Creation Care

Like a tree, our green team’s growth was slow but steady. Our first meetings were walks around the church grounds, sharing ideas and listening to the land. We enrolled in Green Team training through Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, learning how to move from inspiration to action. By the end of the course, we had a plan: identify potential team members, sign a pledge, and start nature walks to observe both challenges and opportunities on our grounds.

We reached out to the congregation with a newsletter invitation:

“Join your Faithful Green Leaders as we Listen, Discern, and Transform. Walk our grounds, share your love of the outdoors, and listen to the spirit of our space. Whether you want to exercise, share stories, discuss scripture, or raise concerns about our green footprint, all are welcome.”

Timing and Flexibility

Our first walks were scheduled for November, but turnout was low, most folks preferred to stay indoors as the weather cooled. Undeterred, Frank and Kathy continued walking, brainstorming ways to engage the congregation. We wrote newsletter articles, considered starting a blog, and even thought about creating a labyrinth.

We adapted by meeting people in the parking lot, turning short walks into opportunities for conversation and connection. We also presented green topics to the Church Council, committees, Sunday School classes, study groups, and Scouts, planting seeds for broader involvement.

Starting Small and Building Momentum

By spring, we proposed several projects to the Church Council and invited feedback. Our first big project was a litter cleanup day, inviting volunteers to pick up trash around the church and bless our local stream. We also offered opportunities to help with tree planting, weeding, and mulching in local parks, especially in neighborhoods facing environmental and social challenges.

Our call to action was simple:

“We're interested in joining a Camp Chapel Litter Day Blitz or helping with tree plantings and park cleanups. Let’s care for our community and answer God’s call to be faithful stewards.”

These small projects, along with ongoing feedback, led to several successful litter blitzes in the spring and sacred saunters in the fall. Each event sparked new ideas, deeper connections, and a growing sense of shared purpose.

Listening for the Spirit in Nature

We drew inspiration from Jesus’ practice of retreating to nature for renewal. Like him, we found that time outdoors, walking, listening, and reflecting, restored our spirits and clarified our mission.

As our team grew, we welcomed 13 church gardeners, some nearing retirement. For every gardener who needed to step back, new volunteers stepped up, including a lead gardener who encouraged us to focus on native plants and pollinator habitats. Our community vegetable garden entered its second year, with produce donated to local meal programs.

We also hosted an in-person gathering for the National Faith + Climate Forum, earning a stipend from the organizers and sparking new collaborations. One such partnership, “Faith Grows by Pizza,” brought together nearby churches to teach container gardening and promote food security.

Guided by Love and Community

Our Creation Care Team continues to grow, guided by listening, flexibility, and the Spirit’s prompting. We strive to be the love the world needs, caring for creation, building community, and offering hope.

Camp Chapel UMC’s Creation Care Team is led by laity members Frank Long and Kathy Martin. For more information on starting a green team, contact Sharee Wharton, Creation Care Team Chair.