Led by passionate members of the Church and Society Committee who love the Earth, St. Stephen’s UMC in Burke has been on a five-year journey to raise awareness among the congregation and to improve the church facility, honoring Creation Care and enhancing Stewardship of scarce resources. Acting as a de facto Green Team and supported by the ministerial team, the committee members joined with the Finance and Trustees’ members, who had already embraced the idea of seeking resources and making physical improvements to the building, such as upgrading lighting and replacing outdated windows. One member of the committee embarked on the journey to become an EarthKeeper and has enlisted wide-ranging support from the congregation to develop and improve a large wooded area on the church property. By removing invasive plants and introducing native species, this area will become a multi-use space for church members and community members to celebrate nature and commune with God. Each April for the past four years, the church has held a Green Day Fair, featuring invited exhibitors from advocacy groups and government agencies to educate and inform members on ways to become better stewards of the Earth. The entire congregation at St. Stephen’s is committed to policies and practices that honor Creation Justice.
-Submitted by Max Brewer, St. Stephen’s UMC, Burke Va