What is Creation Care?
Creation Care is a relationship with God’s creation and a ministry of caring for and healing the earth.
Creation Care Ministry at Messiah Church
Creation Care is part of living into our mission to love God, our neighbors, and our world. We are all called to care for the vulnerable and put our faith into action. This is a multi-generational ministry where people of all ages are invited to learn and act.
The United Methodist Church & Creation Care
Our United Methodist social principles remind us that “all creation is the Lord’s and we are responsible for the ways we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation…”
In a joint letter to the church, UMC Bishops made this statement in 2009: “God’s creation is in crisis. We, the Bishops of the United Methodist Church, cannot remain silent while God’s people and God’s planet suffer… We cannot change the world until we change our way of being in it.”
Creation Care Ministry Purpose & Goals
We are working to engage our church and community by educating and advocating for the care of our earth.
We are listening to our children and youth, knowing they already have a heart for creation care. We are committed to making Creation Care a multi-generational ministry.
We are working to increase awareness, helping our community grow in understanding by addressing questions, such as:
- What’s happening to our climate?
- Who is most impacted?
- As an individual, can I really have an impact?
- What small change could I make or project could I do?
- How is Messiah Church already living into our Creation Care effort?
- What more can we do to love God, love one another, and love God’s created world?
Taking Action
We are seeking out ways our church, our families, and each of us individually can make a difference. This is as simple as selecting just one thing you can do today. Larger future projects can help Messiah Church move forward in reaching the UMC’s goal of Net 0 Emissions.
Learning & Resources
Learning is the first step in finding your way to Creation Care. There is so much information on the internet that it’s sometimes frustrating to find something useful. We have collected media that readily make connections to the church, your faith, and our responsibility to value and conserve God’s creation.
The following lists include favorites and things already identified by individuals, our pastors and staff, and the UMC:
The Basics
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is connected, as the temperature of the Earth’s surface rises, we see lots of changes.
The consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity. *
* United Nations: www.un.org/en/climatechange
What Can We Do?
Start by understanding your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is a measurement of the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions or products we use. Also calculate your plastic footprint to understand your impact on our oceans and food supply.
Complete a quick assessment of your carbon or plastic footprint now.
Who is Impacted by Climate Change?
We all are.
Climate change is leading to crop failures, loss of housing and habitat, and inflation, impacting all of us. The poor and near poor don’t have the resources to recover from these disasters and fall into a cycle of poverty that is almost impossible to escape. And, we continue to pollute our water resources with plastics which don’t completely break down and instead become micro particles that intensify the pressure on sea life and clean water resources.
Lowering our individual carbon and plastic footprints doesn’t happen overnight! By making small changes in what we do and what we buy, together we can start making a big difference! Our efforts help serve the poor and near-poor who are most impacted by climate change. And, we’ll be protecting the home God created for us here on Earth for our children, their children, their children, and for generations to come.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is connected, as the temperature of the Earth’s surface rises, we see lots of changes.
The consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity. *
* United Nations: www.un.org/en/climatechange
What Can We Do?
Start by understanding your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is a measurement of the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions or products we use. Also calculate your plastic footprint to understand your impact on our oceans and food supply.
Complete a quick assessment of your carbon or plastic footprint now.
Who is Impacted by Climate Change?
We all are.
Climate change is leading to crop failures, loss of housing and habitat, and inflation, impacting all of us. The poor and near poor don’t have the resources to recover from these disasters and fall into a cycle of poverty that is almost impossible to escape. And, we continue to pollute our water resources with plastics which don’t completely break down and instead become micro particles that intensify the pressure on sea life and clean water resources.
Lowering our individual carbon and plastic footprints doesn’t happen overnight! By making small changes in what we do and what we buy, together we can start making a big difference! Our efforts help serve the poor and near-poor who are most impacted by climate change. And, we’ll be protecting the home God created for us here on Earth for our children, their children, their children, and for generations to come.
