Creation Care

Creation Care Task Force

As Lutherans, we confess that God is the source, redeemer, and sustainer of all things. Created in God’s image, humans are to be to the rest of creation as God is to us. That is, we bear the image of God when we delight in creation, act graciously toward it, show it care, and refuse to abandon it, just as God does with us.

The South Carolina Synod’s Creation Care Task Force seeks to foster the concept and application of creation stewardship within our synod. Working with the Lutherans Restoring Creation network of the ELCA, our team aims to offer resources from a Lutheran perspective to the SC Synod, its congregations, and individuals.

The resources we anticipate sharing include ideas for worship, educational opportunities, guidance on public ministry and advocacy, and networking with the creation care teams of other South Carolina denominations.

Given the rich blend of disciples in South Carolina, this synod team will be a place for farmers, hunters & anglers, environmentalists, conservationists, gardeners, and other outdoor enthusiasts to support one another in our common call as creation stewards. We hope to learn from one another and respectfully discuss our various stewardship practices and viewpoints. Our aim is to always be willing to include others in this ongoing conversation, even if we don’t always see eye-to-eye. We prayerfully hope that this process of inclusive collaboration will be an avenue for all to learn and grow from one another in our primary goal of care for creation.

Please contact The Rev. Kris Litman-Koon, Convener of the Creation Care Task Force, at 843-884-5470 or pastor.klk at gmail.com for additional information regarding this ministry of the synod.

The Blessing of the Animals,… and Plants, and…

It is that time of year when word of a Blessing of the Animals service is heard in many congregations. Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, and his commemoration takes place on October 4. Hence, if a congregation hosts a Blessing of Animals service, they typically plan their event near this date. There is, however, more for us to know about this blessing and about Saint Francis.

Dominion Over the Earth

The creation story is one we are taught from an early age. We learn that God created everything in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. We learn how God called up everything, from nothing. However, sometimes we miss the first mission that God ever gave us, humankind.