In many
ways the creation story of Genesis 2 explains humans' relationship
to
the
earth.
The adamah,
earth in Hebrew, exists prior to the human, adam.
Humans are literally earthlings - creatures of the earth. God
forms humans
from the
earth and then invites humans to till the soil and to help the
earth bring forth further fruits.
What does this mean for us today? Today we live
under the same charge from God and within the same relationship
with the Earth. We are invitied to make use of the earth, but not
given permission to exploit it. We are asked to steward the Earth,
not abuse it. We have been asked to draw forth further fruits,
just as we ourselves are fruits of the Earth and of God's divine
hand. Today, our earth is far from the perfect stuff that God stirred
up and made man, but that should be our goal! We want to have earth
that nurtures our children rather than poisons them. We want to
have earth that is as life-giving as that from which Adam came.
This requires personal and intentional action from each of us and
from our houses of worship to right the relationship we have with
the Earth and with God.
Spring Quarterly Challenge- Cleaning for Creation and the Whole Body of Christ
Lent is a season to cleanse our lives from things that take our focus off our Creator. This season, why not consider ridding your life of toxic chemicals found in cleaning products by hosting a green cleaning fellowship activity in your church? Take the challenge and download a how-to guide here.
Traditional cleaning products can harm Creation and human health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children. Chemicals in the waterways and the air can harm aquatic species, plants, and animals. Cleaning sprays used indoors can also harm our pets and our bodies. Cleaning products can damage the health of communities of color and low income communities whom are more likely to live closer to the sites where the toxic chemicals in these cleaners are produced. Health damage from cleaning products include skin, eye, and respiratory irritations, asthma, dizziness, reproductive challenges, and even cancer.
Click here to host a green cleaning fellowship in your congregation.
You're Invited!
Challenge
yourself, your family, or your congregation to affirm your relationship
with God and to Creation, acknowledge its brokenness, and DO
SOMETHING - actually some very specific things - to mend the
Creation. This is an opportunity to partner with the planet and
walk in solidarity for the good of all creation. We will send
you quarterly action opportunities for you and your church community
to take to make a difference for the earth. Congregations that
take action will be elgible for prizes.
Sign up below to receive future Adamah challenges.
One resource for congregations is the Eco-Justice Covenant - a statement of faith and of ecological
principles that can be adopted by church leadership. Sometimes,
introducing the Covenant through official channels is a good
precursor to making changes like those suggested in Adamah challenges.
Contact us for support, resources, or
friendly suggestions along the way of starting an environmental
ministry in your congregation. Email Jordan Blevins or call him at 202-481-6943.
Lent is a season to cleanse our lives from things that take our focus off our Creator. This season, why not consider ridding your life of toxic chemicals found in cleaning products by hosting a green cleaning fellowship activity in your church? Take the challenge and download a how-to guide 
Challenge
yourself, your family, or your congregation to affirm your relationship
with God and to Creation, acknowledge its brokenness, and DO
SOMETHING - actually some very specific things - to mend the
Creation. This is an opportunity to partner with the planet and
walk in solidarity for the good of all creation. We will send
you quarterly action opportunities for you and your church community
to take to make a difference for the earth. Congregations that
take action will be elgible for prizes.