Conference Board of Church and Society

The Arkansas Conference Creation Care Team is hosting a 4-week study on Zoom. Lay Servant Ministry credit will be available for those interested. The purpose of the class is to help you explore creation care and take next steps toward affirming your sacred calling to be responsible stewards of all that God has created. Maybe you are just beginning to explore how you, as a United Methodist, can engage more deeply in caring for our planet and helping people. Maybe you are seeking ways to implement “greener” practices like energy audits or land use audits that reduce costs while also caring for the planet, or you already have begun with a green team at your church; this class seeks to help you continue and build upon those foundations.  

Wherever you are in this calling, as you practice living in the right relationship with the Creator, creation, and all of God’s people, we hope you will join this study. 

Session 1: October 8, 2026, 6 pm – 8 pm 
Theology of Creation Care: Understanding Biblical and Indigenous theologies, examining UMC Social Principles, especially the section on Community of Creation, and reviewing the Creation Care and Justice Legislation passed by the General Conference in 2024.  You will emphasize your United Methodist commitment to creation and the care of our common home.

Session 2: October 22, 2026,  6 pm – 8 pm
Climate Justice and Climate Care:  All creation is God’s, and you are responsible for the ways in which you steward God’s gifts.  You meet these duties through acts of loving care and respect.  This session will focus on protecting God’s creation and those who are disproportionately affected by global climate change, and share resources from the United Women in Faith and other UM Agencies.

Session 3: January 14, 2027, 6 pm – 8 pm
How to create a (or grow an existing) Green Team at your church.  There will also be an introduction to the Land Use Audit for local congregations, and resources for Energy Audits that help support clean energy.

Session 4: January 28, 2027, 6pm – 8 pm
Next Steps for your congregation:  What are you doing now?  What do you hope to do?  Sharing resources to help you accomplish those next steps.

Recommended Book: Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action, Edited by Pat Watkins (available on Kindle and Paperback) (Please read chapters 1 and 2 before October 8.)

Instructors: Johnna Kosnoff, Dan Read. Brenda Gullett, Dan Hiatt, Kelly Giese, Wayne Clark, and other voices. 

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Giese at kellygiese29@gmail.com.