Who We Are
Who We Are
Caring for Creation is Loving our Neighbor
The Commission on the Environment of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California is a group of individuals from across the diocese who are passionate about caring for God’s creation.
Our efforts are inspired by our Baptismal vows where we promise “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself, and strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” Being healers of the environment is being loving toward our neighbors. It is addressing climate justice and expressing respect for the dignity of every human being.
The primary focus of the Commission is to provide guidance and resources to congregations in the Diocese to reduce their carbon footprint in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Several key elements of this effort include:
- A 4-step process that guides congregations to develop a carbon reduction plan that includes formation of a church-specific green team, conducting a baseline carbon footprint assessment, obtaining an energy efficiency assessment, and developing a project plan for achieving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Guidance for funding the implementation of carbon reduction projects.
Other areas where the Commission provides guidance and support include:
- Supporting spiritual formation through worship and study.
- Advocating for public policy and legislation that supports carbon reduction and addresses climate justice.
- Providing education and resources for parishioners to reduce their carbon footprints in their homes.
We are called to care for creation in a different way, a courageous way, to ensure that the environment provides life-giving sustenance for all our neighbors, whether in our home communities or on the other side of the planet.
The Commission meets by zoom on the second Thursday of the month at 1 pm. To participate or learn more, please contact Miriam Casey at ednccoe@gmail.com
Not Pictured:
- John Lucas, St. Francis, Fortuna
- Sharon Burke-Polana, St. Clements, Rancho Cordova
- Steve Christensen, Trinity, Sutter Creek
A Season to Celebrate
A Season to Celebrate God’s Creation
During Eastertide, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This year, the Season of Easter falls during the month of April, and ends on May 10, Rogation Sunday. On Rogation Sunday we celebrate agriculture and stewardship of creation, praying for blessings on the land, the trees and the people who live on the land.
Earth Day is also celebrated during April, on the 22nd. This is a day to honor the earth and commit to protecting the environment.
During this special season we will have opportunities to engage with the joy and hope of our Lord’s resurrection as well as the blessing of God’s creation and our desire to enjoy and protect it.
- In worship, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and our new life as “Easter People.”
- In our day-to-day lives, we are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of nature. Spending time in a local park is one way to immerse ourselves in the blessing of God’s creation.
- Robin Wall Kimmerer authored a book called “The Serviceberry.” The book shares Native wisdom and encourages a relationship with nature that reflects gratitude and reciprocity. It is an easy and inspiring small book.
- At Church of the Incarnation, the Adult Forum on May 10 Maya Khosla, a biologist and writer, will present her work to preserve trees and her poetry. There may be opportunities for you to learn from environmentalists in your neighborhood.
- On May 10, we will share in a ritual procession around the church campus to express gratitude for the land and trees, and to ask for God’s blessing on the land and trees, and the people of the land. What will you be doing to honor creation on Rogation Sunday?
Earth Day Events & Activities 2026
Earth Day 2026 Events
St. Martin’s, Davis – Hike & Creation-Themed Service
Earth Day 202
6 is on Wednesday, April 22, but many churches are celebrating throughout the month! St. Martin’s in Davis is marking the occasion in several ways. On Sunday, April 19, five parishioners opened their home gardens to the community for a “first annual” garden tour; maps and descriptions of the gardens were provided so that people could enjoy a self-guided tour at their own pace. On Saturday, April 25, a local hike will be hosted by St. Martin’s and the Yolo Interfaith Queer Alliance. The hike is intended as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks and allies to connect in community outdoors.
Then, on Sunday, April 26, the Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan, St. Martin’s rector, will offer an intergenerational, creation-themed sermon at the 10:00pm service, followed by a forum on Creation Care at St. Martin’s and beyond. They will discuss what is happening at the diocesan and church levels and how we can talk about environmental issues in ways that are loving, liberating, and life-giving. Finally, that evening, at 7:30pm, the parish will host a twilight labyrinth walk, followed by an interfaith candlelight vigil where we will pray for peace—peace among nations, peace in our hearts, and peace on the Earth.
