March Lillies
March 2025
Constantly bombarded with ads that promise a better, easier life, Christians find it challenging to remain faithful to the One who said, “Consider the lilies of the field…” and “Where your treasure is….”
To love God and neighbor, planet and people, cut through the noise with these practices.
Ask yourself the basic questions: Is this a want or a need? Are there alternatives that are more sustainable, ethically sourced, and less harmful? What is a responsible way to dispose of this item at the end of its usefulness? Choose the greater good.
Creation Justice ident
Review your financial statements. Look especially for monthly subscriptions you’ve forgotten about. Cancel them. Instead, make a monthly contribution to support an organization that is doing good, like the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which helps people recover from climate-related disasters.
Explore your library. Many lend more than books—things like tools, art supplies, works of art, telescopes, 3-D printing equipment. Many provide access to computers, seeds, tutoring and mentoring programs, music and art lessons, movie screenings, writing workshops, and book clubs. Follow John Wesley’s advice: “Save all you can; give all you can.”
Fashion up without filling up a landfill. Thrift stores allow try-ons and so cut out the bulk of “returns” that result from online shopping. Returns rarely ever go back into stock for purchase. Some are harvested by liquidators who resell, but the majority end up in landfills. Thrift stores often have a secondary mission of supporting local charitable works, as well.
Reduce emissions, which fuel climate change, by thoughtfully combining errands, eliminating a second car, sharing rides, using public transit or taxi services, driving a hybrid or electric vehicle, biking, or walking. You’ll help save the planet and your money.
The initial installation of solar will seem expensive, but as electric bills continue to rise, your costs will not. Your going solar also encourages neighbors and friends to do so too, which helps drive down the costs and sends a message to the fossil fuel industry that the future needs to be clean and renewable.
Gardening season is calling your name! Choose native plants and other perennials. The more of them you plant this year, the less you will need to buy in the future. Butterflies, bees, birds and your budget will be happy.
In rainy weather it’s easy to forget the long dry spells caused by climate change. Look for ways to conserve water: Set up a rain barrel, plant tea bags with your flowers and veggies to hold moisture longer, and donate leftover pet water to the plants. Inside, fix leaks, add a low-flush toilet, and install a fine-spray shower head.
Beware of sneaky plastic bottles that will end up in landfills and waterways. Those 70 billion plastic water bottles sold in the US in one year will take1,000 years to biodegrade. Use refillable containers with water from home. Buy a filter if your taste buds need it. Much of what is sold as bottled water is tap water anyway.
Curb potential food waste. Set a regular day for using up leftovers, scavenging through the pantry, or raiding the freezer. Put glass—not plastic—containers with leftovers on an easily seen shelf in the fridge. Food waste is a major contributor to methane, which spurs climate change. Anything you don’t eat up, compost.
*Luke 12:13-34
VIDEOS: "A MINUTE FOR MOTHER EARTH"!
A series very short videos to help your congregation recognize God's call in the midst of climate-related issues. Each "Minute" is based on the curriculum, Wake Up World, A Curriculum on the Climate Crisis for Faith and Community Groups (available free on the website and in print form from Cokesbury). Access the complete series of "Minutes" free at www.wakeupworld.earth.