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Handbooks and General Resources for Congregations

The opportunities for integrating environmental concerns into congregational life differ from congregation to congregation. What a congregation is moved and able to do depends on many factors, internal and external -- the talents, resources and interests of its members; its rural, urban, or suburban location; the climate and ecology of its region; local environmental issues, government agencies and non-governmental organizations; environmental programs offered by the denomination of which it is a part, and much else.

There is no "one size fits all" approach to environmental ministry in congregations. Some can take on large challenges, like installing rooftop solar panels. Others need to take it step by step, for example, by beginning with an adult education program and setting out recycling bins. The following resource can help any congregation decide what is the best approach for it -- and then, get to work.

Partnership Resource Kits

Each of the Partnership groups has issued resource kits to help congregations get started.

  • The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life:
    • To Till and to Tend: A Guide to Jewish Environmental Study and Action, an introduction to Jewish environmental thought and action, including 19 programs and an extensive resource guide.
  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
    • Renewing the Face of the Earth includes the bishops' statement, "Renewing the Earth"; suggestions for initiating parish programs; liturgical, homily and prayer helps; background information on the connection between the environment and social justice; parish bulletin inserts; resource information.
    • Let the Earth Bless the Lord offers models for community action and practical hints to implement and sustain a program, and provides an international perspective on environmental justice.
  • National Council of the Churches of Christ:
    • God's Earth Our Home: A Resource for Congregational Study and Action on Environmental and Economic Justice is a packet for congregational study and action on environmental and economic justice, including: 12 study sessions, worship resources, ecology and justice resources, glossary, leader's guide, and a creation awareness chart.
  • Evangelical Environmental Network:
    • Let the Earth Be Glad: An Evangelical Kit for Caring for Creation is a comprehensive strategy kit for planning a Sunday worship service and for integrating creation care into all aspects of church life, divided into four booklets for easy use.
    • Your Church Outdoors Idea Pack includes a devotional, children's activities, "fun facts," day trip ideas, and other materials for introducing churches, camps, and other groups to God's creation by leading them outdoors.
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