The problem of plastics: A reflection from Creation Justice Ministries

Plastic first started being created on a global scale in the 1950s. Since then, annual plastic production has exploded to an estimated 460 million tons as of 2019. While plastic has many beneficial uses, single-use plastics have become a real environmental threat.

In the glow of the Christmas tree lights, let us remember the forests

This year “The People’s Tree” comes from Monongahela National Forest in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. While it makes its way from town to town on its tour to Washington, D.C., its old-growth arboreal neighbors in the forest are at risk of being harvested for timber.

Outdoor Ministries Association holds its annual retreat at Camp Eder

From Nov. 12-16, Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., hosted members of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren for a retreat/conference. Leadership from 14 camps and Brethren Volunteer Service joined together in exploring the theme of “Discipleship.” Pieter Tramper, from Brethren Woods in Virginia, was the coordinator.

Churches in Nigeria fill with music, dancing, and prayer as WCC visits

Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was among the Nigerian denominations whose congregations received visits during a recent meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in Abuja, Nigeria. Members of the WCC executive committee visited an array of congregations on Sunday, Nov. 12, “bringing a deep spiritual aspect to their gathering,” said a WCC release.

New Community Project at 20: By the numbers

New Community Project turns 20 this year! Over these two decades, we’ve covered a lot of ground and want to offer some high-lights of our work. Of course, numbers don’t tell the whole story, as our impact isn’t always visible and countable. But figures do perhaps provide some indication of progress toward our oft-stated goal of “changing the world.” So let’s see how they add up!

The Holy Spirit is the first firefly

This year I caught a glimpse of the first firefly next to a pile of refuse near our back gate, blinking beautifully and hopefully in an abandoned place. When we celebrate Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples gathered in prayer, hidden in a room, in fear. While there may have been hope and expectation, it was likely tentative. I imagine it felt like an abandoned place. Into that place of fear and disorientation came a blinking light. A flicker of flames amidst a rush of wind.

National Faith Leaders Roundtable on Climate Change is announced

“Blessed Tomorrow,” the faith program of ecoAmerica, along with a host committee, is convening a roundtable of 20 to 25 national faith leaders, in person, to discuss and plan denominational, organizational, and collective efforts to catalyze public engagement and political action on climate solutions.

a small plant growing on cracked, dry earth

Webinar on watershed stewardship to engage intersection of faith and the environment

The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy along with the Brethren Creation Care Network will be hosting a webinar about watershed stewardship on March 30 at 7 p.m. (Eastern time). We will be featuring special guest David Warners from Calvin University and also inviting interactive participation by Church of the Brethren attendees.

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