Can a Small Church Make a Difference on Environmental Justice? Yes!

American anthropologist Margaret Mead once observed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citzens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This idea was tested out when New Spirit United of Church of Christ in Savage, Minnesota decided to ambitiously pursue a ministry of environmental justice through the UCC’s Creation Justice Church program which guides congregations through a discernment process in seeking to make environmental justice central to their congregation’s DNA. The discernment program establishes within the congregation a firm commitment to recognize and embody our first biblical calling: to care for God’s creation.

Why should a tiny church, one that worships only 25-30 adults each week, decided to do all of the hard work necessary to achieve the Creation Justice Church designation? New Spirit was not intimated by the task. It has done difficult things before. It has faced challenges from the beginning. It also has a track record of commitment as an Open and Affirming congregation that is deeply involved in LGTBQ+ issues. Our church leadership is collaborative and works very well together and is always open to new ideas and initiatives. When I proposed that the congregation work toward the Creation Justice designation, there was no dissent. Everyone agreed that it was a great idea. The process has been rewarding, although there have been challenges along the way.

Over the past few years, the congregation engaged environmental issues in many ways:

• The Rev. Dr. Paula Nordhem is a master recycler, and she spoke at New Spirit with a strong message of eco-justice and hope.
• An energy audit was performed and gave recommendations on how we can make our building more environmentally friendly. LED light bulbs and a new “smart” thermostat were installed.
• In worship, we celebrated the Season of Creation, a period 34-days that is marked in the Christian world from the World Day of Prayer for Creation on September 1^st to the Feast of Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4^th.
• We held an “ecofair” which showcased environmentally friendly products and encouraged church members to plant wildflowers, begin composting, and exercise best environmental practices in their home gardens.
• We raised funds for Frogtown, an organization that plants trees in the freeway “green desert” in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
• We became part of Interfaith Creation Care, a group of churches that have joined together to further environmental work.
• We held a “green picnic” to celebrate the makeover of our neglected peace garden.
• We began a “ledge library” with child friendly books about the environment.
• Each week during the announcement time before worship a member of the Green Team encourages an environmental practice.
• During one month, the Green Team focused on reducing the number of plastic shopping bags that are used, and we had one hundred cotton canvas bags printed with the church logo and sold as a fundraiser.
• During another month, reusable “goodie bags” were made for members as a replacement for the plastic “doggie bag” containers given at restaurants.  

New Spirit is making a difference. We are fulfilling Margaret Mead’s observation. It has been uplifting to be part of a small group of people who are changing the world.