Each year since 2004 the Northwest Unity regional conference has opened with a “Gathering of the Waters Ceremony” to inspire a “green” consciousness. In 2008 the conference body unanimously adopted a “Declaration for EarthCare.” In part, the declaration reads:
“There is a standard for the practice of being human. We are called to be stewards of Earth. ...We declare our covenant with God to walk upon Earth for the greatest good of all creation.”
Resources to help your ministry
For Unity ministries interested in “going green,” the Northwest team encourages following its “Path to EarthCare” model. They recommend starting with prayer and special services to inspire a “creation-care consciousness.” Then church leadership and congregants can work together to vision appropriate “green” actions.
Unity Church of Portland has self-published a booklet called, “A Moving Guide to EarthCare.” This guide along with a brochure that describes the Path to Earthcare model, may be downloaded along with other tips at the Northwest Region's Web site.
Other tips for “going green” in Unity
- Put up a “green board” in your center and update it weekly with tips, information about “green” events in your community, and how-to pamphlets from national organizations.
- Conduct energy audits with your local power providers who may be able to suggest ways to make your center more energy efficient.
- Set up compost bins near your center's kitchen.
- Place recycling bins throughout your center.
- Use native plants in landscaping and mulch to reduce water usage.
- Have film “showings” at your center, and feature films such as An Inconvenient Truth or Kilowatt Ours.
- Switch to fluorescent and LED lighting throughout your facility. Place your lights on motion sensors where feasible.
- Adopt a small public park to care for and honor.
- Give congregants saplings to plant at home or at your center.
- Encourage a “green” Christmas with live trees, recycled paper and gifts of classes rather than material goods.
This information was adapted from two articles in the December 2008/January 2009 issue of Contact magazine.
Unity recently developed a green-friendly booklet, which features prayers and affirmations to honor the relationship between all living beings and our amazing planet. Inspiring quotes, earth-friendly tips and stunning photography capture the beauty and wonder of our world. Download booklet.