If your church is still looking for ways to celebrate Creation Care, don’t worry about trying to fit something in during April. Rogation Sunday (May 10) offers another great opportunity, and of course there’s the Season of Creation in September. And really, any day is a good day to give thanks for all that God has given us in creating this beautiful planet we call home.
Trinity Cathedral – Bike Tune-Up Day
Bring your bike for a tune-up on Sunday, May 17! Technicians from SABA (Sacramento Area Advocates) will be in Easter Park (behind the Cathedral) to tune up your ride for a suggested donation of $10 (cash/check/credit card accepted). Also, if you have a gently used bike you are ready to donate, you can do it here. Adult bikes will be given to Midtown HART and kids’ bikes to Floyd School.
Trinity Cathedral – Earth Day Fair
TREE (Trinity Respecting Earth & Environment) is hosting an Earth Day fair on Sunday, April 19 in the courtyard on and the Great Hall of the cathedral. Vendors, nonprofits, plants, and FREE tomatoes! Information and celebration!
Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa
During Eastertide, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This year, the Season of Easter falls during the month of April, and ends on May 10, Rogation Sunday. On Rogation Sunday we celebrate agriculture and stewardship of creation, praying for blessings on the land, the trees and the people who live on the land.
Earth Day is also celebrated during April, on the 22nd. This is a day to honor the earth and commit to protecting the environment.
During this special season we will have opportunities to engage with the joy and hope of our Lord’s resurrection as well as the blessing of God’s creation and our desire to enjoy and protect it.
- In worship, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and our new life as “Easter People.”
- In our day-to-day lives, we are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of nature. Spending time in a local park is one way to immerse ourselves in the blessing of God’s creation.
- Robin Wall Kimmerer authored a book called “The Serviceberry.” The book shares Native wisdom and encourages a relationship with nature that reflects gratitude and reciprocity. It is an easy and inspiring small book.
- At Church of the Incarnation, the Adult Forum on May 10 Maya Khosla, a biologist and writer, will present her work to preserve trees and her poetry. There may be opportunities for you to learn from environmentalists in your neighborhood.
- On May 10, we will share in a ritual procession around the church campus to express gratitude for the land and trees, and to ask for God’s blessing on the land and trees, and the people of the land. What will you be doing to honor creation on Rogation Sunday?
Episcopal Church Creation Care
Join presiding bishop for a special Earth Day Creation Care call on April 22, 3 p.m. Eastern time
This special Earth Day conversation will feature Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe; Bishop Cathleen Bascom, eco-regions coordinator; and Andrew Thompson, director of the Center for Religion and Environment at Sewanee.
Join these monthly calls to hear from The Episcopal Church’s public policy and witness and mission program teams, as well as voices from across the church, on issues related to care of creation. Spanish interpretation is available. Register here.
Resources
Resources
The Episcopal Church has made a major commitment to Creation Care. Please click on this link to visit their webpage. https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/creation-care/
Ten Tips for Congregation and Household Energy Savings.
https://www.interfaithpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Top-10-Tips-Span-n-English-Alpha.pdf
Federal funding resources for nonprofits for installing solar that will occur Thursday, December 8
Interfaith Power and Light (Website):
https://interfaithpowerandlight.org
Interfaith Power and Light: Assessing and reducing carbon footprint
https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/
Twelve (12) Days of Energy Savings
Diocesan Carbon Reduction Effort
Diocesan Carbon Reduction Effort
Our Journey toward Carbon Neutrality 2030
At the 2022 diocesan convention, a resolution submitted by the COE was passed– R1-2022 Resolution to further 2022 General Convention Resolution A087 through the development of congregation-based plans to achieve carbon-neutral facilities and operations by 2030.
Subsequently, the Commission developed this four-part process for congregations
to achieve the goal.
