CREATION CARE
"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." - Genesis 1:31
The Ohio Episcopal Area Green Church Movement seeks to equip, empower, and encourage Ohio congregations to care for God’s creation by making their properties and programs more environmentally friendly. As Jesus followers and United Methodists, we are charged with caring for God's good creation, a task inextricably linked to the greatest commandments: love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
The Ohio Episcopal Area's Green Church Movement is a process that invites churches to start where they are - whether that's introducing a recycling program, planting a community garden, or putting solar panels on the church's roof! Find where your church fits below:
The Ohio Episcopal Area Green Church Pledge is the first step in the process of becoming a certified Green Church. More importantly, the Green Church Pledge indicates a church's commitment to evaluating current policies and implementing more environmentally sustainable practices. For example, a church that uses disposable cups for its coffee hour could introduce reusable mugs instead. With the pledge, a church commits to taking two "green" actions within one year:
Green Church Mini Grants provide limited funding for a church's "green" projects such as recycling or composting programs, native plants for a pollinator garden, an Earth Day event, or installing energy efficient light bulbs. In order to receive funding, churches must sign the Green Church Pledge and complete a sustainability audit. Each grant will supply $100-$750 for a green project. Grant applications typically are available in the fall. This step is not required for Green Church Certification.
The Green Church Training provides a solid foundation for moving your church toward green solutions. The training includes Biblical, Wesleyan, and United Methodist teachings on creation care, tips for forming a Green Team at your church, and plenty of ideas and suggestions for creative ways to green your church - plus time to plan and dream with your church team! Required for Green Church Certification, the training should be attended by at least two people from each church (either two lay or one lay, one clergy). After completing the training, churches are encouraged to take their next step toward environmental sustainability. Cost of the in-person training is $50 for a church team of two people (additional church members are welcome to attend at $10 per person). Online training costs $40 per church. Scholarships are available for churches with financial need.
Earning Green Church Certification means that your congregation is continually improving the ways in which you interact with God's creation. In addition to signing the Green Church Pledge and sustainability audit, submitting a Pledge Project report, and attending the Green Church Training, your church will complete a certification project, plus commit to completing the sustainability audit and at least one green project each year. The goal is to make environmental sustainability a part of your church's policies and priorities, from what you buy to how you eat (and we know United Methodists love to eat!). The forms below will help you document your progress, and once your church has completed all of the steps, you will be recognized on stage during the Annual Conference awards ceremony.
E-mail Mariellyn Grace if you have questions.
Green Church Pledge
Green Church Sustainability Audit
Green Church Certification Reporting Form
Pledge Project Reporting Form
The East Ohio Conference Office:
located in North Canton, OH,
near Akron-Canton Airport.
Address:
8800 Cleveland Ave. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone:
(330) 499-3972
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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