Global Ministries EarthKeepers:

A Free Training Opportunity to Enhance Creation Care in Your Camp and Retreat Ministry

By Rev. Jenny Phillips, Global Ministries Creation Care Program Manager

Atlanta, GA ● May 17-20, 2018

Detroit, MI ● Sept 27-30, 2018

Salt Lake City, UT ● Nov 1-4, 2018

I first felt my call to ministry at Camp Indianola on the shores of Puget Sound near Seattle, WA. My experiences as a camper, camp leader, camp administrator, and camp fundraiser taught me the deep connections between care for creation, stewardship of resources, and discipleship. Now I’m part of the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program, where I’m working to build those connections for people throughout the church. EarthKeepers is a terrific opportunity for both new and seasoned volunteers and professionals to focus on environmental stewardship in their camp and retreat settings.

EarthKeepers equips United Methodist laity and clergy to develop or deepen environmental initiatives in their churches and communities, and it connects them with a broader community of United Methodists who are active in creation care. Training topics will include eco-theology, intersectionality, strategies for social change, and United Methodist resources. Participants will leave the training with a plan to develop a project that addresses a need in their ministry setting or community. Projects of current EarthKeepers include solar campaigns, community gardens, curriculum and program development, and building efficiency projects.

The Atlanta training will include a component on green buildings. We will meet with Shane Totten, Director of Research + Innovation at Southface, a non-profit organization that promotes green building. Shane has experience working with camp and retreat leaders and has practical know-how for saving money and improving energy and water efficiency at camp and retreat sites.

The Detroit training will include a component on sustainable community development. We will meet with leaders at Cass Community Social Services, an agency that provides food, housing, health services and job programs in green industries. Cass is a great organization to learn from if you’re looking for ways to meaningfully expand your ministry with limited resources.

The Salt Lake City training will include a component on climate change as it relates to disaster mitigation, relief and recovery. We will meet with Brian Diggs, Associate Director of the UMCOR West Depot, and will visit and volunteer at the Depot. Many of our camp and retreat centers are experiencing the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe weather events. At this training, you’ll develop skills for talking about the connections between climate, weather and disaster.

Lodging, meals and training are paid for by Global Ministries; participants are responsible for their travel to/from the training. Application due for the Atlanta training by April 26, for the Detroit training by Sept 6, and for the Salt Lake City training by October 11. Apply today!

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