creation care team

CARING FOR GOD'S CREATION THROUGH FAITH, EDUCATION AND ACTION

Creation is one of God’s greatest gifts, and caring for it is part of our calling as followers of Christ. The Creation Care Team at Williamsburg United Methodist Church works to cultivate awareness, inspire responsible stewardship, and create opportunities for our congregation to care for the world God has entrusted to us.

Through education, hands-on initiatives, and community engagement, we seek to help our church and our neighbors live out our faith in ways that honor and protect creation.

Happy Great Outdoors Month!

June is the perfect time to explore Virginia State Parks, which have helped ensure Virginia’s natural and cultural resources are protected for future generations to enjoy. Celebrate their 90th anniversary by visiting a State Park on June 13-14 during History and Culture Weekend.

Nearby, on June 13th, York River State Park will have a special tour and displays commemorating highlights of the past.

For more info, visit: Virginia State Parks - History and Culture Day

The Creation Care Team offers opportunities for education and engagement to promote responsible stewardship of God’s creation.

Our goal is to help our church community grow in awareness and action—both within our congregation and in our daily lives—so that together we can care for the earth in faithful and practical ways.

GUIDED BY FAITH

Our work is rooted in the teachings of our faith and the traditions of the United Methodist Church.

United Methodist Social Principles

“We affirm our sacred calling to be responsible stewards, and lovingly tend all that God has wrought.”
~ United Methodist Social Principles (2025–2028)

John Wesley

John Wesley also reminded us of the deep connection between faith and the natural world:

“The great lesson that our blessed Lord inculcates here…is that God is in all things, and that we are to see the Creator in the glass of every creature.”
~ John Wesley

For us, creation care is not simply environmental work—it is an expression of our faith and a way we participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.

PUTTING FAITH INTO PRACTICE

The Creation Care Team focuses primarily on education and awareness, while also organizing hands-on activities that help our church live more sustainably.

Some of our current and upcoming initiatives include:

Church Sustainability

Launching a composting program to recycle cups and lids used on Sunday mornings
Encouraging sustainable practices in church events and gatherings

Education & Awareness

Sharing practical tips for sustainable living
Providing native seeds and information about planting native species
Hosting workshops and educational opportunities

Community Engagement

Supporting Messy Church activities focused on creation care
Organizing church-wide hikes and outdoor experiences
Hosting native gardening workshops

Our hope is that these efforts will help both our congregation and the broader community take meaningful steps toward caring for creation.

A Green Church Initiative Partner

The Green Church Initiative (GCI) is a covenant program for congregations in the Virginia Conference that helps churches live out the biblical call to care for creation. The idea is that caring for the earth isn’t a separate ministry — it should be woven into the whole life of the church. Williamsburg United Methodist Church is proud to participate in this covenant program focusing on five key areas:

Worship

Creation care becomes part of how we worship God. We celebrate God as Creator and make space in worship for gratitude, prayer, and reflection on the beauty and goodness of the world God has made.

Discipleship

Learning about creation care helps deepen faith. We offer opportunities to grow in understanding how caring for the earth connects to following Jesus—and how everyday choices can reflect love of God and neighbor.

Stewardship

We seek to use resources responsibly as a church. That includes reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing practices that help protect God’s creation for future generations.

Evangelism

Caring for creation can be a witness to the wider community. When we live with integrity and hope—caring for the world God loves—we show God’s love in tangible ways.

Mission

Creation care is connected to the church’s mission to serve the world. We support efforts that restore and protect creation and respond to environmental harm that impacts communities locally and globally.

Learn About the Green Church Initiative

Get Involved

We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more or helping with this ministry.

Meeting Time:
3rd Sunday of the month
12:15 PM

Whether you are passionate about sustainability, gardening, education, or simply learning more, there is a place for you on the team!

Interested in joining?
Join us at our next meeting or reach out via the button below.

reach out to learn more!

Helpful Resources

If you are interested in learning more about caring for creation in your own home or community, these organizations offer helpful information and resources:

Virginia Native Plant Society
https://vnps.org/

Homegrown National Park
https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

James City County Recycling Centers
https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/2459/Convenience-Centers

EPA Recycling & Reuse Resources
https://www.epa.gov/recycle