Three More Congregations Earn Creation Wise Certifications
Three congregations will receive Creation Wise certificates in the month of November: Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta, North Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, and Virginia-Highland Church in Virginia Highlands. We look forward to presenting a certificate to Ahavath Achim Synagogue later in December.Each church participated in a surveyor audit that determined their sustainability points for the following areas:
- Worship
- Facilities
- Mission and outreach
- Education
Central Presbyterian Church will receive their certificate during Sunday worship on November 23. Some of the things Central has done and is doing to work toward sustainability and Creation-mindfulness are:- Preaching creation care-focused sermons- Mindfully "greening' their annual block party- Encouraging twice a year alternative transportation Sundays, encouraging congregants to walk, bike, or use public transit- Replacing windows in one of their main buildings (resulting in a huge energy savings)- Helping to start and host Earth Covenant Ministry (2005-2011)—now a part of GIPL- Serving as host of GIPL's Interfaith Prayer Breakfast this fall- Participating in advocacy efforts and letter-writing campaigns- Incorporating environmental stewardship lessons into the confirmation process for the church youthNorth Decatur Presbyterian Church was awarded their certificate during Sunday worship, November 9. Their sustainability practices and initiatives include:- A full Waste Wise audit, will result in an expanded recycling program (also used by the private school that shares their facilities)- Serving as pickup site for the Rise and Shine Organic Farms CSA- Implementing a sustainability policy written by their Care for Creation committee and adopted by their session- Committing to serve fair trade coffee at church gatherings- Using recycled content paper products for educational and office purpose- Extensive energy efficient upgrades to their facilityVirginia-Highland Church will receive their certificate during Sunday worship on November 23. Highlights from their audit included:- Participation in an energy audit and implemented several effective energy conservation measures- Use of sustainably grown & harvested fresh plants and flowers in their sanctuary- Incorporated drought-resistant and native plants into the church landscape to save water- Selling CFL bulbs, and encouraging the congregation to use them in their homes- Celebration of alternative transportation days, promoting biking, walking, or using public transportation to get to church- Hosting GIPL classes on issues of sustainabilityOur hope is that the Creation Wise certification helps congregations celebrate the work they‘ve done, educate the wider congregation and give them new ideas about future sustainable endeavors for their own congregation. Be inspired by these congregations! Sign up today!And don't forget: As a special incentive to participate in our green certification program, congregations that sign up for the Creation Wise program by December 31, 2014 will be entered into a drawing for a cash prize of $2,500. This prize money will be used to help the congregation further their creation care efforts.