Creation Justice Ministry
At the Church of the Good Shepherd, we are on a path to build a bold and faith-filled response to one of the greatest moral challenges of our times—the global climate emergency. Our mission is to advance the efforts of Good Shepherd collectively, and our members personally, to face climate change through faith, action, and advocacy.
We transitioned our team name from the “Creation Care” to “Creation Justice” Ministry to acknowledge the reality that climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable amongst us, including both human and (more-than-human) ecological communities.
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We are called to protect the integrity of creation in many ways. Our recent highlights include:
Renewable Energy: Installed fully functioning solar roof panels, decreasing electric bills and greenhouse gases.
Green Building: Improved church efficiency through upgraded lighting and insulation; implemented a plastic-free kitchen that is a model for the community.
Community Education: Hosted a Lenten book study on Refugia Faith and partnered with St. Anne’s, Lincoln, in the series, Love God, Love God’s World.
Local Advocacy: Continue to participate in the Acton Climate Coalition and Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light.
Public Witness: Continue to stand out at local and regional actions, e.g. the Stop Private Jet Expansion, Sun Day, State House lobbying, and events like the annual Acton “Celebration of Plant-Based Foods.”
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Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there is a place for you in this ministry.
Following an Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, we cherish God’s earth through four pillars: Pray, Learn, Act, and Advocate.
1. Pray
Join us for our August Outdoor Liturgy. Participate in the Season of Creation, Earth Day, and other worship opportunities, such as our nature prayer walks. Integrate the Sixth Baptismal Covenant—to protect and restore the beauty of all creation—into personal prayer and family life.
2. Learn
Join one of the occasional book discussion groups. Design a creation-themed bulletin board. Help us find and share practical resources on decarbonization, nature-based solutions, and resilience for your own home. Help plan a developmentally appropriate activity for kids or teens.
3. Act
Co-host a vegetarian coffee hour. Join the team evaluating our building’s carbon footprint. Help us find creative ways to celebrate God’s nature on our church property. Make a plan for individual "Acts of Creation," such as transitioning to heat pumps, native gardening, or plant-based meals. If you have embarked on a decarbonization effort at your home (either tech or nature-based), consider sharing your experience with fellow parishioners.
4. Advocate
Join us at Town Meetings or state-level "standouts" to support climate justice legislation. Sign-up for our “Government Contact Group,” to make occasional phone calls or emails to our state and federal legislators. We believe these are essential components of faithful discipleship
