Opportunities on Tap for Creation Justice Ministries

Crisis Watch Feb. 4, 2021

February 4, 2021

12:45 PM

Sunday Morning Seminary

A United Methodist Insight Column

Hope for reversing the climate crisis that is killing Planet Earth has sprung up again as President Biden overturns harmful environmental policies of the previous administration. UMC Creation Justice’s monthly newsletter lists multiple opportunities for United Methodists to equip themselves as better stewards of and advocates for God’s creation. Following are excerpts from the newsletter shared with permission.

At the local church level, note especially the 5-part Engaging the Local Church webinar series starting up Feb. 25. Also, remember it is not too early to work with your church leadership to plan for April Earth Day activities during worship and beyond.
If you are looking for resources to act in your community, consider attending the New Green Economy Conference Feb 6-12, or the Just Energy for All webinar series starting Feb 22.
With a new US Congress and US President there are also new opportunities for powerful country level advocacy on … Climate Legislation (Feb 25). Note also this link to a recording of the Faithful Advocacy webinar held last month if you missed it.
“ResiLENT Worship: Preaching Our Way to Climate Resilience:” Feb 18 6-7 pm ET. A virtual workshop hosted by Creation Justice Ministries of the National Council of Churches to learn about building climate resilience into your worship. Hear three mini-sermons on climate resilience, listen to worship music for the era of climate change, and gain tools for incorporating climate-resilient worship in your community. More information here.

Plus, there’s still time to get in on another February series, “God's Call to Creation Care and Environmental Justice,” 9 am CT every Sunday morning in February 2021, a Zoom webinar series on creation care and environmental justice. Recordings will be made available at sundaymorningseminary.org. This series is funded by a grant from the United Methodist EarthKeepers program. More information Here.

Here are three ways to engage with other United Methodist climate activists and gain spiritual strength and creative ideas for overcoming the climate crisis:

The UM Creation Justice Movement has a YouTube Channel. Visit it to find a collection of videos from recent webinars, past Creation Justice Summits, and more!
Join the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Facebook Group. Share articles, resources, events, and read what others are sharing.
Join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network at creationcare.umcmission.org and invite a Friend.

UMC Creation Justice says in its newsletter: “Wherever you choose to act, know that our shared efforts have an impact. As our movement statement declares, ‘The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement has emerged in this kairos time of urgency, crisis, and opportunity to join our many faithful responses together through the power of collective, connectional action.’”

Justice Talks Poster

‘Justice Talks’ webinar scheduled

The General Board of Church and Society will look at how The United Methodist Church can respond to the needs for peace and justice in the world in a special webinar Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. ET. See the accompanying poster for full details (click to enlarge).

Media Mentions as of Feb. 4, 2021

Survey: Americans most likely to say pandemic has boosted their faith – Religion News Service

A mix of hope and dismay as religious leaders assess Biden – The Associated Press