- Form a Green Team
- Complete of an initial carbon footprint assessment utilizing the Interfaith Power & Light carbon calculator
- Participate in a detailed (ASHRAE Level 2) energy efficiency assessment
- Utilizing the recommendations of the energy efficiency assessment, develop a project master plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
To date, 38 churches in the diocese have completed steps 1 – 3 and are developing their project master plans. The Commission is consulting with congregations to assist them in developing their plans and providing them with technical and funding resources. Future work will focus on assisting the congregations in implementing their plans.
Would you like to begin the process toward carbon neutrality in your diocese or at your church?
We are happy to help you.
Contact:
Miriam Casey, Co-chair, COE – ednccoe@gmail.com
Rev. Pamela Dolan, Co-chair, COE – pamela@churchofstmartin.org
Bob Wohlsen, Project Coordinator, COE – bob.wohlsen@gmail.com
Partners:
Sarah Paulos, Community Engagement and Programs Director, Interfaith Power & Light – sarahp@InterfaithPowerAndLight.org
COLBY MAY CEM, Founder/President, Energy for Purpose, colby@energyforpurpose.com
Financial Resources:
Clean Energy Tax Navigator & Project Finance Hub, Overview:
The Clean Energy Tax Navigator (“the Navigator”), a one-stop-shop to claim direct pay, and the Project Finance Hub (PFH), a clearinghouse for tools and guidance to finance clean energy projects.
Project Finance Hub, Climate Program Portal:
Explore federal grants, IRA’s tax credits, and green financing institutions to determine which source of funding is most suitable for your project.
Learn about and receive assistance on elective pay tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for your potential, planned, or completed project.
Link to Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Carbon Reduction landing page on Interfaith Power and Light
Carbon Reduction in our Homes
Carbon Reduction in Our Homes
There are many things we can do to reduce the carbon footprint in our homes. Here are several resources that may be useful to you.
Interfaith Power and Light–Resources for electrifying your home
https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/electrifying-your-home/
Interfaith Power and Light–Ten Tips for Congregation and Household Energy Savings
https://www.interfaithpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Top-10-Tips-Span-n-English-Alpha.pdf
California Energy Commission–Homeowner and Renter Energy Resources
Climate Central–Creating Climate Friendly Homes
https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/climate-friendly-homes
Climate Responsible–
Season of Courage
Seasons of Courage
Introduction to the Season of Courage
Stories
- Ministries in the Community| St. John’s, Roseville
- Migrant Ministry. | Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento
- History of Chinese Expulsion| Christ Church, Eureka
- Spanish language ministry | Grace, St. Helena
- Carbon Reduction| St. Albans, Arcata
- LGBTQIA+ Advocacy| Epiphany, Vacaville
- Refugee Ministry | All Saints, Redding
- Courage and the Reconciling Action of God’s Holy Spirit| Bishop Megan
- Partnership with local Non-Profits | Good Shepherd, Cloverdale
- Letter from Birmingham Jail | Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa
- I Will With God’s Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice | Commission for Intercultural Ministries.
- Creative Conversation and Collaboration of Ministries Honoring the Environment | St. Patrick’s, Kenwood
- Funding for Solar | St. Luke’s, Woodland
- Carbon Neutral and Beyond-Creating a Land-Based Ministry | St. Martin’s, Davis
- California Climate Lobby Day 2024 | Commission on the Environment
Creation Care Formation
Creation Care Formation
Our commitment to caring for the environment is deeply rooted in our understanding that Creation is a gift from God, and to love God is to love Creation!
Our commitment is also deeply grounded in our promise to love our neighbor as ourselves, as we state in our Baptismal vows. And so, we look for ways to grow in our capacity to understand and care for Creation and to heal the damage that has been done to it, for the good of all Creation, including humankind.
The Episcopal Covenant to Care of Creation spotlights several aspects of this journey to love creation.
