We are called to be caretakers of the gift of God’s creation. As we take time this month to reflect on God’s creation, it’s easy to dwell on the negative impacts that are taking place and lose sight of the forest for the trees. However, here in Arizona, congregations and ministries are taking action now to help reduce the problems around climate change and our environment. Here are just some of the ways.
The Green Team at St. Francis in the Valley, Green Valley
The Green Team at St. Francis was inspired by Bishop Michael Curry’s call to Care for Creation. He believed that tangible, practical, grassroots practices would curb the rapidly changing environment. A grassroots team was formed in 2023, and tangible practices are spreading throughout St. Francis. In addition, Green Valley neighborhoods and schools are becoming involved. Beginning steps include recycling bins in all rooms at St. Francis and Continental Elementary K-8, paper reduction, cardboard collection, tree planting, and Earth Day awareness presentations. If you’re looking for a way to involve parishioners or would welcome a presentation, we are eager to help! (Zoom or in person) Please contact Susan Burch sburch33@gmail.com. Let’s make a difference together!
The Crazy Chili Farm at Church of the Transfiguration, Mesa
We talk a lot about The “Crazy” Chile Farm at The Church of the Transfiguration. And for good reason. On the surface, it might look like a fun church gardening activity. But dig a little deeper (sorry, we couldn’t resist), and you’ll find a ministry marked by joy, creativity, transformation, mutuality, intersectionality, community, hospitality, and importantly, the intentional honoring of the original custodians of this land. We grow elite chiles and other vegetables for the sole purpose of outreach funding. We dry and grind the chiles to sell chile powder, and we grow corn and squash for several Arizona native American tribes which lost their ability to grow certain foods when the local river was diverted years ago. These groups can now grow their own crops from the seeds provided by the Chile Farm. Folks from both Transfiguration and the local community are very active in keeping this effort viable. This 2020 article in Episcopal News Service is an excellent introduction to the “Crazy” Chile Farm. But to really “get it,” you’ll need to see for yourself. Questions? Contact Bill Robinson, Farm Manager.
Navigating the Future at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tucson
Interfaith Power & Light is excited to invite you to an insightful webinar featuring Rev. Dr. Lisa Graumlich. Rev. Dr. Graumlich, who is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church, will discuss the latest news in climate science. Rev. Dr. Graumlich will start with a science-based look at some of the critical challenges that we need to communicate to the public. She will then turn to the hope of recent transformative opportunities and what’s on tap at the upcoming international climate conference – COP 29. Finally, as a person of faith and science, she’ll unpack what we can do in our own faith and spiritual communities. IPL’s President, Rev. Susan Hendershot will host this informative and inspiring discussion. The talk will be followed by a question and answer session. You can register for this free event here.
Creation Resources at Grace St. Paul’s, Tucson
The Season of Creation is a celebration of the life of the earth and a call to humanity to recognize our relationship with the earth. It is a recognition that God’s incarnation is found not just in humanity, but in all of the created order. It celebrates God’s presence with us, in the face of the stranger and in the beauty of a flower. It is also a cry of hope that all of humanity will recognize the sacredness of creation and the interconnectedness of everything in the cosmos. It is a religious statement that the love of neighbor extends to the entire cosmos. Grace St. Paul’s in Tucson offers a collection of liturgies, articles, videos, and more that people can view on their website. These resources are gathered from many years and can offer a deeper understanding of creation care and our relationship with the earth. You can view their resource page here.
Diocesan Creation Care Council
The Arizona Diocesan Creation Care Council is comprised of members all across the state. They meet regularly and work together to develop programs, events, and resolutions that focus on caring for creation. The Director of the council is Bill Robinson, who manages the Crazy Chili Farm and writes many articles for the diocese and other publications on water issues, farming, and seed sovereignty. Currently, the council is working with the Council for Native American Ministries for 2025.
The Creation Care Council also provides articles and resources to help you take action to protect and restore the earth. Some of the ways you can help are to take the pledge for creation care, reduce your carbon footprint, start a creation care “green team” and many more activities. To learn more you can visit their page here. They are always looking for new members to join the council and if you are interested, please contact Bill Robinson.
So, what are some ways your congregation is taking action for creation care? Let us know so we can continue to grow this ministry and protect our earth together. You can email Laurel Way at communications@azdiocese.org