Care for Creation

Faith Leaders Rally on the Mall - Gloria and David there for NOVA

Partner Organizations

Elders Climate Action

Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

Franciscan Action Network

If you plan to add new plants to your garden or yard this spring, you should look for ones that are native to your area. These plants thrive with less watering or use of toxic sprays for pests. One source for locating plants native to your area is: www.audubon.org/plants. You can also check out the local master gardeners’ website: mgnv.org

More Weekly Care for Creation Tips

Ways to Reduce and Recycle Plastic

Sustainable Shopping

Composting

Lenten Creation Care CALENDAR 2023

Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and more intentional sharing. This year, our church is joining with many others in heeding the call to be stewards of God’s Creation throughout this season. May this calendar remind us to be more mindful of the ways that our daily habits impact both our common home and all those with whom we share it. On behalf of future generations and all living in poverty — those most harmed by our damaged climate — may we answer God’s call to be faithful stewards, speaking out for Creation care. With thanks to Interfaith Power and Light for compiling.

Care for creation team plan

Education:

2 Film & Discussion Events, winter-spring and fall, preferably in-person with soup supper (Judy Christofferson). Judy & Gloria to look for latest and best environmental films and set dates
Alert Community to webinars, special lectures, films, specials on environmental issues (all Team Members)
Direct Community to educational efforts sponsored by our partner groups: Elders Climate Action, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Interfaith Power & Light.
Combine with PAX Community to co-sponsor educational events. (Gloria)
Utilize the resources of Paul Hawken’s Regeneration Project (www.regeneration.org) for information, priority-setting, goals, etc. (all)
Integrate our work with Peace & Social Justice team and all social justice issues. (Markie)

Advocacy:

Partner with FACS (Fairfax – Kathy Scheimer; Arlington – Carmela and David), VAIPL (Markie), and Citizens Climate Lobby & Friends Committee on National Legislation (David) and join their efforts for legislative advocacy locally, state-wide and nationally.
Expand partnership with Elders Climate Action by attending monthly Chapter meetings and supporting efforts to form a Northern Virginia Chapter. Encourage all NOVA members to join ECA, donate and get involved with any activities that interest them. (Gloria)
Inform Community of advocacy actions individuals can take as they arise. (all)

Actions – Individual and Community

Maintain Nova’s Care for Creation website pages adding information and resources as they arise. (Markie and Carolyn)
Gather information for the website and educate the Community about home composting (Richard and David)
Publish a cookbook of Nova recipes for a plant-based diet. (Carolyn)
Work to understand Dominion Energy Green Power Programs to offset their carbon footprint and, if appropriate, encourage Nova members to sign up. (David)

Prayer and Inspiration:

Earth Day Liturgy in April (Kate Doherty)
Season of Creation – 5 liturgies 9/1-10/2. Ask Community to approve this new liturgical season as part of yearly calendar (Richard Urban)
Include prayers for the earth and environment in Prayers of the Faithful frequently (all)
Begin each Care for Creation activity with prayers for the environment. (all)

NOVA Care for Creation Team: Gloria Mog, Coordinator, Carmela Ormando, Jeanne Clarkson, Rosemarie Annunziata, Richard Urban, David Mog, Cathy Showalter, Kathy Scheimer, Scott Spaine, Judy Christofferson, Markie Harwood, Carolyn Miller.