Books
Here’s a list of few great books on the topic of Creation Care and Creation Justice. Email us your favorites at creationcare@messiahchurch.org and the list will grow! Check back for new additions.
Books for Adults
A Hopeful Earth: Faith, Science, and the Message of Jesus (2010), by Bishop Sally Dyck and Sarah Ehrman
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2022), by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Climate Courage: How Tackling Climate Change Can Build Community, Transform the Economy, and Bridge the Political Divide in America (2020), by Andreas Karelas
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and The Breakthroughs We Need (2022), by Bill Gates
Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United for Climate Justice (2023), by Mallory McDuff
* Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World (2022), by Karen Armstrong
Saving Us, A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World (2022), by Katharine Heyhoe
Silent Spring (2022), by Rachel Carson
* The Book of Nature: The Astonishing Beauty of God’s First Sacred Text (2023), by Barbara Mahany
The Planet You Inherit: Letters to My Grandchildren When Uncertainty’s a Sure Thing (2022), by Larry Rasmussen
* On Messiah’s Fall 2024 Reading List. Download the complete list here.
Books for Children & Young Adults
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2022), by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Climate Hero Handbook: How Kids Can Defend, Protect, and Restore the Planet (2022), by Jennifer Manley Rogers and Jessica Gamaché
This Class Can Save the Planet (2021), by Stacy Tornio
We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth (2022), by Gabi Garcia
Books for Adults
A Hopeful Earth: Faith, Science, and the Message of Jesus (2010), by Bishop Sally Dyck and Sarah Ehrman
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2022), by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Climate Courage: How Tackling Climate Change Can Build Community, Transform the Economy, and Bridge the Political Divide in America (2020), by Andreas Karelas
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and The Breakthroughs We Need (2022), by Bill Gates
Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United for Climate Justice (2023), by Mallory McDuff
* Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World (2022), by Karen Armstrong
Saving Us, A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World (2022), by Katharine Heyhoe
Silent Spring (2022), by Rachel Carson
* The Book of Nature: The Astonishing Beauty of God’s First Sacred Text (2023), by Barbara Mahany
The Planet You Inherit: Letters to My Grandchildren When Uncertainty’s a Sure Thing (2022), by Larry Rasmussen
* On Messiah’s Fall 2024 Reading List. Download the complete list here.
Books for Children & Young Adults
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2022), by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Climate Hero Handbook: How Kids Can Defend, Protect, and Restore the Planet (2022), by Jennifer Manley Rogers and Jessica Gamaché
This Class Can Save the Planet (2021), by Stacy Tornio
We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth (2022), by Gabi Garcia
Websites
Here’s a few web resources to get you started on the topic of Creation Care and Creation Justice. Email us your favorites at creationcare@messiahchurch.org and the list will grow! Check back for new additions.
Websites for Adults
MN Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.state.mn.us
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light: mnipl.org
Nature Conservancy of Minnesota: www.nature.org
Smithsonian Native American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges: americanindian.si.edu/environment/ojibwe/GetStarted.cshtml
UMC Creation Care: umc.org/how-we-serve/social-issues/creation-care
UMC Creation Justice: umcreationjustice.org
Websites For Children & Young Adults
Earth Cubs: earthcubs.com
Inspiring young children with positive, vibrant, and engaging stories about the world, sustainability, innovation, and action.
Earth’s Climate Has Always Changed, What’s All The Fuss?: www.pbs.org
Kids Corner: kidscorner.net/parent-blog/care-for-gods-creation
NASA Climate Kids: climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/watch
This site is for students and tells the story of our changing planet through the eyes of the NASA missions studying the Earth. Games, activities, crafts, videos, and articles will help you understand climate science.
UN Youth in Action: un.org/en/climatechange/youth-in-action
Websites for Adults
MN Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.state.mn.us
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light: mnipl.org
Nature Conservancy of Minnesota: www.nature.org
Smithsonian Native American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges: americanindian.si.edu/environment/ojibwe/GetStarted.cshtml
UMC Creation Care: umc.org/how-we-serve/social-issues/creation-care
UMC Creation Justice: umcreationjustice.org
Websites For Children & Young Adults
Earth Cubs: earthcubs.com
Inspiring young children with positive, vibrant, and engaging stories about the world, sustainability, innovation, and action.
