As most Presbyterians know, the Book of Order is the set of core documents that serves as the definitive “rule book” for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) But did you know that in 2016 the General Assembly amended it to include creation care as an example of ministry by its members? It reads: “Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church.” It goes on to list many familiar examples of ministry, such as “proclaiming the good news in word and deed;” “giving of money, time and talents; “service to others” and more. And since 2016, the list includes “caring for God’s creation.” The Directory for Worship expands on this understanding of the environmental stewardship as part of
the Christian Life, lifting up the various ways that we can express our care of creation through worship by:

• giving thanks for God’s creative power and sustaining care;
• acknowledging God’s call to stewardship of the earth and confessing our failure to care for creation . . .;
• rejoicing in God’s redemption and renewal . . . ;
• offering our lives and resources in service to the creator of all; and
• committing ourselves to live as good stewards of creation until the day when God will make all things new.”

(For Presby-nerds you can refer to sections G-1.0304 and W-5.0305 for complete text)

So whether or not your congregation has made a pledge to be an Earth Care Congregation, we are all called to be good steward’s of God’s creation. If you are inspired by the stories of what churches in our Presbytery are doing, you can find more information and ideas here.

– Susan Krehbiel
Social Justice Consultant