UM Creation Justice Movement | Sept. 25, 2025
Ours is a faith of resurrection, renewal, regeneration. Our lives are a call to live that faith. Creation care gives us down-to-earth opportunities.
Regenerate! On a personal level, compost your food and lawn scraps; plant for pollinators; consider rewilding at least a portion of your property. On a larger scale, examine your agricultural practices (cover crops, low till, no chemicals…) for changes that will regenerate the fertility of the soil.
The opening book of the Bible reminds us, “God saw everything God had made and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The first commandment given to humanity is to tend and care for the garden God gave us (Genesis 2:15). Regenerative agriculture practices are proven ways to do so.
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Tree planting season is coming. Investigate potential tree sales and planting services, including local government, nonprofit foundations, and nursery businesses. Trees pull down carbon from the atmosphere and nourish the soil, provide habitat and food for birds and other pollinators, and give shade in the summer and sun in the winter, reducing the need for fossil fuel energy.
Most actions taken on behalf of God’s creation are helpful, but some have more impact than others. One of the biggest categories is food. Become aware of food waste and reduce it, take up composting, choose less or no meat, buy locally and in season. Everyone needs to eat; everyone can contribute to caring for Earth.
Purchase organic food. The few extra cents you pay at the grocery support farmers who avoid using the synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that have been proven to deplete the soil. Organic farmers also refuse to subject their livestock to antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic farming practices are healthier for soil, livestock, and for those who eat the food.
Reap the harvest. Shop for food locally at farmers markets. See and give thanks for those whose work feeds you and others. Care for the planet by reducing the carbon emissions that come from shipping food long distances. Eat more fruits and veggies and reduce the high cost to your body and the planet from many other foods.
Rake leaves this fall as a family, a group of friends, or a church youth group helping someone. Look for ways to turn the leaves into mulch so they continue to feed the soil, rather than bagging them and sending them to the landfill. Talk about the process God supplies for continuing to regenerate the land, which in turns sustains life.
Some food-waste issues are systemic, but many come down to things individuals and families can do: Plan meals, buy local, buy less, buy in-season, buy organic, store appropriately, use the freezer, reduce meat consumption, grow veggies, eat leftovers, make soup and smoothies, compost peelings and ends, share with others. Eat happily, knowing you are helping us all.
Compost food waste and more (leaves, shredded paper, pet fur, coffee filters). Twenty to 45% of landfill is organic and creates methane gas, which contributes to global warming. Instead, compost, which is nature’s way to regenerate and nourish the soil. Browse for easy and effective options: backyard bin, indoor machine, commercial pick up, sharing a service with a neighbor.
As a church, make composting available after meals and receptions. Station a knowledgeable person at the bin to help people learn what’s compostable and what must be trashed. As more people understand what’s needed and possible, some may desire to have a place to bring their personal scraps. Set up a community compost bin in the parking lot in response.