Earth’s Climate Has Always Changed, What’s All The Fuss?: www.pbs.org
Kids Corner: kidscorner.net/parent-blog/care-for-gods-creation
NASA Climate Kids: climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/watch
This site is for students and tells the story of our changing planet through the eyes of the NASA missions studying the Earth. Games, activities, crafts, videos, and articles will help you understand climate science.
UN Youth in Action: un.org/en/climatechange/youth-in-action
Videos & Podcasts
These videos and podcasts are great for family viewing and discussion. Email us your favorites at creationcare@messiahchurch.org and the list will grow! Check back for new additions.
Videos & Podcasts for Adults
Dear Future Generations: Sorry, Prince EA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRLJscAlk1M
Earth, appreciated: Our planet is a wonder, a perfectly improbable incubator for life. It’s also in danger because of our indifference. Reflections on both those truths. TED Playlist: www.ted.com/playlists/151/earth_appreciated
Loving All God’s Creation, Katharine Hayhoe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh9lpTMT6CI&t=146s
Why climate change is a human rights issue: Learn about the ways climate change is ultimately threatening some of our most basic human rights. TED Playlist: www.ted.com/playlists/493/why_climate_change_is_a_human_rights_issue
Videos & Podcasts For Children & Young Adults
BBC Earth Series: bbcearth.com
Climate Change 101 with Bill Nye | National Geographic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtW2rrLHs08
Global Weirding with Katharine Hayhoe: globalweirdingseries.com
Videos & Podcasts for Adults
Dear Future Generations: Sorry, Prince EA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRLJscAlk1M
Earth, appreciated: Our planet is a wonder, a perfectly improbable incubator for life. It’s also in danger because of our indifference. Reflections on both those truths. TED Playlist: www.ted.com/playlists/151/earth_appreciated
Loving All God’s Creation, Katharine Hayhoe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh9lpTMT6CI&t=146s
Why climate change is a human rights issue: Learn about the ways climate change is ultimately threatening some of our most basic human rights. TED Playlist: www.ted.com/playlists/493/why_climate_change_is_a_human_rights_issue
Videos & Podcasts For Children & Young Adults
BBC Earth Series: bbcearth.com
Climate Change 101 with Bill Nye | National Geographic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtW2rrLHs08
Global Weirding with Katharine Hayhoe: globalweirdingseries.com
Movies
These movies are great for family viewing and discussion. Email us your favorites at creationcare@messiahchurch.org and the list will grow! Check back for new additions.
2040 (2019, NetFlix, YouTube, PG; a good, upbeat, film for family viewing and discussion)
2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, the solution-oriented documentary seeks out creative alternatives to tackle challenges of climate change. In particular, it imagines technological breakthroughs which, supported by academics and ecological experts, have the potential to reverse the situation by the year 2040. Cases in point include renewable energy like rooftop solar, shifts towards regenerative agricultural practices, and the versatile use of seaweeds as a facilitator of food security.
Before the Flood (2016, YouTube, PG; a serious documentary that drives home some difficult topics and statistics)
Before the Flood is a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic. Taking viewers around the world, the documentary features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change, through deforestation, rising sea levels, and other human activities. The film calls for world leaders to fight for a more sustainable future and arms viewers with solutions they can implement into their lives, from reducing meat consumption to voting for leaders who will initiate positive environmental change.
