Host a forum, panel discussion, or Creation care event
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
Host a speaker, panel or workshop on a Creation care topic at your place of worship or in the community
Hold a “sustainable potluck” with an emphasis on plant-forward dishes, reusable/non-disposable products, and engaging conversation around meaningful green practices folks can try at home
Have a Potlatch party:
A Potlatch is a gift-giving festival and/or feast practiced by indigenous people in the Pacific Northwest, held to celebrate a family or community event that also upholds a person’s community standing. It is also about redistribution and reciprocity of wealth and possessions. On a spiritual level, a potlatch is about generosity as a response to the belief that everything in this realm is a gift from the Divine.
This could take the form of having a potluck of food and household items offered as gifts, which would be distributed after the food is served and enjoyed (sometimes the gift bringer or the gift receiver might want to say something about the meaning of the gift. In this way, often very special moments in the lives of community members are shared, strengthening community bonds)
Offer an environmental book, study, or film series
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
Offer a 4-6 week book study on a text focused on Creation and/or care for the environment, such as Green Faith, Laudato Si, Drawdown, Active Hope, etc.
Host a weekly or monthly film series to show documentaries or other environmental films
Have an adult a bible study class focused on Creation and environmental stewardship, highlighting these themes throughout scripture
Seek out relevant events happening in the broader community and encourage participation from members of your faith community
Provide regular events, speakers, and classes focused on care for Creation
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
Instead of the hosting one-time events, continue offering studies and series regularly throughout the year
Have regular book study classes or Wednesday night lectures centered around Creation
Create an EcoChallenge team, encourage community members to participate, and share the results
If you don’t have the capacity to host regular events, reach out to other faith communities or organizations to form partnerships and facilitate events together to share the load and learn from one another
Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina
