As Christians we recognize our biblical responsibility to care for creation; we work together to encourage, educate, inspire members and neighbors to join in protecting and caring for God’s creation.
"The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it; for God has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers." -Psalm 24:1
Formed in 2017, the Creation Care Team seeks to discover and carry out ways for House of Prayer to actively carry out God’s call to care for creation. This involves many aspects of our lives on this planet, from climate, energy, environment, fossil fuels, food, natural gas, oil, population growth, soil, technology, transportation, toxics, waste, water, wood – all having consequences whether we act or do not act.
Team Activities So Far:
Exploring the six-video series “Earthbound” in Wednesday evening Bible study. This focused on dominion, stewardship, and taking care of our earthly home.
Setting up a display during coffee hour with info on non-toxic cleaning products, energy-saving tips, and ideas for a “greener” holiday season. Nathan Bauer won the drawing at that event for the birdhouse made and donated by Gil Frosig.
We showed & discussed Al Gore’s new film, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,”a dramatic view of what is happening around the world because of climate change.
Twin Cities meteorologist, Paul Douglas, spoke on “Climate Change: Natural Cycle or Troubling Trend” at House of Prayer to a sanctuary full of our members & the general public. He also brought copies of his book, “Caring for Creation: An Evangelical’s Guide to Climate Change and a Healthy Environment.”
In 2019, Rachel Lindholm from the city environmental department brought information about Richfield’s new composting program. House of Prayer is becoming more intentional about composting and is doing much to educate members on the advantages and uses of our ccontainers.
We celebrated Earth Day with an informational display and by giving away free white pine seedlings to members.
On Sundays in July 2019 we focused in worship and in displays on our stewardship of water. You can join in by adopting a storm drain in your neighborhood, keeping it clean from debris that will eventually enter your watershed. Just visit adopt-a-drain.org to sign up.
For Lent 2020 we encouraged members to follow the “Give Up Plastic for Lent” calendar, which lists an action-item for each day to help reduce the use of throw-away plastics and help care for our Earth.
In April 2022 we offered a weekly challenge on ways to Renew Creation during the Easter season.
In 2024, HOP applied for and received a $3000 grant from Hennepin County for new recycling / organics bins & bags. Our “Think Before You Throw” campaign focused on reducing trash, correctly sorting recyclables / organics, providing plastic bag recycling drop-off, eliminating Styrofoam use, and educating the HOP congregation and the church’s rental partners.
Current Creation Care Team members are Karen Steenson, Mary Markes, Christine Miller, Elayne Gilhausen, and Cara Wright. Let us know if you have questions, ideas, concerns, topics of special interest, or anything you’d like to discuss. We meet once every month or so. If you would like to join us, we are always seeking new members for our group!
Energy Saving Tips
Shut off your computer - 75% of all the electricity used in the house is standby power to keep electronics running. Shut down your computer when not in use and you can save about $70 a year.
Change your lightbulbs. - CFLs use 1/4 of the electricity and last years longer. LED bulbs are even more efficient.
Say NO to plastic bags - They are typically made of polyethylene and can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. Reduce plastic bag pollution by using a reusable cloth bag instead of wasting plastic ones.
Check the label - Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances and products.