LAMPa encourages congregations, conferences, synods, or other gatherings to host an Earth Day Vigil, acknowledging the ways in which we humans have failed to care for God’s good creation, and to place our hope in the Good Shepherd who redeems and restores all in love.
This Vigil Liturgy can be used as a standalone vigil, or pieces incorporated into a Sunday or other regular worship.
LAMPa has also put together a sample press release you can adapt to your context and share with local media to invite others and raise awareness of the Church’s witness to caring for God’s creation.
We’ll also create a bulletin insert with QR code access to action alerts at both the state and national levels to encourage congregations to engage in advocacy as a response to their prayer together. Check back here or email us after April 1st for the most up-to-date action items.
Want to connect with synod and congregational creation care teams statewide for sharing mutual support, information and inspiration? Join the launch of LAMPa’s statewide Creation Care Network in a virtual gathering April 10 at noon.
See below for a list of other resources to shape this day of care for creation to best fit your context, allowing your community to speak and learn what they need to be faithful stewards, advocates, and disciples. You could hold an education or faith formation hour in addition to worship or offer these resources for further study and reflection.
LAMPa staff is glad to walk with you as you plan a meaningful and powerful time of gathering together in hope of the promise of God’s reconciliation of all things.
For ELCA Social Teaching on our call to care for creation see:
Social Statement on Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice (1993)
Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis (2023)
Study Guide for the Social Message: Our Kairos Moment: A Study Guide on Earth’s Climate Crisis (2024)
Other Resources from our partners in caring for God’s Creation
