Planting Seeds

Focus on care for Creation during special services, such as on Earth Day or Creation Sunday

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

• Incorporate Creation-centered songs/hymns, poetry, scripture, readings, etc. in worship
• Offer a special children’s moment / children’s sermon focused on caring for Creation
• Earth Day sermon, homily, or other proclamation
• Host an Earth Day vigil
• Host a prayer breakfast/lunch with time for Q&A
• Provide packets of native plant seeds for children and members to take home after a service
• Partner with another congregation to have a shared Creation-centered worship service
• Have a table with environmental resources that interested members can use, such as books (like Serve God, Save the Planet), seed packets, worksheets, brochures, event announcements, etc.

General Information Related to this Strategy:

• Resource Guide for planning Creation-centered worship services
• The Green Seminary Initiative: Resources for liturgy, ritual, and worship
• Creation themes throughout scripture
• Liturgy for the Season of Creation
• Creation hymns and worship music

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

• NC Interfaith Power & Light: Worship Resources

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

• High Country United Church of Christ, Vilas, NC
  • Contact Rev. Tamara Franks: pastor@highcountryucc.org
• First Baptist Church, Asheville, NC
  • Contact Brenda Denton: Bbelle2001@gmail.com
• Skyland United Methodist Church, Asheville, NC
  • Janet Mitchell jloumitchell@yahoo.com

Nurturing Growth

Include reflections and messages centered on Creation in worship at least once per season

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

• Offer a sermon series on Creation or stewardship
• Observe the Season of Creation in September with a 4-week series around care for and love of Creation
• Incorporate songs/hymns that celebrate Creation more regularly in worship
• Invite your faith community to offer prayers around environmental concerns during worship experiences
• Participate in a Lent carbon fast
• Provide opportunities for worship in outdoor spaces
• Center calls to worship around Creation

General Information Related to this Strategy:

• Liturgy for the Season of Creation
• Green Worship Resources for Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu traditions
• Eco-themed worship service guidelines
• Resource Guide for planning Creation-centered worship services
• The Green Seminary Initiative: Resources for liturgy, ritual, and worship
• Creation themes throughout scripture
• Sacred text references to environmental stewardship
• Creation hymns and worship music
• Catholic resources for liturgy, preaching, and taking action

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

• NC Interfaith Power & Light: Worship Resources

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

• High Country United Church of Christ, Vilas, NC
  • Contact Rev. Tamara Franks: pastor@highcountryucc.org
• Skyland United Methodist Church, Asheville, NC
  • Joy Moss revjoy@bellsouth.net
• New Hope Presbyterian, Asheville, NC

Deepening Roots

Make regular reference to Creation in worship experiences throughout the year

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

• Creation is included in messages around social justice, love for our neighbors, our call to offer compassion, etc.
• Provide opportunities for worship in outdoor spaces
• Utilize songs, hymns, and music that references Creation
• Regularly share with your faith community steps you are all taking to care for Creation
• Engage youth and children with activities where they get into nature, such as conferences, weekly youth gatherings, volunteer opportunities

General Information Related to this Strategy:

• Sacred text references to environmental stewardship
• Resource Guide for planning Creation-centered worship services
• Eco-themed worship service guidelines
• The Green Seminary Initiative: Resources for liturgy, ritual, and worship
• Creation themes throughout scripture
• Liturgy for the Season of Creation
• Creation hymns and worship music
• Catholic resources for liturgy, preaching, and taking action

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

• NC Interfaith Power & Light: Worship Resources