We celebrate that St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has been recognized as a Community Leader for leading by example in sustainability. 

The City of Cedar Rapids’ Community Climate Action Plan, which is the fulfillment of the City Council’s Climate Resolution, includes a Sustainable Business Program to be developed over the next few years. Our church has been placed on a list of businesses and organizations created to highlight existing efforts in Cedar Rapids. We have been recognized on the basis of energy saving measures that were taken in our renovation; for having a dedicated “green team”--the Be Healthy. Be Green. Committee (BHBG); for the educational workshops, films, and displays facilitated by BHBG; and for our recycling and composting collection.

As it has become more and more urgent to respond to the climate crisis, it is right for faithful people to be at the forefront of the action. Matters of creation care, sustainability, and environmental justice are very Methodist: 

• Our scriptures and hymns are rich in language of the glory of creation.

• Our movement’s founder, John Wesley, preached, “that we should use and look upon nothing as separate from God.” (Sermon 23, “Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, III” I.11, 1748)

• The United Methodist Social Principles states: “All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. [...] let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God’s creation.” (Social Principles “The Natural World”, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016)

• The United Methodist Women, ever conscious of justice issues, have kept environmental justice at the forefront of their programing. 

As we think of the future of St. Paul’s, we must consider that studies show that young people are concerned about climate change. We worry about our membership, they worry about their future on Earth. We should make the priorities of the young our priorities as well, in order to minister to their needs and concerns, and to show that we really care by our actions.

It’s good news that we have already started! We must continue to strengthen our work in recycling and composting to make sure we are compliant with city collection practices. What else can we do? I urge all members, staff, committees, and trustees to take this on in their actions and decision making on all levels. Make it part of your mindset to ask the question: How can we make ____ more sustainable? Actions might range from serving foods with smaller carbon footprints at meals, to planning low-waste upcycled crafts for children’s activities. Or, choosing not to buy something new and, instead, thinking radically about using what we already have at the church or in our own homes. If you don’t know where to begin, BHBG Committee would love to help you brainstorm or point you toward some resources. Please feel free to use BHBG as a resource, and we’d love to hear about and celebrate your great ideas and actions, too.

Stephanie Heifner is a lay member serving as co-chair on Be Healthy. Be Green. Committee and as Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the St. Paul’s Unit of United Methodist Women. She also created the Facebook group Zero Waste Cedar Rapids. She can be reached by email at stephanie.heifner@gmail.com.