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CREATION CARE

Upcoming Events

Green Church Training | August 20 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Ashland UMC, 220 Sandusky St., Ashland, OH 44805

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! The training must be attended by at least two people from each church (two lay or one lay, one clergy). After completing the training, churches will either create a Green Team (if they do not already have one) or complete a green project at their church. Cost of the training is $50 for a church team of two people; additional church members are welcome to attend at $10 per person. Dinner will be provided. Please register all participants from your church at the same time. The last day to register is August 17. If cost is a barrier, we have a limited number of scholarships available for your church to participate. Contact Melanie Thomas by e-mail to request a scholarship or with any other questions.

Registration and Details
Flyer

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"All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and con- served because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect." - The Natural World (UM Social Principles, Paragraph 160)

Climate change can seem like a problem too big to do anything about. Yet we are called to care for God's creation and to love our neighbors, next door and around the world. Since 2008, an annual average of 21.8 million people have been forcibly displaced by climate-related weather events, such as floods, wildfires, and extreme temperatures. These climate refugees often go on to experience humanitarian crises such as hunger, malnutrition, and conflict. While natural disasters may seem like random acts of God, the fact is that humans have played a huge role in the increasing number and severity of extreme weather events. The vast majority - 97 percent - of climate scientists agree that humans are responsible for global warming and the current condition of our planet.

What Can You Do?

• Learn more about climate change and global warming.
  • Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your household's emissions.
  • The United States is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, producing about 15% of the planet's carbon dioxide. China leads the way, emitting 30% of the world's carbon dioxide. Learn more.
  • Sources of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions include transportation (28%), electricity (25%), industry (23%), commercial & residential (13%), and agriculture (10%). Learn more.
• Share your story! Has your congregation been working to care for God's creation? Fill out our survey form so we can share your story with others!
• Participate in Bible studies.
  • Wake Up World! By Anita and Bob Dygert-Gearheart
  • 100 Year Flood Bible Study (Flooding & Climate Change)
  • Footprint Bible Study (Environmental Sustainability in Appalachian Ohio)
  • Harmony Creation Care Curriculum by Rev Crystal Paul-Watson with Lavanda Paul target audience youth and young adult who want to share God’s Creation with children.
  • Loving People and Planet in the Name of God Engaging the Local Church (LPP)

People, Agencies, and Groups to Partner With Locally

• County Parks
• Health Department
• Local Library
• National Park Service
• Parks and Recreation
• Recycling Agencies
• Sewer and Water

UMC General Agencies

• General Board of Church & Society
• Global Missions Earthkeepers
• United Methodist Creation Justice Movement
• United Women in Faith
  • Just Energy 4 All

Other Web Resources

• Breakthrough Energy
• Interfaith Power & Light
• Ohioans for Sustainable Change
• Project Drawdown
• The Story of Stuff Project

Check the Events page and social media for upcoming training and events for laity and clergy or Contact Rev. Kathy Dickriede to learn more about any of these ministries.