Earth Care Congregations Archives

In praise of Earth Care Congregations

Posted August 18th, 2021

During the dinner break on the final day of the Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference Sunday, participants were treated to images of a minister in a clerical collar blessing a crawfish, a seven-person congregation that installed solar panels on its church building, a woman tending her church grounds with Earth-friendly lawn-care equipment and more.

‘We are tearing down the Creation God has given to us’

Posted August 9th, 2021

On the eve of a United Nations report released Monday that predicts dire and nearly immediate consequences to human health and safety due to global warming, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II told the Presbyterians for Earth Care conference Sunday that it’s high time we started treating the Earth in a way that’s more respectful of the God of life, “who tapped us on the shoulder this morning and breathed another breath of life on us.”

Maryland church protecting the Earth with native plants

Posted April 15th, 2021

For nearly three years, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church near Annapolis, Maryland, has been transforming its grounds and nearby woods with native plants to help protect local waterways and attract butterflies and other wildlife.

Minute for Mission: Earth Day

Posted March 29th, 2021

We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be vital congregations and worship communities, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. Faith comes alive when we boldly engage God’s mission and share the hope we have in Christ. This Earth Day, the Presbyterian Hunger Program is again reminded of the 277 Earth Care Congregations (ECCs) and all the ways in which they turn their commitments into caring for God’s Creation into ministry that rejuvenates, restores and revitalizes their own communities.

Maryland church garners national leadership and sustainability award

Posted March 4th, 2021

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland, is one of five national Interfaith Power & Light 2021 Cool Congregations Challenge winners. The prize carries a $1,000 award.

‘Jesus Calls Us’ video addresses climate crisis

Posted January 21st, 2020

In mid-August, a video crew supported by Blessed Tomorrow, a Presbyterian Hunger Program partner, filmed a chapel service at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. Portions of the service, as well as an interview with the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s president and executive director, are now featured in a climate action video, “Jesus Calls Us” (available at vimeo.com/370339034).

Minute for Mission: Earth Day

Posted March 26th, 2019

One of the original 15 pilot churches certified as a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation (ECC), First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Asheville, North Carolina, is a congregation that seeks to put their faith into action not only with deeds of compassion but also through acts of social witness. Finding ways to advocate for justice for all of God’s children, including God’s creation, is essential to being faithful disciples of Christ.

Presbyterian leaders react to executive order on clean power

Posted May 12th, 2017

President Trump’s recent decision to revive the coal industry and closely scrutinize the previous administration’s Clean Power Act has been met with strong opposition among leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). While the president has promised that the action will create jobs, many say the executive order will set the country back years in environmental progress.

A witness to resurrection hope

Posted April 5th, 2017

While violence and fear continue to pervade war-torn Syria, Presbyterians across the United States are helping those displaced by the conflict rebuild their lives. Thanks to previous gifts given to One Great Hour of Sharing, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been able to respond quickly to the refugee crisis.

Presbyterian Church leaders react to executive order on clean power

Posted April 5th, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to revive the coal industry and closely scrutinize the previous administration’s Clean Power Act is being met with strong opposition among leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). While the president promises the action will create jobs, many say the executive order, signed last week, will set the country back years in environmental progress.