So Many Ways of Caring
posted on May 31
So Many Ways of Caring
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…”
-Psalm 24:1
My Sundays in May have been spent in preaching and making presentations. On May 29 I had the privilege of presenting The Green Church Award to West Market Street UMC in Greensboro. The church is our first to be designated a “Green Church,” having incorporated covenantal acts of creation care in the areas of worship, discipleship, stewardship, mission, and evangelism.
I am very impressed by the work of our WNCC Creation Care Team, and I was touched by the faithful and creative witness of West Market Street when I read the report of their work. Hats off to Ellen Van Velsor, who leads her church team, represents our District, and also serves on the WNCC Team. Our connection was well represented by Earthkeeper Karlah Burton of St. Matthews UMC, whose congregation is also very involved in this work. Karlah keeps this work before us in so many ways, and we are grateful!
It was also fabulous to reconnect with Kim Richmond, 2020-2024 Convenor of the WNCC Creation Care Ministry, who was among my flock in a church I served in Winston-Salem. She serves on our WNCC Justice and Reconciliation Team, and her leadership on the Conference level doubles my joy.
How does your church care for the beautiful creation in which it ministers? How does it give glory to the God of creation by practicing thoughtful ministry that preserves and honors the natural world around it? I commend this portion of our WNCC website to you for a closer look. There are many ways to express our love for God, the Creator of all things, and our love for the generations who will come behind us:
https://www.wnccumc.org/wncc-creation-care-ministry
These intentional acts shape our spiritual lives, our witness, and the health and well-being of the next generations. Perhaps your church can engage this work, and see how it transforms lives, congregations, communities, and our planet. There are so many ways of caring!
Peace and Health for all the Earth,
Rev. Bev Coppley
District Superintendent
