GIPL Looks Towards Future at Ninth Annual GIPPY Awards

This year's GIPPYs were joyful and compelling—we were gratified to honor those doing good, green work for Creation!After an opening invocation from members of Gwinnett County South Baha’I community, Jonah McDonald, naturalist and author of Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests: Intown and Out, told the captivating story of his journey down the Appalachian Trail. His 2,000 mile hike eventually led to a life as an outdoor educator and nature enthusiast. He categorizes his work—and GIPL's—as "door opening," both providing opportunities for a life of faithful stewardship of Creation.CEO and founder of National IPL, The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, invigorated the room with her keynote. She shared the story of how she went from homemaker to recognized champion for people of faith advocating for the Earth. "This is really a life or death situation," she urged. "This is about our values—shared purpose to protect God’s creation and save ourselves from ourselves. We can do it, we must do it, and with God’s grace and support, we will do it.”After Rev. Bingham's words, we awarded four GIPPY Awards:Power Award—Central Presbyterian ChurchLight Award—St. Philip A.M.E. ChurchTrailblazer Award—Canterbury Court Recycling CommitteeCongregation of the Year—Young Israel of Toco HillsIn addition to presenting the awards, GIPL introduced plans to navigate the organization into the next decade, formally introducing new staff, a new logo, and plans for an office on the Georgia coast. We are grateful for this celebration of faithful care for Creation, and look forward to seeing new strides in sustainability from congregations this year!