & Their Members in Houston, and online, on June 2 can inform members. The online Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation on May 19, Achieving Zero Waste in Houston & What You Can Do and on June 30 The Health of Houston’s Waters & What You Can Do both educate on creation care.
Discipleship: Make use of the “Bulletin blurb” eco-tips (+ verses & quotes) on the synod leaders Facebook page each week. Or, use these 52 creation care tips from Creation Justice Ministries in your weekly bulletin. A creation-focused prayer & devotion are also posted on Facebook each week & can be shared with members. GreenChristian, from the U.K., has a great leaflet on the 7 Rs that you can share with members.
Building & Grounds Want to get started on greening your congregation, but don’t know where to begin? Check out the Congregational Covenant & Organizing Kit. Or, use this handy short checklist to give your church an eco-check-up. Learn about going solar at Houston Central Solar CoOp for Houses of Worship & Their Members in Houston, and online, on June 2. Consider how your house of worship can protect the kids in your congregation from environmental risks. If you have a school in your building, check out the EPA’s website for schools.
Public Ministry/Advocacy: The weekly Opportunities to Care for, Learn About, and Enjoy God’s Good Creation features volunteer events in the greater Houston area (see upcoming opportunities link). Plant a pollinator garden on your property for National Pollinator Week. Do a beach clean-up for World Oceans Day. Or, consider some other outdoor activity for National Get Outdoors Day. Support a ban on polystyrene foam.
For more information on any of the above, or for creation care assistance/information, contact the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team by writing to Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com. The team is seeking additional members. If you would be willing to serve, please contact us.
