God’s Earth – Our Hands Team
“Humans, in service to God, have special roles on behalf of the whole of creation. Made in the image of God, we are called to care for the earth as God cares for the earth.”
(ELCA, “Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice,” 1993).
PoP's God’s Earth – Our Hands Team (for the care of creation) was formed to promote within the congregation a commitment and direction for the care of God’s creation. The team will provide leadership to the entire congregation (staff, Ministries, and congregants) in carrying out care of creation in the following areas: Worship, Education, Building and Grounds, Discipleship at Home & Work, and Public Ministry.
Upcoming Opportunities:
Lent 2023
2023 Carbon Fast Lent Calendar: Download and start using it today with your family!
Lutherans Restoring Creation, and PoP’s God’s Earth – Our Hands Team, is encouraging all of us try one new practice every day that may prevent further desecration of God’s good Creation or harm to those in the wake of unjustly utilized natural resources. Rather than giving things up – you will be taking on new habits that help us all!
As we recall Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert during Lent, may this “Carbon Fast” not only strengthen our faith, but also prove that taking little steps toward environmental stewardship can have a big impact. For more information visit the Lutherans Restoring Creation website.
ELCA Seeks Input on Climate Care Social Message Draft by Dec 2, 2022
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has drafted a new social message on climate care in response to the ELCA Church Council’s authorization last November to develop the teaching document.
The ELCA Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis builds on previous social statements, particularly from Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice, drafted in the 1990s.The ELCA is asking for public input through a survey that is due back by Friday, Dec. 2.
“With this social message the ELCA provides facts, raises questions, draws on its own social teaching, and identifies convictions that expansively address caretaking for climate. At the heart of this social message lies the claim that climate change presents our generation with a kairos moment; that is, a critical moment in time when decisive action is required,” the message reads.
Grounded in scripture, the document comes at a time when the ELCA at its Churchwide Assembly this past summer reaffirmed the commitment of the church to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directing the churchwide organization to set a goal of a 50% reduction of net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, with a long range goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
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Solar Electric Panel SystemThe solar panels on the roof of church went operational on July 6th and are now producing clean (carbon-free) electric energy. This month (as of 8/23), they have produced 4,455 kWh of electricity, saving nearly 6,200 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. A reason to celebrate Caring for Creation! We recently received this link where you can view PoP’s production of solar electricity—take a look! (You will need to click the “Accept All Cookies” button when the window pops up).
Plan to attend the dedication of the Solar Electric Panel System at 11 AM on September 11, as part of the PoP Fall Kickoff Celebration! We will have a display on the system, and the installer, Appleton Solar, Inc., will be there to answer questions.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Meetup
In celebration of the new solar panels at church, there will be a gathering of electrified cars out in PoP’s West Parking Lot on Sunday, July 31 from 9 am – 1 pm. Owners will be there to answer questions you have about hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric cars. We are inviting any church members who have a hybrid car, plug-in hybrid car, or electric car to park their cars with the other ones participating by 8:30 am or earlier on July 31. Prior to the event, Tom McNeely will hold an informational session called “EV 101.” More details on the session to come. We hope you can make it to this event on July 31st!
Topic: Electric, Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Date: Sunday, July 31, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Solar Power Generation – At Church & Home
In celebration of Earth Day this year, God’s Earth – Our Hands Team has invited the owner of Appleton Solar, LLC to lead a discussion about solar electric power generation, the solar module project at Prince of Peace, and opportunities for solar power for homeowners. Plan to join this informative presentation/discussion on Sunday, April 24 following the second service (about 11 AM). To ensure we have a good attendance for our guest, we ask that you sign-up for this presentation by April 22. Sign up here or email Ron Jones at rjones3155@gmail.com.
Topic: Solor Power Generation
Date: Sunday, April 24, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM
