CREATION CARE
"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it."
Psalm 24:1
As Christians we are called to care for all of God's creation. As United Methodists, we believe that we are not called to merely be observers. Rather, we are called to actively love and tend to all of God's creation. We are called to seek justice and liberty for all of God's creation. The Social Principals of the United Methodist Church speak to the issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. One of the United Methodist Church's Social Principals is to care for The Natural World. God has charged us to be stewards of God's creation. "Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are useful to human beings".
The Aldersgate Creation Care Team works towards living into the United Methodist Social Principal: The Natural World and our Aldersgate UMC Strategic Priorities of Missional Outreach and Social Justice. To help educate, disciple, and model ways to transform for the better those people and causes we seek to serve locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Creation Care Team comes together every 2 months to find ways that Aldersgate can improve the way we care for God's creation. We talk about engaging this ministry in the following ways: Worship, Learning and Teaching, Lifestyle, and Community, National and Global Involvement. Our key focus areas for 2024 are energy efficiency; native trees, shrubs, and flowers; and plastic reduction policy for Aldersgate UMC. We are open to all subjects and ideas for creation care education, events, and policies.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Tuesday, June 10th • 1-2pm • Room 203
Tuesday, September 9th • 1-2pm • Room 203
Tuesday, November 11th • 1-2pm • Room 203
For more information, please contact Lorrie Rezendes (lorretired@aol.com or 571-309-6001).
United Methodist Creation Justice Monthly Tips
The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement provides tips each month to help us respond to God's call to care for creation and do justice with our neighbors. Share these tips with your family, friends, and neighbors. CLICK HERE to see more tips and to subscribe to receive the monthly tips in your email directly from the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement.
For more about the UMC Creation Justice Movement, visit to umcreationjustice.org.
May 2025 Tips
Our #1 Job
The first commandment from our Creator was to “tend the garden.”
The task of caring for creation may seem daunting, but especially when we do it together, we discover God in new ways.
The Bible reminds us, “God saw everything God had made and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31), and humanity’s number one job was to tend and care for the garden God gave us (Genesis 2:15). The same is true today. Find your “garden” to care for Earth.
Plant plants that naturally grow in your area. Native plants require less water than lawns or annuals, help prevent erosion, and do not need fertilizers. They reduce air pollution and increase shelter and food for pollinators and birds. For suggestions, find a Master Gardener in your community or search for “plants native to [your state].”
How much land does your church have? One church on a hill turned their sunny lawn into a garden that feeds 20 families identified by local schools as food insecure. Another church raised 30,000 pounds of organic produce in one year to give away to local non-profits. Yet another one added native plants, porous pavers, and a rain garden, making a beautiful entryway to welcome people and rainwater.
Engage children in nature activities. Grow something together, like a flower, tomato plant, cucumber, or pumpkin vine. Plant seeds outdoors or indoors, using cups or pots. Talk about the delight in God’s creation you feel. As you work together, you’ll foster a new generation that loves and cares for nature.
Does your church have a pizza garden? Invite children and youth to help plant, tend, and harvest tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. When ready, hold a homemade pizza party and offer a blessing to connect the experience with God, the source of all growth. Feel with the younger ones the joy of growing and sharing fresh produce.
The more you choose native plants and other perennials, the less you will need to buy in the future. John Wesley encouraged us, “save all you can” to “give all you can.” He’d be pleased; and butterflies, bees, birds and your budget will be happy.
Install rain barrels to collect runoff from your gutters and use the stored water for your garden. Many local governments offer affordable rain barrels. Also, instead of pouring old pet water down the drain, use it to water plants, benefiting houseplants, garden plants, and trees.
Plant for pollinators—plant for our future. Butterflies, bees, and birds are essential for the growth of food for humans, but pollinators face extinction due to habitat destruction and pesticide use. Planting even a small patch can support their survival.
Food waste—both corporate and personal—is the #3 cause of greenhouse gas. Composting food scraps allows you to fill the land with nutrients and avoid the landfill. Explore your options for composting: industrial composting services, backyard bins, and networks of friends contributing to a common composter.
Shop locally at a farmers market or community garden and reduce the carbon emissions that come from shipping food long distances. Eat sustainably with more fruits and veggies and reduce the cost to your body. Give thanks for those whose work feeds you and others.