Green Chalice joins campaign for climate-focused sermons

Green Chalice, a partnership ministry of Disciples Home Missions and the Kentucky region, has joined the Justice for Each Generation campaign, which invites leaders to pledge to deliver a sermon about climate change.

This campaign, according to its website, was inspired by a group of 21 youth who filed a lawsuit against the United States federal government “for its role in causing climate change and violating their rights to life, liberty, and property, while also failing to protect essential public resources.”

Each Generation is encouraging pledges of more than 1,000 sermons in solidarity with these youth leaders. Participants of all ages and faith communities are invited.

“The Each Generation Campaign allows for congregations and clergy to combine local experiences of worship and preaching with the care for creation, neighbors, and children,” says Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri, Associate Minister for Green Chalice. “These local acts combined will make a loud statement in support for our young people, God’s creation and all people.”

The campaign provides a variety of sermon prompts and resources to use, such as profiles of the youth bringing the court case and a liturgy for a climate-focused worship service.

Green Chalice’s support of the Each Generation campaign isn’t the only recent call for Disciples to reflect on how we interact with and impact our environment.

The 2017 General Assembly in Indianapolis passed GA-1724, a resolution that called on Disciples congregations, organizations, and individuals to address climate change in a variety of ways:

• “Worship God with all creation and pray for the healing of the earth;
• Study the climate crisis and engage others in climate solutions;
• Repent and ask forgiveness for the harm we have inflicted on the earth that sustains life;
• Advocate for ecojustice public policies and witness by living sustainable lifestyles; and
• Rest in God’s good creation and invite others to delight in nature;”
• support legislation that “protects supports, and empowers” communities impacted by climate change;
• “strive to faithfully care for all of God’s creation by becoming climate-literate”;
• stand with ecumenical partners in these efforts
• “work to reduce our carbon output with our goal to become carbon neutral by the year 2030 and climate positive by 2035”;
• “stand together in Christ’s name studying, planning, and acting to accomplish these goals, with faith that we will overcome”

“At our best the church practices faith with future generations in mind and at heart,” says Hardin-Nieri. “The church is unique in that there are not many organizations dreaming and working for a more beautiful earth emerging within the next 100 years. This manifestation of the Body of Christ seeks healing for the Body of creation and the bodies of those most vulnerable during ecological challenges.

To learn more about Green Chalice’s ecumenical programs, or to become a Green Chalice congregation, visit their website.