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?

Creation Care Worship Service

Each year we have a Sunday worship featuring a multi-generational, Scripture-based, music-filled celebration of God’s creation and contemplation of our role as stewards. View past recordings here:

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) (funded by the Worship and Music Council)
• Caring for Our Planet, Traveling Library #018

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)

We learned that “consumerism” was fostered to expand the economy, is counter to our values and has a negative impact on the environment.

Resources used for the program:

• Ecological Footprint Calculator: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
• Project Drawdown
• 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/

Regenerative Living (Apr 30)

One way to care for creation is by giving back to the earth through horticultural and agricultural practices.

Gardens and other spaces (May 21)

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

Following is a production of the Creation Care Collective. Click to view the video (Recorded zoom session.)

Additional resources:

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