A custom in our church is to have wonderful images of the natural world behind text on the big screen in front of the congregation. Do we sometimes take these images for granted? De we pause to consider how much the Creator loves the plants, animals, and even the geology showcased these images?

In recent sermons from the Book of Genesis, we’re learned about God’s intense relationship not just with humans, but with all aspects of His creation.

There’s a new local ministry on the Local Missions side of the back wall in our sanctuary. It’s called "Creation Care,” and it is giving participants a way to put “boots on the ground” in this particular area of service. During the past year this team has reached out into the community to help:

• small nursing care providers whose landscaping was out of control
• a respected environmental group trying to restore a major waterway taken over by a deadly invasive species called arundo weed
• they have studied ways to be better stewards of water on home properties
• and they helped the church grounds committee plant the new cactus garden outside our sanctuary windows.

During the upcoming season they are looking into…

• additional assistance for small-time nursing home caregivers
• more work in important out-of-control drainages and waterways
• and really interesting short-term projects farther afield

At the moment the team has 9 members, and there’s room for more. They get together once or twice a month to go out to agreed-upon worksites. Plus…. members are also eligible for a really cool neon safety-colored green T-shirt! For more information contact Dave DeGroot, our team leader.