Green Vineyard : Environmental Stewardship
"Creation Care" is a faith-based approach to the environment. The first humans were charged with the responsibility of cultivating and protecting the garden, which makes every last one of us environmentalists. Jesus is about reconciling and redeeming our relationship to God, to one another, and to this wonderful planet which is a sacred gift. That's the heart and soul of Creation Care.
Are you intersted in exploring environmental stewardship as it relates to your faith? Check out Green Vineyard! Green Vineyard is a small group that is open to anyone. They discuss topics related to faith and environment, and organize efforts within the church to care for God's creation. Watch this video interview with founder Phil Brabbs.
Day/Time: 2nd & 4th Sundays, 1pm - 2:30pm (lunch included)
Address: 621 W Hoover, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Leader(s): Phil & Cassie Brabbs
Contact 704/609-3490 web | email | Map
Video: Ken Wilson
Environmental Stewardship Statement: Our Church-Wide Commitment To Creation Care
In keeping with our vision statement to bear the transforming presence of Jesus into the heart of the Ann Arbor area we will grow in our stewardship of the environment, guided by Jesus brand spirituality in our call to work together in community, and our commitment to works of justice and compassion. more...
Steps We've Taken in the Local Church
1. performed a church building energy audit
2. promoted eBulletins
3. encouraged people to bring their own coffee mugs; sold reusable coffee cups
4. switched to biodegradable eco-cups, made from corn products
5. re-insulated the church roof
6. switched to energy efficient fluorescent building lighting
7. recycle cardboard containers
8. switched to LCD monitors
9. reduced parking lot lighting hours
10. reduced building interior lighting during week
11. eBay ministry--reducing consumption and trash
12. installed a dishwasher so we could use plates & silverware instead of disposable products
13. service projects at The Arb: removing invasive plants
Lifestyle Changes We've Encouraged
1. encouraged people to buy and use CFLs in their homes
2. sold reusable tote bags
A Faith-Based Approach To Climate Change
Those who listen to NPR tend to agree with the scientific consensus about climate change; those who listen to AM political talk radio tend to think climate change is much ado about nothin'. What do those who listen for the voice of Jesus have to say in times like these? more...
Our senior pastor, Ken Wilson, is a signatory to the Evangelical Climate Initiative.
Sermons on Creation Care
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Creation Care (#1): Our Stewardship of Creation |
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Creation Care (#2): Understanding the Human Footprint on Planet Earth in Biblical Perspective |
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Creation Care (#3): Climate Change |
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Lets Tend The Garden: An Environmental Awakening
To read the notes from Ken's seminar at the conference in Boise in September 2007, click here
To view the letstendthegarden.org video click here
The Friendship Project
Ken Wilson and conservationist Carl Safina (President, Blue Ocean Institute) have recently teamed up to organize The Friendship Project: Building Bridges Between Science and Faith. The project's goal is to foster relationship and dialogue between scientists and evangelicals who share a common concern for the environment. more...
To read an article about The Friendship Project from the University of Akron News, click here.
Scientists & Evangelicals Unite to Protect Creation: Ken's Commentary
I was honored to attend the recent meetings between scientists and evangelical Christians to consider how we could work together to address the global environmental crisis. Fourteen top-flight scientists in the field of environmental science were present including E.O. Wilson (the most prominent biologist in the country) Jim Hansen (head of the NASA climate group) and Gus Speth (the first scientist to advise a U.S. president on climate change.) A diverse group of fourteen evangelical leaders invited by National Association of Evangelicals leader, Richard Cizik, were present, including academics, pastors and scientists. I was present to represent Vineyard at the request of Bert Waggoner, our national director. more...
An Urgent Call to Action: Scientists and Evangelicals Unite to Protect Creation: Statement with attached signatories, released January 17, 2007.
Evangelical, Scientific Leaders Launch Effort to Protect Earth: Press release, January 17, 2007.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: "Leading Evangelicals, Scientists Launch Environmental Collaboration," from January 17, 2007 Press Conference.
Video: Creation, I Care
Join Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed, as he leads “Creation, I Care.” This three-part video series is ideal for both individual or group study. (Used with permission)
Free Tote Bag Offer
If you live in the greater Ann Arbor area, and don't already attend Vineyard, we'd love to send you an informational brochure and a free "Green Vineyard" tote bag. Click here for more info.