CHRISTIAN FAITH AND EARTH DAY
The Bible is full of beautiful language and theology for celebrating God's creation. Yet sometimes, in the rhythm of the liturgical year, it can be challenging to find a specific time to focus as a church community on the theme of creation. Earth Day Sunday provides just such an opportunity.
Since 1970, communities have taken one day each year to be especially mindful of the Earth and its many gifts: April 22, Earth Day. This day has ecumenical and bipartisan roots. Each year, thousands of congregations set aside a day to pray, learn, and take action on a Sunday close to Earth Day.
The Bible is full of beautiful language and theology for celebrating God's creation. Yet sometimes, in the rhythm of the liturgical year, it can be challenging to find a specific time to focus as a church community on the theme of creation. Earth Day Sunday provides just such an opportunity.
Since 1970, communities have taken one day each year to be especially mindful of the Earth and its many gifts: April 22, Earth Day. This day has ecumenical and bipartisan roots. Each year, thousands of congregations set aside a day to pray, learn, and take action on a Sunday close to Earth Day.
|
ABOUT CREATION JUSTICE MINISTRIES' WORK Each year, Creation Justice Ministries focuses on a particular Earth Day Sunday theme chosen by our members. We highlight ways individuals and congregations can celebrate and protect God's creation. Our toolkits include liturgical resources, sermon starters, Biblical insights, and action ideas. We hope these toolkits inspire further thoughts, conversations, and actions that respond to God's call to be faithful stewards of creation. |
|
|
GET INVOLVED
Do you want to plan an Earth Day celebration in your faith community? Consider using our theme materials for this year, or find a treasure trove of Earth Day Sunday resources from previous years on our Annual Resource Webpage. We've also listed some ideas below which have stood the test of time for many congregations. |
Video Resources: Preparing for Earth Day Sunday
There are hundreds of Earth Day-related sermons and services available for free online. View below for CJM-created Earth Day video resources.
Click here for a few examples from Creation Justice Ministries' partners, organized by scripture passage.
Click here for a few examples from Creation Justice Ministries' partners, organized by scripture passage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Take action this Earth Day!
Personal:
- Get your soil & water tested for lead.
- Learn about public transit and advocate for better access- air pollution leads to respiratory conditions such as asthma. Advocate for better public transit in your municipality. Also do your part to try to bike, walk, or carpool.
- Visit The Native Land App to learn about the indigenous people from the land you occupy.
- Get involved in gardening and/or food access justice. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the disparities in food distribution systems. Growing your own food can lower your grocery bill and it cuts down emissions from food transportation. You can also volunteer at a community garden that supplies fresh produce to food pantries.
- Learn how your church can become a hub of climate resilience.
- Find where waste from your community goes. Waste is disproportionately disposed of in communities of color. Sometimes waste and recycling are even shipped to be disposed of in other countries. Find ways to reduce your own waste through reducing consumption, composting, and refusing to acquire products that will end up in landfills.
- Bookmark creationjustice.org/action to participate in timely monthly action opportunities.
- Mark your calendar for Ecumenical Advocacy Days & participate in the day of action.
- Do you know which watershed you live in? Learn about the bodies of water near you, the watershed you live in, and the pollutants your water faces. Water is a human right and gift from God, advocate for everyone to have equitable access to potable water.