No Impact Man (2009, Tubi, PG; this documentary addresses adult topics and has some adult language some may find offensive. A great trip through the challenges and rewards of getting to Net 0 on a personal level)
If you’re looking for a more intimate story that inspires change, this is a must-watch. In No Impact Man, American writer and blogger Colin Beavan partakes in a year-long experiment to radically reduce his carbon footprint, but his wife is hesitant to abandon her consumer comforts. The struggles that characterize the zero-carbon experience of the Manhattan-based couple invite viewers to individually question their personal habits and lifestyle choices. This is a light-hearted look at environmentalism that might perhaps strike us as more relatable: After all, who doesn’t get emotionally stressed when trying to change our ways?
2040 (2019, NetFlix, YouTube, PG; a good, upbeat, film for family viewing and discussion)
2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, the solution-oriented documentary seeks out creative alternatives to tackle challenges of climate change. In particular, it imagines technological breakthroughs which, supported by academics and ecological experts, have the potential to reverse the situation by the year 2040. Cases in point include renewable energy like rooftop solar, shifts towards regenerative agricultural practices, and the versatile use of seaweeds as a facilitator of food security.
Before the Flood (2016, YouTube, PG; a serious documentary that drives home some difficult topics and statistics)
Before the Flood is a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic. Taking viewers around the world, the documentary features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change, through deforestation, rising sea levels, and other human activities. The film calls for world leaders to fight for a more sustainable future and arms viewers with solutions they can implement into their lives, from reducing meat consumption to voting for leaders who will initiate positive environmental change.
No Impact Man (2009, Tubi, PG; this documentary addresses adult topics and has some adult language some may find offensive. A great trip through the challenges and rewards of getting to Net 0 on a personal level)
If you’re looking for a more intimate story that inspires change, this is a must-watch. In No Impact Man, American writer and blogger Colin Beavan partakes in a year-long experiment to radically reduce his carbon footprint, but his wife is hesitant to abandon her consumer comforts. The struggles that characterize the zero-carbon experience of the Manhattan-based couple invite viewers to individually question their personal habits and lifestyle choices. This is a light-hearted look at environmentalism that might perhaps strike us as more relatable: After all, who doesn’t get emotionally stressed when trying to change our ways?
Learning & Teaching Aids
Here are a few of the many learning and teaching aids available to parents and educators. You may be surprised what you learn along the way! Email us your favorites at creationcare@messiahchurch.org and the list will grow! Check back for new additions.
Learning and Teaching Aids for Parents & Educators
Global Footprint Network (Carbon Footprint): www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
Subject to Climate: 7 Climate Change Hands-On Activities to Keep Kids Engaged: subjecttoclimate.org/teacher-guides/7-climate-change-hands-on-activities-to-keep-kids-engaged
Hands-on learning invites students to discover the world by engaging with it directly.
United Nations Carbon Footprint Calculator: offset.climateneutralnow.org/footprintcalc
What’s your Plastic Footprint?: plasticbank.com/plastic-footprint-calculator
Education Resources for Children & Young Adults
Creation Justice Resources for Children & Youth: umcreationjustice.org/creation-justice-resources-for-children-youth
Little Bins For Little Hands (look for STEM download; signup required): littlebinsforlittlehands.com/carbon-footprint-worksheet
Learning and Teaching Aids for Parents & Educators
Global Footprint Network (Carbon Footprint): www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
Subject to Climate: 7 Climate Change Hands-On Activities to Keep Kids Engaged: subjecttoclimate.org/teacher-guides/7-climate-change-hands-on-activities-to-keep-kids-engaged
Hands-on learning invites students to discover the world by engaging with it directly.
United Nations Carbon Footprint Calculator: offset.climateneutralnow.org/footprintcalc
What’s your Plastic Footprint?: plasticbank.com/plastic-footprint-calculator
Education Resources for Children & Young Adults
Creation Justice Resources for Children & Youth: umcreationjustice.org/creation-justice-resources-for-children-youth
Little Bins For Little Hands (look for STEM download; signup required): littlebinsforlittlehands.com/carbon-footprint-worksheet
Events
World Earth Day
From a spiritual perspective, Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life and recognize the sacredness of the natural world. Many spiritual traditions view the earth as a creature worthy of respect and care and emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Earth Day is also a time to reflect on our role as stewards of the planet and examine our relationship with the environment. This means rethinking our consumption patterns, taking action to reduce waste and protect fragile ecosystems.
