Care of Creation
God has given us a wonderful planet. We are stewards of it until His return. If He came today, would He say, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
Perhaps He would say, "What have you done to my water? What has happened to my land? And why is even the air I provided my children fouled and filthy?" How would you answer?
Doing nothing is an action, but is it a Christian action? What can you do? Will your descendents live to regret it if you do nothing?
"We affirm the natural world as God's handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its preservation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind."
— Social Creed of the United Methodist Church
Ecology of the Bible
Avondale Pattillo UMC has now completed an "Ecology of the Bible" study and action group. The group now is in "Action" mode. Some actions underway include:
- [Done] Sell Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs. Buy a 60 Watt CFL for $3 and we also donate one to a person who needs it.
- [Done] Convert dim sanctuary lights to brighter yet lower wattage CFL type.
- Plant a tree or two. [One planted on April 26th]
- [Done] Provide and install CFL light bulbs for our shut-ins and similar people in need of help.
- Sell inexpensive tote bags for groceries so people don't have to use and then throw away plastic bags.
- Recycling
- [More to come]
Keep up with our Creation Care Team's news
References
- CFL - Incandescent light comparison sheet (PDF)
- EarthHourUS.org
- Earth Hour Kids
- Earth Ministry - Caring for all creation
- Energy Star for congregations (EPA)
- Georgia Interfaith Power and Light
- Green Congregations Program
- National Religious Partnership for the Environment
- The Regeneration Project and the Interfaith Power and Light campaign
What would Jesus do?
The links below will help you begin learning about how we are doing in caring for God's earth and how we might do better.
- Read the United Methodist Church Environmental Statement
- Read the United Methodist Church Social Principles
- Learn more at Christian Steward (link collection)
- Two-week Bible readings on care of the earth
- Care of the Earth: An environmental resource for church leaders
- Embracing Creation Care (PDF slideshow, 3MB)
(courtesy of Georgia Interfaith Power & Light) - new 5/7/09
Faith is nothing without action. What action will you take?
"You
also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you
do not expect him."
— Luke
12:40
