Dear Companions in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod:
Green blades of care and concern for the creation are arising in congregations throughout our synod and beyond! The EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is nurturing these green blades in a growing web of relationships. In this critical time, God’s call to be stewards of the earth for the sake of the whole creation is germinating among us!
Many congregations such as yours are doing EcoFaith ministry. They pray regularly for the creation and the movement to care for it, God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven. They seek to integrate stewardship of the earth into every faith practice and facet of ministry.
Many of these congregations are finding support in this calling by participating in our synod’s EcoFaithNetwork, which accompanies congregations on this important journey with resources and relationships, events and training. These include…
- The annual EcoFaith Summit
- The monthly Green Blades Rising Newsletter with stories, resources, green tips, and events
- An active EcoFaith Network Facebook Page
- EcoFaith resources on the synod website
- The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable
- Green Tips (in the monthly newsletter)
- The new Pollinator Pilot Project
- Creation Care Connection events and workshops for congregations via Zoom
- EcoFaith micro-grants and congregational mentoring
- Collaborations with the efforts of other synod creation care teams
All this is made possible through the diligence of the EcoFaith Network Leadership Team and the work of our EcoFaith Network Communication Coordinator. This stipended position, now held by first-year Luther Seminary student, Rachel Wyffels, is critical to every aspect of our network.
We invite you to help us nurture this growing ministry by becoming an EcoFaith Network Partner Congregation in 2023. The EcoFaith ministry of our synod is financially supported by congregational and individual donations. We receive no funds through the synod’s budget. Please consider becoming an EcoFaith Partner Congregation in 2023 and make a financial contribution of any amount.
Most important, we want to support your congregation’s efforts and share your stories! Stay connected by appointing one or more EcoFaith liaisons. Tell us what you need!
Together in witness to God’s love for the whole creation +
Pr. David Carlson and Pr. Kristin Foster for the EcoFaith Network NE MN Synod Leadership Team
Enclosures: EcoFaith Congregation Partner Form; EcoFaith ministry profile; 40 ideas for EcoFaith Ministry
