Creation Care
“Our care for creation touches our habits, our attention, our consumption, our worship, our sense of justice, and our hope for the renewal of all things”
At Farnham Vineyard, we believe that caring for God’s creation should be an integral part of our discipleship and worship.
From the opening pages of the Bible, humanity is called to tend and protect the earth (Genesis 2:15), and this is intrinsically linked to our demonstration of love for God and each other (Matthew 22:37-40).
If we love God with everything we have, this will include respecting and delighting in all that he has created.
If we love our neighbours as ourselves, this will include doing our part to reduce climate change and environmental degradation. These are having a negative impact on people in every part of the world, especially those who are living in poverty and vulnerable situations.
Our care for creation touches our habits, our attention, our consumption, our worship, our sense of justice, and our hope for the renewal of all things.
Creation is also something to delight in. Throughout Scripture, the natural world is presented as full of beauty, wonder, and the presence of God. Time in nature helps us to slow down, breathe deeply and encounter God afresh.
Eco-Church
Farnham Vineyard is part of the Arocha UK Eco-Church initiative which aims to help churches of all denominations care for creation as an integral part of loving our neighbours and following God faithfully in all aspects of church life.
We are currently a Bronze Eco-Church, and are working towards Silver.
For more information and to get involved, please email jude@farnhamvineyard.org.uk
Resources
Talks and videos
St Matthias, Brighton
Creation Care as essential discipleship
Creation Care as spiritual formation: Delight, belonging, and listening
Two talks from St Matthias, Brighton discussing what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in relation to the created world.
Katherine Hayhoe
Christianity and climate change
A series of nine short films featuring Katharine Hayhoe, the internationally renowned Christian climate scientist. She responds to questions from key church leaders and members. The series is ideal for using in small groups and is accompanied by a leader’s guide with discussion questions.
Lifestyle tips
Caring for Creation: Practical Action for Ordinary Christians
A practical guide exploring realistic and thoughtful ways Christians can care for creation in everyday life. Includes sections on:
money and banking
food and waste
travel
clothing and consumption
work and influence
reconnecting with creation
engaging society