Climate change could push more than 100 million people into poverty in just the next 15 years. “Climate change hits the poorest the hardest,” says World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, “and our challenge now is to protect tens of millions of people from falling into extreme poverty because of a changing climate.” ELCA World Hunger blog (www.bit.ly/ELCAHungerClimate)
Caring for God’s Creation Team
Church in the Wild Event
The SCSW Caring for Creation Team invites you to Church in the Wild at St. Matthew’s New Life in Madison (7564 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI) on Sunday, October 13, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. We will gather together for an opening devotion at the labyrinth on the St. Matthew’s New Life property. Next, worshipers will be invited to explore the labyrinth on their own, stroll the prayer path, and take in the beauty of God’s good creation. Our time will close around a bonfire, with an opportunity to share our experience with one another. S’mores will be provided for those who wish to enjoy a treat around the campfire. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 10 by using the form below. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen Christenson, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Community at jenc@scsw-elca.org.
Ministry Care for Creation Plans
In 2023, the Synod Assembly passed a resolution for congregations to submit a Care of Creation Plan. An email was shared with all congregations and leaders on September 8, 2023 that provides details on sharing a plan along with resources to help congregations get started with this important work. Click on the link below to read more and to report a Care of Creation Plans through a simple form. It’s really just a couple questions about what your congregation has done and what it is willing to do.
Caring for Creation Challenges
The Caring for Creation Challenge is a series of challenges that help congregations and individuals to try out new ways of caring for creation, ranging from upcycling clothing to no-waste gift wrapping and a whole lot more. Click on the images below to view and download each challenge.
Resources for Congregations
- January 18, 2024 Solar Panel Conversation
Part 1 of the solar panel presentation offered by the SCSW Care for Creation Team. Ron Vandeberg shares some information about solar energy and how to get started with solar at your congregation or ministry!
- Sugar Creek Lutheran Church Solar Energy Project Notes
This document that outlines from start to finish the steps Sugar Creek Lutheran (Elkhorn) took when planning for and implementing their solar energy project. - Bethel Lutheran (Madison) Caring for Creation Video Series
via YouTube - Nature Meditation from Deacon Judy Nolde
A meditation involving all of our senses, intended to be used in nature. No supplies needed, just yourself and a space in God’s creation. - First Steps for Your Congregation
- ELCA Caring for Creation Resources
If your congregation is interested in actively caring for creation, please follow this link to a list of resources including educational books, films and YouTube links, to practical information from how to start (and fund) a church garden to installing solar panels. - ELCA Caring for Creation Social Statement
- Climate Change 101
- ELCA World Hunger
Find Hunger & Climate Change Connections, Community Gardens How-To-Guide, water resources, bulletin inserts, etc. We are an ELCA World Hunger Team - ELCA Advocacy
State and Federal action alerts and updates, plus the Paris Agreement, Green Climate Fund, energy policy, and more. - Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin
Taking a lead on these issues for our state’s congregations - Journal of Lutheran Ethics: “Facing Climate Change”
Other State & National Resources:
- Clean Wisconsin
Protecting Wisconsin’s clean air and water. - Citizen’s Climate Lobby
The main source for Carbon Fee & Dividend solution (a solution supported by our Care for God’s Creation Team). - RENEW Wisconsin
Working to increase renewable energy. - 52 Creation-focused Bible passages
- Earth Day Resources
from Interfaith Power & Light - Creation Justice
(formerly National Council of Churches’ Eco-justice Program) - Lutherans Restoring Creation
500th Reformation Anniversary eco-reflections on the Small Catechism & more. - Eco-Lutheranism
Lutheran Perspectives on Ecology and The Forgotten Luther: Reclaiming the Social-Economic Dimension of the Reformation (from Lutheran University Press). - EnergyStar.gov
Action Workbook for Congregations
South-Central Synod Care for God’s Creation Team:
- Deacon Meg Nielsen, Chair – churchladymeg@hotmail.com
- Nina Schutz, Secretary
- Rev. Cindy Crane for LOPPW – cindyc@loppw.org
- Bob Lindmeier, Climate Change Presentations – boblindmeier@gmail.com
- Deacon Judy Nolde
- Rev. Peder Johanson
- Todd Fansler
- Eleanor Siebert
- Rev. Nick Utphall
- Wendy VanDusen