Earth Care & Resources

“Let everyone regard themselves as stewards of God in all things which they possess. Then, they will neither conduct themselves dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which God requires to be preserved.” ~ John Calvin, Commentary on Genesis

In keeping with these words of John Calvin, the PCUSA has developed a process whereby congregations can join in the work of restoration and stewardship of creation. This past August as an initiative of the Global Service Committee, Highland formed an Earth Care Team to explore the process of becoming an officially designated Earth Care Congregation of the PCUSA. Churches are required to compile a minimum of 25 points in four areas of congregational life: Worship, Education, Facilities and Outreach; focusing on engaging in activities that respect and preserve God’s creation. In preparation for submitting the application to be designated an Earth Care Congregation, Highland’s team has been examining our actions in all 4 areas and meeting with existing committees for their input. In January, Earth Care Team members will be presenting information about our application to the Session and Diaconate and asking the Session to affirm the following Earth Care Pledge: “Peace and justice are God’s plan for all creation. The earth and all creation are God’s. God calls us to be careful, humble stewards of this earth, and to protect and restore it for its own sake, and for the future use and enjoyment of the human family. As God offers all people the special gift of peace and through Jesus Christ, and through Christ reconciles all to God, we are called to deal justly with one another and the earth.”

We look forward to improving our stewardship of the earth as a congregation in 2025 and beyond.         ~The Global Service Committee and the Earth Care Team

Resources List

Books & Articles