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TRYON—The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon, gathered Sunday, June 23, for a photo to celebrate its recent designation from the United Church of Christ as a Creation Justice Church. 

The United Church of Christ requires churches to create a leadership group or green team to become designated churches for creation justice. Additionally, reflecting on where the church has been, discerning where it can go, and drafting a Creation Justice Covenant is necessary.

The church must then vote to adopt the Creation Justice Covenant and submit an application.

The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon, has been working to increase awareness of sustainable landscaping practices and investment in green energy. Some of the projects implemented over the years range from adding solar panels to the church to sponsoring educational Movie Nights at the Tryon Theatre.  

“Caring for the earth is part of God’s covenant with every community. It is our responsibility and our privilege to learn from and seek justice for all God’s creation,” says team leader Andrea Walter.

The church is creating native gardens, encouraging visitors and neighbors to enjoy the wildlife and variety of the Melrose Avenue gardens.

It has also worked with organizations like Conserving Carolina and Gardening for Life to promote native woodlands and eradicate kudzu from their campus. The church has a strong Creation Care Team that is always seeking ways to better care for our earth, spread the word, and educate the community. 

Another way the church continues to live out its passion and care for the Earth is by sponsoring a 2024 Climate Hope Fellow. Caelan Gaul has been working with the church this summer to build a woodland trail, analyze the church’s HVAC and boiler heating systems, educate the congregation on climate issues, and coordinate a local Climate Hope Voter Pledge drive. If interested in signing up for the Voter Pledge, contact Caelan at caelan@ucctryon.org. 

For more information about how to work together as a community to bring about creation justice, contact the church office at 828-894-9414 or email church@ucctryon.org. 

 

Submitted by Lisa Owens