Creation Justice - Creation Care
When the Gardening For Life Project was just a tiny sprout of an idea, we knew it would take great community partners to allow our efforts to take root. The Congregational Church of Tryon has been by our side since day one. Their belief in our vision, our Leadership Team, and the enthusiasm of our larger community has made much of what we do possible. Along the way we have had an opportunity to get to know more about the extraordinary ways they uplift and inspire folks in the Carolina Foothills. Here is just a bit of what we have learned …
Creation justice and creation care are basic tenets of the Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon. In fact, the church is a newly designated Creation Justice Church. This reflects the congregation’s commitment to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change and the impact of natural disasters. An example of this commitment was taking on the task of installing solar panels during a raging pandemic. Another example of their environmental activism can be seen in their sanctuary garden. There they transformed an area previously buried in kudzu into a welcoming space with pollinator friendly native vegetation. (See “COVID, Kudzu and a Faith Community”) By reclaiming critical habitat they are setting an example for the entire community and doing their part to offset species decline.
Additional focus areas include: recycling, participation in Earth Day events, congregational book clubs and other education, creation justice focused worship, church beyond the walls volunteer Sundays, vegetable gardening projects and more.
Specific to pollinators and native plants, members of the congregation share in the knowing that without pollinators the survival of all creation is at stake. Maintaining a curbside pollinator garden, hosting events like their community Pollinator Party and co-hosting free environmental movie nights reflect their efforts to educate our larger community about the vital importance of pollinators and pollinator friendly habitats.
Sharing this passion with the Gardening For Life Project team has lead to a dynamic partnership. When we work together toward the common goal of caring for creation we can make meaningful and measurable differences.
It is truly the GFLP’s honor and privilege to experience the congregation as our community neighbors and a vital, valued initiative Partner.
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