Creation Care

Christian concern for the environment is shaped by the Word of God spoken in creation, the Love of God hanging on a cross, the Breath of God daily renewing the face of the earth. ELCA Social Statement: Caring for Creation

Survey of “Earthkeeping” Yields Input and Insight

During March 2009, churches were invited in the eConnection to complete a “Rocky Mountain Synod Earthkeeping Church Survey." This 8-question survey addressed a wide range of actions taken, how and when churches have become active, leadership interest, partnering with outside groups and future emphasis areas. Of the 177 churches in the synod, 38 completed surveys and key results are as follows:

  30 became active in earthkeeping during the 3 years prior to the May 2007 synod assembly which adopted a resolution titled “A First Response to Energy Stewardship”

  13 performed an Eco-audit to determine ways to improve energy efficiency • 26 made some type of energy efficiency improvements such as: changing of light bulbs (25) installing programmable thermostats (20) and weatherization (14)

  35 are involved in recycling of paper, plastic and/or metals

  21 have leadership with “some interest” and 12 are “highly supportive” of earthkeeping

  21 have partnered with an outside organization, such as Interfaith Power & Light

  For future earthkeeping ministry efforts, 21 want to be more energy efficient

In addition to the above highlights, 16 of the respondents offered useful comments about where they could use support. These include the need to receive and share information on issues such as: green events, educational resources, learning opportunities, and specific ways to save energy and money. “People care, but aren’t always sure what to do.” Church leadership has been supportive, but doubt exists in some congregations about the importance of such issues as global warming. A suggestion was made for a simple checklist of how to get started with earthkeeping, including the formation of green teams. “We need to know we aren’t alone.”

It is clear that synod churches are making strides in becoming better stewards of the earth.



The RMS Green Team will use the survey results to help address the future needs of congregations, maintain communication and highlight good examples of earthkeeping practices. All are urged to keep in touch with synod efforts through the eConnection and the Creation Care webpage. We are truly not “alone” in this endeavor and our loving God will help us in this journey of caring for God's creation!

Trinity Lutheran Church - Boulder Attacks Waste

The waste reduction practices at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Boulder, Colorado demonstrate how important things can happen when adults and youth work together. This congregation has been active in caring for creation for at least 10 years but has really made a concerted effort during the past several years to tackle solid waste and save energy through aggressive recycling and sponsorship of “Zero Waste” events. Although Trinity does not have a designated green team, their Office Manager seeks out opportunities for saving energy and cutting down on waste.

Please read the entire article   about Trinity’s concerted efforts to tackle waste and practice creation care all at once.