Christian concern for the environment is shaped by the Word of God spoken in creation, the Love of God hanging on a cross, the Breath of God daily renewing the face of the earth. We of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are deeply concerned about the environment, locally and globally. As members of this church and as members of society, we are called to care for the earth as a profoundly spiritual matter.
Bishop Dunlop and the Rev. Matthew Lenahan lead an Earth Day Service at the Wittel Farm, home of the Wittel Farm Growing Project
Call to Action
Check LAMPa’s action alert center for opportunities to easily connect with lawmakers in a non-partisan manner on policies affecting our common home.
Join the LAMPa statewide network of creation justice advocates by emailing LAMPa@lutheranadvocacypa.org. When you do, you will receive action alerts and updates on what is happening regarding state (and sometimes federal) environmental policy, grassroots service. You will also find support and fellow Lutherans to accompany you in your advocacy for our common home.
Reduce emissions caused by fossil fuels by switching to renewable energy through Pa. Power Switch here.
Participate in the Energy Star treasure hunt for houses of worship to see where you can save money and protect the planet.
ENERGY STAR for Congregations: Powerful tools and information for stewardship
The ELCA has collaborated with ecoAmerica’s Blessed Tomorrow program, a faith community initiative that empowers climate action and advocacy. This is a program by people of faith, for people of faith, offering ideas, tools, and language that are familiar, compelling and effective in addressing climate change. It provides resources that put us on a path to a positive future while maintaining the distinct voice of the ELCA.
Consider becoming a Creation Care Ambassador.
Consider an inter-generational congregational service project to weatherize homes — maybe of seniors or others who cannot financially or physically do it themselves. To learn tips from other faith communities who do this, contact the State College chapter of PA Interfaith Power & Light and ask about Weatherization First.
Distribute energy-saving light bulbs along with food or other items your congregation distributes. This is a great idea for Advent or Epiphany as they both tie into the theme of light.
Feeding the hungry depends on a healthy planet. Learn from the example of Northwestern Pa. Synod hunger and creation care leaders about how to transition away from single-use plastics and polystyrene in your hunger ministry.
Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA. It is one of the organizations on this list of “Lutheran, Ecumenical and Interfaith Creation Care Organizations.”