Dear Caldwell,
As a congregation, you care passionately about many different things. That’s what makes life at Caldwell so fun. One of those passions is caring for our environment, an effort by the Earth Care Ministry Team led by Rev. Dennis Testerman. With its guidance, Caldwell is learning more and more about all the ways our life as a congregation can honor God by becoming more sustainable.
Recently, we learned that Caldwell has been certified as an Earth Care Congregation. To become an Earth Care Congregation, Caldwell had to affirm an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden. This makes Caldwell one of only a small handful of congregations in our Presbytery to take on this challenge. Previously, thanks also to Dennis’ guidance, Caldwell was recognized as a PCUSA Hunger Action Congregation, a reminder that what we do for hunger also cares for the earth.
Started in 2010 by the PC(USA), the goal of this program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, through integrating earth care into all aspects of their church life. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that make that commitment and encourages others to follow their example.
Let’s be clear – this certification is a beginning and not an end. As Dennis and others are teaching us, there is almost no decision we make as a congregation that doesn’t have implication for the environment. We’ve got a lot to learn and will have to work hard to get ahead of many upcoming decisions to fully understand the trade-offs required.
For example, the Session has discussed what it would take for us as a church to be carbon-neutral by 2030. The new community hall will be wired for solar panels on the roof and car charging stations in the parking lot and the Earth Care and Hearth committees are gathering information about how quickly we can take advantage of those opportunities.
As with other issues in which Caldwell is deeply invested, we won’t be perfect tomorrow or next year. But we can make informed decisions as we go. What we also know is that Earth care intersects with our anti-racism efforts because, as with so many things that need fixing in America, black and brown people suffer disproportionately from environmental degradation. In other words, they have the most to gain when our city makes better choices.
Caldwell is blessed to have leaders like Dennis and Jennifer Roberts, who works in the environmental field, to challenge and advise us. Let’s remember that we have to make steady progress to keep the certification Caldwell has just earned.
Help Keep Vigil
This year’s Prayer Vigil, beginning just after the Maundy Thursday service, will be virtual again, but we are working on a way for people to connect during the vigil. And we believe two things will make this year’s vigil a more powerful experience: creating your own sacred space at home, and knowing that others are signed up and participating, even if from a distance. Watch for more details in Caldwell This Week and on the Caldwell Conversations page on Facebook. You can click here and sign up to pray from home. Please help us fill these slots. Thank you!
Come to the Porch Tonight
Come “sit” on the porch tonight at 7 as we look back at last Sunday’s passage from the Gospel of John and John’s sermon from it. What did you think of watching Caroline Cheek begin her painting? Tonight, we will look at John 12:20-33 as Jesus continues to tell us and his followers exactly who he is, what kind of death he would die and what his death and resurrection mean for all of us.
Finally, thank you to all who were so sweet to organize and be a part of the lovely book party last week. I am so humbled by your care and encouragement.
In Christ,
John