Bishop Tracie Bartholomew is challenging every congregation in the ELCA NJ Synod to take up the stewardship practice of caring for God’s good creation. The Bishop’s Challenge was introduced at the annual Synod Assembly in May, where delegates enjoyed a skit and received materials from the Bishop’s Challenge planning committee. Every congregation received a tree seedling to take home and plant in their community. Many thanks to Our Savior member Deb MacBride who is ably representing our congregation on the statewide planning committee.
In the recent past Our Savior’s Justice and Peace Committee has zeroed in on stepping up recycling and reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles throughout our building. How else might we take up the Bishop’s Challenge and focus on sustainable practices in our congregation? Some suggestions from the Synod include starting a Green Team, committing to meatless Mondays, or hosting a creation-based Bible Study.
Have some ideas? The Justice and Peace Committee would love to hear your suggestions. Please contact Pauline (pworusski@gmail.com), Deb (demacbride@verizon.net), or Lynn Block (blockstar59@hotmail.com) with your thoughts.
What is the challenge? Engage in at least one new activity that Cares for God’s Good Creation this year! And share your experience with us. Then we’ll celebrate you at next year’s Synod Assembly.
When: May 2024-June 2025 Synod Assembly
Who: All congregations of the NJ Synod
What more information? Learn more by visiting www.leamnj.org/bishops-challenge or www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge and join the challenge. Justice & Peace Committee
