Care for Creation
St Aidan’s is committed to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices that enhance and protect our ecosystem.
As part of this effort, we have established a Creation Trail that is our way of noticing and giving thanks for the wonderful gifts God has given us on our green and growing campus.
We call it a Creation Trail to honor God, our ultimate Creator and to highlight the relationship of the natural world, including humans, to the Creator. We have seven stops along our trail and these include:
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Visit our website on Plants Map where you can learn about the many gifts of God’s goodness that you can discover on our grounds. As you explore the website, in the Plants section, you will find pictures and descriptions of the many flowers, plants, and trees located on our beautiful property. Take time to learn about each one and see if you can locate them on our grounds.
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In Collections, we identify birds, insects, and animals that you may spot as you follow the stops on our creation trail. The Collections also include a picture and description of the different stopping points you may visit.
The Episcopal Church has identified creation care as a priority ministry for congregations and individuals. Click HERE for more information about Creation Care and the Episcopal Church.
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In the words of one diocese, caring for creation means “striving for justice and peace among all people by living in mindful, ethical, and humane relationship with the earth, its resources, and the life it supports, and by seeking to restore a healthy environment in the face of problems such as pollution and climate change that diminish the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of people.”
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The Church’s commitment to creation care is articulated in a three-part covenant which includes:
1. LOVING FORMATION
For God’s sake, we will grow our love for the Earth and all of life through preaching, teaching, storytelling, and prayer.
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2. LIBERATING ADVOCACY
For God’s sake, standing alongside marginalized, vulnerable peoples, we will advocate and act to repair Creation and seek the liberation and flourishing of all people.
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3. LIFE-GIVING CONSERVATION
For God’s sake, we will adopt practical ways of reducing our climate impact and living more humbly and gently on Earth as individuals, households, congregations, institutions, and dioceses.
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