Green Team

The Synod's Green Team works to help all pastors, congregations, and individuals within the synod care for God's creation as an outgrowth of faith.

God's original purpose for the humans in the garden (Genesis 2:15) is that they 'till it and keep it;' another translation might also be to 'serve and protect' it.  Clearly, in these days of climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and species extinction, we have much work to do.  And, given that these threats are most dire to the poor and vulnerable of the world, Jesus' command to love our neighbor as our own (Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10) clearly calls us to act.  This isn't a partisan political issue.  It's a faith issue.

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it."

Genesis 2:15

two men planting seeds in a garden

Members of St Peter’s Lutheran Church (Plainfield) Pen Argyl, PA working on the congregation's community garden. Read the full story in the 2024 Summer Green Team Newsletter

Next Meeting:

Saturday May 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86934182408

Meeting ID: 869 3418 2408

The Green Team meets via zoom, and our ongoing goals include:

 
  • A seasonal newsletter with tips on how to care for creation, book reviews, inspiring stories, advocacy opportunities, and notable sites within the synod
  • Occasional gatherings and events
  • Support for congregational green teams and groups
  • Educational presentations
  • Connection with creation care groups outside the synod (Lutherans Restoring Creation, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, etc.)
  • Maintaining and updating the team's Facebook page (NEPA Green Team)

Green Team Blog Posts:

Earth Day Resources

Earth Day Resource Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Host an Earth Day Vigil in your community, using LAMPa’s Earth Day Liturgy and other resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Lutheran Creation Care-Centered Worship Material We seek to worship throughout the year so that we express our gratitude and praise to God as creator, redeemer, and…
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a group of people holding the earth in their hands

Green Team 2025 Spring Newsletter

2025 Spring Newsletter Highlights from the Spring 2025 Green Team Newsletter:   Prayer & Reflection A video prayer from Lutherans Restoring Creation: “Fact: The Earth is Good.” Link: Watch here   Feature: Lutheran Environmentalists in the West Bank Highlights the Nassar family, a Lutheran Palestinian family promoting nonviolence and sustainability. Discusses the Environmental Education Center…
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person holding a plate full of vegetables

Green Team 2024 Summer Newsletter

2024 Summer Newsletter Highlights from the Summer 2024 Green Team Newsletter:   “Is Our Synod Alone? Not At All!” by Carl D. Shankweiler The NEPA Synod is part of a broader ELCA effort in environmental stewardship. Other synods engaged in creation care: New England Synod: Monthly Green Team newsletters, webinars, and resources for congregations. Northeastern…
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a bee on a flowering tree with white flowers

Green Team 2024 Winter/Spring Newsletter

2024 Winter/Spring Newsletter Highlights from the Winter/Spring 2024 Green Team Newsletter:   Lutherans Restoring Creation Event: Regenerating Life Film screening and discussion (Feb. 27) on how land stewardship can help heal the planet and communities.   Green Tips and Tidbits Frog Hollow Conservation Efforts: Continued conservation work and scheduled nature walks (details on the Schuylkill…
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Team Members

Pastor Carl Shankweiler

Sue Reier

Deacon Kat Tigerman

Pastor Wayne Moritz

Pastor Larry Laine