Creation Care

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.— Romans 12:2

In Spring 2023, the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church launched an initiative to explore the question: How are we, as people of faith, called to care for God’s good and awesome creation?

Library

The following titles have been acquired by the BRPC Library:

• Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, Katherine Hayhoe (2021)
• “L” is for Lifestyle: Christian Living that Doesn’t Cost the Earth, Ruth Valerio (2004)

Con-spiring Together (Feb 5, 2023)

Dr. Laurel Kearns, Associate Professor of Sociology, Religion and Environmental Studies at Drew Theological School, was our keynote speaker.

Living Simply & Justly (Mar 19)

Resources used for the program:

• Ecological Footprint Calculator: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
• Project Drawdown:
• Ruth Valerio: https://youtu.be/5kgMLytLmUM?t=575
• The Story of Stuff: https://youtu.be/9GorqroigqM
• Doughnut Economy: https://youtu.be/PCAx3TG8LkI
• Story of Plastic: https://www.storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-plastic-animation/

Additional resources identified during the program:

• ThredUp: https://www.thredup.com/
• Got Sneakers: https://gotsneakers.com/
• Arkadia Solar Farm Share: https://www.arcadia.com/for-homes
• Market Misfits: https://www.misfitsmarket.com/

Raritan Headwaters Association Stream Cleanup (Apr 15)

BRPC youth participated in this project as a means to apply their faith by caring for an important local river of living waters. The congregation was invited to join as individuals, small groups or families. Learn more https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/

Worship Service (Apr 30)

A multi-generational, Scripture-based, music-filled celebration of God’s creation and contemplation of our role as stewards. Click for more information.

Regenerative Living (Apr 30)

Learn how to give back to the earth at a live demonstration during Fellowship hour in Westminster Hall, following Worship. The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will share vermiculture and composting demonstrations.

Additional resources:

Gardens and other spaces (May 21)

Learn more about how to care for our planet during a live demonstration during Fellowship hour on native plants by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County.

Click to view the presentation slides from this event.

The Theology of Food (May 25)

We will learn about making food choices that align with our values. The event includes a cooking demonstration by Ellen Petrosino, RD.

Pre-registration is required

Additional resources:

• Food for Thought: Norman Wirzba
• The Diet That Helps Fight Climate Change
• Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating by Norman Wirzba
• In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
• Forks Over Knives (Documentary)
• Kiss the Ground Movie (Netflix)