The climate crisis and bold faith

​Hey friends!
I hope you have been able to stay cool in this heat wave. With diligent and faithful watering, our garden has stayed green and fruitful – but let this weather be a reminder of just how important it is to care for God’s creation! Weather extremes like this threaten our water supply and food systems, as well as our health. I am so proud of our church for taking a stand against the climate crisis and boldly proclaiming – through our gardens, plastic recycling, and solar panels – our desire to steward and tend God’s earth well!
 
I have not forgotten our consideration of becoming a “Creation Justice Church.” I will begin having conversations with the various ministry teams this summer. What does it mean to you to be Creation Justice minded? What does that look like in action? How do we put that into practice in all we do at home, at church, and in the world? What can we reduce? What can we reuse and how? Are there other ways to recycle? Are there simple switches we can make in the products we purchase? These are questions we can each prayerfully consider often.
 
I know I say often that prayer is a mystery and I don’t fully understand how it works. That’s true! But I do know – and I say this confidently having experienced it more than once – that prayer can open us. Through prayer, God has often helped me see what I previously could not or did not want to see. The details of past prayers are conversations (or sermons) for another time, but what I mean is this:
 
When we pray, “God, help me to be a better steward of your creation. What else can I do? How else can I care?” God will give us answers. The Spirit will reveal to us. Jesus will offer an encouraging nudge in the right direction. I believe that wholly.
 
We are doing great work to care for our little corner of the earth! Let’s keep going. 😊
 
We have some fun things planned for this summer! More baseball, a picnic, some hikes, Sunday school… There are lots of ways to participate in the life, ministry, and fellowship of Solomon’s UCC. Bring a friend! All are welcome in our community.
 
I look forward to seeing you in church! Stay hydrated!
 
Peace be with you,
– Pastor Julia