For many spiritual traditions, Earth Day is a reminder of our responsibility to care for our planet and work towards a more sustainable and just future. It’s also a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and to deepen our appreciation and reverence for the bounty of our planet.
Ultimately, Earth Day offers an opportunity to connect with the spirit of the Earth and honor the interconnectedness of all beings. By working together to protect and care for our planet, we can contribute to a more just and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
– Vishwas Chavan
Earth Day Resources
Info, quizzes, initiatives, and more: www.earthday.org
Minnesota DNR: www.dnr.state.mn.us/arbormonth
Earth Day is also a time to reflect on our role as stewards of the planet and examine our relationship with the environment. This means rethinking our consumption patterns, taking action to reduce waste and protect fragile ecosystems.
For many spiritual traditions, Earth Day is a reminder of our responsibility to care for our planet and work towards a more sustainable and just future. It’s also a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and to deepen our appreciation and reverence for the bounty of our planet.
Ultimately, Earth Day offers an opportunity to connect with the spirit of the Earth and honor the interconnectedness of all beings. By working together to protect and care for our planet, we can contribute to a more just and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
– Vishwas Chavan
Earth Day Resources
Info, quizzes, initiatives, and more: www.earthday.org
Minnesota DNR: www.dnr.state.mn.us/arbormonth
Actions & Opportunities
Let’s put our belief in the responsibility to care for creation in motion. Messiah Church has a goal of Net 0 Emissions by 2050 and while much has been done, we have much more to do. Taking personal responsibility at home for caring for creation can be easy and fun too!
Messiah Projects
Indoor Projects Completed or Underway
Outdoor Projects Completed or Underway
- Actively promoting “Turn off the Lights” with stickers added near light switches
- High efficiency HVAC, professionally maintained and computer monitored & controlled
- Switch to LED lighting
- Lower level water fountain with bottle filler
- Moving to eco-friendly/compostable hospitality ware
- Improved efforts to recycle
- Organics collection
- Eco-friendly cleaning materials used
Outdoor Projects Completed or Underway
- Two rain gardens on the church property (one near the parking lot and one near the Bloom playground); a third is planned
- Native planting near the lake with oversight by Minnehaha Watershed District
- Permeable pavers by the lake
- Only eco-friendly approved chemicals used
- Watering of the grounds complies with Plymouth restrictions and uses timers and zone watering
- Caring for the trees following city forestry recommendations
- Snow removal service uses eco-friendly chemicals
One Thing You Can Do Today
Need an idea on where YOU could start? It’s as simple as selecting just one thing you can do today:
- Use LED lightbulbs
- Turn off lights when leaving a room
- Use low flow toilets (or put a brick in the tank)
- Turn off the shower when washing and turn on to rinse
- Take more showers than baths
- Lower the thermostat in the winter and raise the thermostat in the summer
- Open curtains to let light (and heat) in
- Close the curtains in winter to keep the heat in
- Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in the winter and counter-clockwise in the summer
- Walk to the store, school, church, friends, etc.
- Ride your bike places
- Participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Visit Farmer’s Markets – buy local/support local; cuts down on plastic packaging
- Recycle more diligently
- Backyard composting, especially if you have your own garden
- If you do home gardening, plant extra rows for Bloom Early Learning, Interfaith Outreach, or ICA Food Shelf
- Maintain proper tire pressure in your vehicles
- Keep vehicle accelerations to under 2500 RPMs to save gas
- Grocery shop once-a-week – no side trips
- Shop the outside/perimeter of your favorite grocery store
- Use reusable grocery bags – no paper or plastic
- Reduce food waste and compost
- Eat more plants than meat
- Cut down on plastic packaging
- Support vendors who do not use plastic packaging
- Vote for politicians who support creation care issues
- Contact your local/state/federal reps/senators; they do listen to constituents
- Pray