Presbyterians for Earth Care - Today (September 1st) is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I write to you on September 1st, a day that is celebrated by many Christians as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”   Our world is in deep trouble.  As UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres said on July 27, 2023, “Climate change is here, it is terrifying, and it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.  The air is unbreathable ,the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.” The first step for Christian action needs to be guided by prayer.  Pope Francis offers this prayer for our earth:  “All-powerful God, you are present inthe whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.  Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.  Bring healing toour lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day.   Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.” Copied from Laudato Si:  On Care of Our Common Home (recommendedby 222nd GA (2016) for study and use throughout the PCUSA)  “We have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe, warns UN: Urgent changes needed to cut risk of extreme heat, drought, floods and poverty, says IPCC” was the October 8,2018 headline (so we now have only 7 years).   These concerns forGod’s world inspired the 225th General Assembly (2022) to “Call upon the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to reduce our carbon imprint by 25 percent in the next four years. (now three years). We can and must achieve this goal.  “With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), houses of worship now have easier access to clean energy funds and tax credits through a program called “direct pay.” Before the IRA, only homeowners and commercial entities with some tax liability could claim tax credits when installing solar panels, wind turbines,or other eligible technologies on an eligible property. Now, the “direct pay” option means non-taxable entities (churches) can also benefitfrom these credits” (see Interfaith Power & Light for details).  Individual church members can also benefit from IRA funds that will help them get energy savings in their homes and buying electric vehicles and help God’s world.   Our PEC conference will have workshops on IRA, PILP, EVs and more. The Presbyterian Investment & Loan’s Restoring Creation Loan makes it easier for congregations to ensure our church buildings reflect who we are as a community of faith. Low interest loans are available to qualifying congregations engaged in projects that render our church buildings more energy efficient. By helping churches reduce their carbon footprint, collectively we can become better stewards of God’s Creation.” The national Presbyterians for Earth Care conference, September 20-23, 2023 is offering 20+ workshops that people can participate in, in person in four locations (VA, MN, AK and CA) or online.  The Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett (president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency) will preach for two worship services, the Rev. Dr.Patricia Tull (author of the 2024-2025 Presbyterian Women Bible study, tell your PW friends) will lead the Bible studies, top scientists like long-time NOAA oceanographer Mark Eakin, seminary professors, pastors, activists, and concerned Christians will gather to learn, share and organize.  This is a great time to learn and organize for our churches to counter climate. This Labor Day weekend, please encourage family, friends and church members to register for it now! We need to follow biblical and church teachings for environmental justice and hear the scientists’ call for urgent action now.  With God’s help, we can make a real difference. Blessings on you, your loved ones and your care of God’s creation. Grace and Peace, Bruce Gillette PEC Moderator

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