One year ago, our diocese passed a resolution encouraging us to plant trees in celebration of special occasions, as part of the Communion Forest initiative of the World Anglican Communion. Deacon Mary Sebold, at St. Dunstan’s, Bethesda, named this effort “Saplings for Sacraments,” an idea she’s presented to worldwide audiences several times over the past year.
Our diocese runs the gamut from parishes that may find it difficult to plant a tree on their grounds to those that host flourishing forests—but wherever our home parishes reside, we can all get involved in caring for our local environment, leaving a legacy for those who follow us. Caring for trees and local green spaces gives us mental, spiritual and physical benefits of cleaner air, cooler temperatures in summer, and the joyful presence of God’s beloved creatures. Find native tree planting resources and more at our Creation Care page of the diocesan website.
At the Episcopal Youth Conference last summer held in College Park, Maryland, our Diocesan Creation Care Committee promoted increased parish engagement in Creation Care projects throughout the U.S., including tree planting and prayers for Creation. A few weeks later, our members heard from Creation Care leaders from across The Episcopal Church at the “It’s All About Love: Festival for the Jesus Movement” in Baltimore in July.
Creation Care, of course, is not simply about planting trees.
The ravages of climate change are inextricably linked to racial and societal inequities. When we work to combat climate change, we are striving for justice. The Episcopal Church passed a resolution that all parishes should be carbon neutral by 2030. Is your parish on track?
One big step toward going carbon neutral is to begin using solar power. Early adopters of rooftop solar in DC were St. Alban’s, St. Columba’s, St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, and Christ Church Washington Parish. Joining them in Montgomery County in 2023 were St. Mark’s Fairland, St. Nicholas Darnestown, and St. Peter’s Poolesville; and moving forward in the process now are St. James’ Potomac, St. John’s Olney, and Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda. Other congregations have signed up with community solar providers such as Neighborhood Sun or with renewable energy providers for their electricity, and many more have reduced their consumption and saved money with energy-efficient lighting and equipment.
Prayerful thanks to all who have made Creation Care a priority in their planning.
What radical actions can each of us take to show our love for every created being in the coming year?
The Rev. Melissa J. Sites
Deacon, St. Christopher’s New Carrollton
Creation Care Committee Co Chair
