Martin Luther, “God is wholly present in all creation, in every corner, behind you and before you.” (LW 51:43) ​

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The Green Team’s purpose is to “raise awareness of and advocate for the care of creation”. Our mission is to support and encourage creation care ministries, raise awareness, model creation care advocacy consistent with ELCA teachings in our faith communities and public life. We are encouraged by the LAMPa and ELCA priorities which support this ministry effort in PA and nationally.  

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod authorized the formation of a group of volunteers to focus efforts on what it means to be good stewards of God's Creation.  This group is known as the NWPA Synod Green Team.

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BEING GOOD STEWARDS OF CREATION

Helping to be good stewards of creation might just provide a bountiful yield for your home gardening.  We have had some Green Team inquiries about composting so we are sharing some helpful information here about an upcoming April webinar:

Home composting can turn your garden trash into garden cash (black gold). Home Composting- Natures Recycler will provide an overview of the benefits and the simple steps of home composting. Attendees will learn the amazing natural processes that will turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that can be used to improve your ornamental and vegetable garden. Best practices for home composting will be presented.
https://extension.psu.edu/home-composting-natures-recycler
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September 12 is “God’s Work, Our Hands” Day across the ELCA. Our Northwest PA Synod Green Team encourages congregations to plan a park cleanup as a stewardship of creation service event for the day or sometime during the Season of Creation, September 1-Oct. 4th.
The two opportunities already being planned are
​one in eastern Erie County at Shade's Beach, North East, PA
and one at Presque Isle State Park. All are welcome!
If you can't join us - you’re encouraged to schedule a creation care event that works for your congregation. Contact us for suggestions.
 
*If you are willing to help with the Eastern Erie County event: (See updated date/location below)
please contact Pastor Matt Dennison at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in North East
(814-725-1840), or just show up Saturday, Sept. 18, at 8:30 am at Shade's Beach in Harborcreek.  Prayer and doughnuts and coffee will start the day, before clean-up begins. 
*The Presque Isle event begins at 1 pm at the Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion, opposite Waterworks beach near the playground – watch for our signs!!
We will begin with prayer and a short presentation from Jen Salem - Tom Ridge Env. Center and Horticulture Specialist for the Regional Science Consortium to share what to look for, concerns for flora & fauna in our changing climate, followed by clean up and “Weed Warrior” opportunities for volunteers. The Green Team and TREC will provide supplies and snacks. Wear your work shoes & sunscreen & bring your water bottle or a non-alcoholic beverage.
For more information on this event, please contact Green Team member Lori Nemenz:
814-833-1426 or via email at lnemenz@aol.com or just join us on Sunday, Sept. 12th!!
Mark your calendars for a time of fellowship and stewardship of God’s creation as we try to do God's Work, with Our Hands!
For more information about planning your own Green GWOH's event, or other Green Team events, Holy Hikes, speakers or interest in becoming more involved, please send a note to
Green Team email: nwpasynodgreenteam@gmail.com
 
Please contact your Synod Green Team member, Lori Nemenz, for more info at 814-833-1426 or nwpasynodgreenteam@gmail.com

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Eco Friendly Products 

MIF Green link is not working correctly in article below, please click here for functioning link.

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We are all concerned about water and air quality as well as how we can reuse, reduce, and recycle. Green Team members work with staff members from LAMPa, (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, the state public policy office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) who serves the congregations, synods, and Lutheran institutions in Pennsylvania, providing resources, training, and information in the work of being a public church. We also work with Lutherans Restoring Creation, a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. These advocacy groups are active on social media and we encourage others to become aware of and involved in the ministry of these two groups.  Our volunteers on the Green Team have diverse gifts - some are speakers, some offer outings, some are writers, others are great at networking and developing educational programs and materials - but all are passionate about caring for what God has entrusted to us and we want to work with you.

To learn more about the Northwest PA Synod’s Green Team, look for our articles in the Synod newsletter, on the Synod website and Facebook page and watch for our display table at upcoming events. 

If you would like to be on our email list or would like more information about the NWPA Synod’s Green Team, contact our facilitator Dennis Groce (d_mgroce@labs.net) with your name and email address. 

GREEN TEAM NEWS