
Take Action to Care for God's Creation!
- Join West Ohio's Green Church Movement! Learn how your congregation can steward God's good creation while working toward Green Church Certification.
- Learn more about what The United Methodist Church says about climate justice.
- Learn more about climate change and global warming.
- Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your household's emissions. Find one here.
- The United States is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, producing about 15% of the planet's Co2. China leads the way, emitting 30% of the world's carbon dioxide. Read more here.
- Sources of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions include transportation (28%), electricity (25%), industry (23%), commercial & residential (13%), and agriculture (10%). More details can be found here.
- Share your story! Has your congregation been working to care for God's creation? Email mgrace@wocumc.org with photos or videos!
Advocate
As United Methodists, we are people of prayer and action! Join in the movement towards more just and sustainable policies regarding the environment. Let your voice be heard!
- Join United Women in Faith's Just Energy 4 All Campaign
- Advocate through Creation Justice Ministries
- Tell U.S. Congress to make climate justice a priority
- Find your National legislators here
- Find your Ohio legislators here
- Consider these letter-writing tips
Connect
Connect with others who are already working to promote climate justice:
- United Methodist Creation Justice Movement
- Global Ministries Earthkeepers
- Creation Care Network
- Contact the West Ohio Creation Care Task Force
Pray
As United Methodists, we are a people of prayer, and prayer can be a powerful witness.
Prayer for Our Earth
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
(From "Prayer for Our Earth" by Pope Francis Encyclical)
Resources
- West Ohio Resolution for Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Creation Care Worship Resources
- Global Ministries & EPA Energy Star Workbook for Congregations
- EPA Webinar for Houses of Worship
- Interfaith Power & Light Cool Congregations
- United Methodist Creation Justice Monthly Tips
- Loving People and Planet in God's Name Study
- Bible Study on Environmental Sustainability
- Bible Study on Flooding & Climate Change
- Bible Study on Hurricanes in Puerto Rico
- A Non-Expert's Guide to Living More Sustainably
- 5 Simple Ways to Green Your Church postcard
- 52 Ways to Care for Creation bulletin insert
- Earth Day Resources
- East Ohio Creation Care Resources