EcoJustice Ministry

Begun in 2008, the FV UMC EcoJustice Ministry is an effort to raise awareness and broaden the perspective of stewardship as it relates to spirituality, sustainability and social justice issues. Although this may be a new idea, EcoJustice is firmly grounded in Scripture and the United Methodist Tradition of Social Justice as outlined in the United Methodist Social Principles.

"Eco-Justice offers a perspective on what it means to be human, what it means to be part of God's greater creation, what it means to live lovingly and justly within all of God's creation, within society, within churches and communities, and within families and friendships."

EcoJustice Mission Statement
EcoJustice names a way of seeing and being in the world that shapes the whole of our life and witness as the body of Christ. EcoJustice answers the calls to love our neighbor and care for God's creation by promoting social and economic justice and environmental sustainability.

EcoJustice manifests itself through all the ministries of the church, transforming our congregation, our community and our world. EcoJustice seeks to share in the work of global reconciliation in ways that bring glory to God.

What are we doing?

• Host several short-term, small group studies periodically on subjects such as Simple Living, Just Eating, UMC Social Principles, Fair Trade, Christianity and Immigration, and Green Church
• Implemented a comprehensive recycling program for church materials (look for the blue bins near you!)
• Initiated the Interfaith Energy Audit for our church facility which will be conducted on June 29, 2009
• Host semi-annual Fair Trade Store
• Inspired Kid's for Christ, Confirmands, and Lifeline Youth groups to change their weekly meal supplies and save thousands of pieces of plastic from the local landfill each year!
• Switched Hospitality serving ware to washable mugs and cups
• Construct and sell rain barrels as a fundraising project for ministry projects (donated one to Covenant Community Garden)
• Hosted "Passing the Peace" event in conjunction with UMC "Peace with Justice" Sunday
• Spoke to various FVUMC groups on EcoJustice issues
• Shared EcoJustice-themed articles in the Wellspring