EPISCOPAL COVENANT TO CARE OF CREATION – PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE:
In Jesus, God so loved the whole world. We follow Jesus, so we love the world God loves. Concerned about the global climate emergency, drawing from a range of approaches for our diverse contexts, we commit to form and restore loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with all of Creation.
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.
LOVING FORMATION
For God’s sake, we will grow our love for the Earth and all of life through preaching, teaching, storytelling, and prayer.
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.
In the Episcopal tradition, there are several opportunities to focus on this journey of growing in our capacity to be more loving toward Creation.
Love God,
Love God’s World
Just this summer (2024), The Episcopal Church unveiled its new “Love God, Love God’s World” program, a nine-session course about caring for creation, informed by both our faith tradition and climate science. The course is divided into three sections–
Section One | What is God’s Dream?
Section Two | Truth-Telling
Section Three | Restoring the Covenant, Repairing the Earth
The final session focuses on resilience and discernment toward environmental care and action.
The “Love God, Love God’s World” course will debut in the Diocese this fall, beginning on September 24. It will be a time to focus on how we can both hope and act for creation. For more information about this formation opportunity contact The Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan at pamela@churchofstmartin.org
The Season of Creation is a time (September 1 till October 4) when The Episcopal Church joins the ecumenical family to pray and take action for our common home. Worship and other resources are provided for congregations during this special season.
In the Diocese of Northern California, Bishop Megan Traquair approved use of the Season of Creation worship materials in our congregations.
Resources may be found at the following website: https://seasonofcreation.org/about/
Many other formation and worship resources may be found on the Episcopal Church Creation
Care website. If you are looking for resources to use with children, Episcopal Relief and Development has a free curriculum that can be used for Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, or in an intergenerational context. The Abundant Life Garden Project may be found on the ERD website.
Finally, if you would like to engage in a book study, the Commission is compiling a list of books that can be used for individual or group study. The initial list includes:
Creation Care (religious or ethical perspective)
Bahnson, Fred. Soil and Sacrament: Four Seasons Among the Keepers of the Earth
Chase, Steven. Nature as Spiritual Practice and A Field Guide to Nature as a Spiritual Practice
Christie, Douglas E. The Blue Sapphire of the Mind: Notes for a Contemplative Ecology
Delgado, Sharon. Love in a Time of Climate Change: Honoring Creation, Establishing Justice
Dolan, Pamela. Contemplative Gardening
Pope Francis. Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home
Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.
Maathai, Wangari. Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World.
Moore, Kathleen Dean. Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril
Sleeth, Matthew. Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God and His Love for Us
Sutterfield, Ragan. Cultivating Reality: How the Soil Might Save Us
Climate Change
Jahren, Hope. The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here
Kingsolver, Barbara. High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never
Klein, Naomi. This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
Ohlson, Kristin. The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers, and Foodies Are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet
Food and Diet
Foer, Jonathan Safran. Eating Animals and We are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast
Kingsolver, Barbara. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
Fiction
Kingsolver, Barbara. Flight Behavior, Unsheltered: A Novel, and Prodigal Summer: A Novel
Powers, Richard. The Overstory
EDNC Creation Care Network
EDNC Creation Care Network
Hello Fellow Parishioners of The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California!
Because we’re all caring for creation and becoming better environmental stewards, we’re launching a communications hub for our work. We want partners from each parish, mission, and group in our diocese to join us as one big green team.
Together, we can learn from and teach each other how to put our Resolution R1-2022 into action and energize other stewardship goals.
It’s a private group hosted in the online platform “Mighty Network.” If you would like to join the EDNC Creation Care Network, please email our network host, Perry Gray-Reneberg (perryggr@gmail.com), Christ Church, Eureka, for assistance with joining.
We look forward to growing this vibrant network together—email Perry today and take the first step in bringing Creation Care to life in your community!
Learn More
Orientation to EDNC Creation Care Network– Mighty Networks
Passcode: ACDXd7=9
Resource: Power Point Presentation
