Sprouting
Unsplash Photo Courtesy of UM Creation Justice Movement
United Methodist Creation Justice Movement | April 2025
The rapid dismantling of public agencies and services at the federal level coupled with unrelenting climate chaos is disturbing, disruptive, and sometimes overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to start. Here are ways United Methodists are taking action right where they are.
- Learn about the science of climate change and talk about it.
- Turn to the United Methodist Social Principles and other denominational statements to guide your responses.
- Take action for Earth Day.
- Incorporate Creation Justice in your Eastertide worship.
- Start or join a Green Team in your local congregation and/or annual conference.
- Advocate for a Creation Justice Coordinator for your annual conference.
Let us know what actions you are taking and how we can support you. Contact us.
Protect the Protectors
It was announced this week that some fired federal employees at NOAA have been brought back on after a court order. But their long-term employment depends on the outcome of ongoing litigation. Now is the best time for people of faith and conscience to let your elected officials know that you value the life-saving work done by the EPA and NOAA. Learn More
We suggest making four phone calls:
- The office of Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
- The office of Vice Admiral Nancy Hamm, Deputy Under Secretary for Operations (NOAA's chief operating officer.)
- The Representative from your district
- The Senators from your state
Check out Direct Pay for Alternative Energy
Does your church own a solar array, geothermal system, or EV charging station installed in 2024, or will it buy and install any of these in 2025?
If so, the church may be eligible for a federal payment of at least 30% of the total cost through the Direct Pay program of the Inflation Reduction Act. Global Ministries is connecting with churches using Direct Pay to gather and share information about navigating the filing process. If you are the person in your church responsible for filing, please contact Sarah Paulos with Global Ministries at spaulos@umcmission.org.
Are you wondering how the new federal administration will impact funding for clean energy projects like solar? See this new webinar recording from IPL Affiliates addressing Direct Pay
Teach-In Highlights New Book
“Liberating People, Planet, and Religion: An Eco-Justice Teach-in “ will take place April 12.
The event will explore the interconnectedness of ecological and social justice issues with an emphasis on the role of faith communities. It will feature presentations by several of the author's included in the new book, Liberating People, Planet and Religion, edited by United Methodist theologian Joerg Rieger and religion philosopher Terra Rowe.
April Movement Café
UM Creation Justice’s monthly “Movement Café” will take place April 16 at these times: 10am PT/11am MT/12pm CT/1pm ET.
The event will feature stories of congregations and annual conferences working to build resilience in response to disasters in their communities. Featured guest speakers are Scott Parrish, North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator; Shawn Anglim, First Grace UMC New Orleans; Community Lighthouse initiative; and Cara Fleischer, Florida Annual Conference Creation Care Task Team.
Local Responses to Global Challenges
Caretakers of God’s Creation—Wisdom From the First Coordinators: In support of their newest colleagues, the UMCJM sat down with two Caretaker Coordinators to glean insight and some tips for those starting out. Read More
Developing a Green Team, Steps for Success: By following these steps, your Green Team can create a lasting impact, helping your church live out its calling to care for God’s creation and serve the community with justice and compassion. Read More
Learn and Talk about Climate Change: Watch the March 2025 Movement Café on “The Science and Solutions of Climate Change.” Participate in The United Methodist Church Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Training
Start or Join a Green Team in Your Congregation: Check out this updated checklist for Developing a Green Team Steps for Success and Explore other Green Teams Resources
Incorporate Creation Justice in your Eastertide worship: Explore the extensive Believing into Christ: Eastertide Worship Resources and Listen to the Discipleship Ministries Worship Matters Podcast: Worship Resources for Eastertide. Watch Minnesota Laity Collective Preparing Earth Day using Eastertide Worship Resources
Advocate for Creation Justice in Your Annual Conference:
- Gain Wisdom From the First Caretaker of God’s Creation Coordinators.
- Learn from actions in the Dakota Conference to establish a Creation Care Team
- A Call to Action
- Key Findings of the Dakotas Creation Care Survey
- Survey Questions for Use
Take Action for Earth Day
- Explore Earth Day Resources including: Creation Justice Ministries Power of God, One Home One Future Earth Day Resources, and Earthday.org Faith & the Environment
- Get inspired by God’s Green Earth Day from Missouri Methodists
- And Find 10 Easy, Last-Minute, Yet Effective Ways to Honor Earth Day
This article was adapted with permission from the UM Creation Justice Movement’s April 2025 newsletter.