As people of faith, we believe we are called to be earth-loving and earth-wise.

The Earthwise Ministry is dedicated to the protection and preservation of God’s creation through stewardship, advocacy, and education at the intersection of environmental and social justice. We embrace the undeniable evidence that climate change origins and mitigation are interwoven with virtually all social justice concerns.  We support broad actions and strategies to influence transformation by supporting legislative policy changes, by amplifying faith partner messaging (MNIPL, ISAIAH, Rise and Repair, etc.), and through Creekside congregant education and engagement opportunities.

MN Conference UCC Adopts Mayflower’s (now Creekside’s) “Protecting God’s Earth and Its People with Electrification” Resolution

In June 2022, the Minnesota Conference UCC passed a resolution created by Mayflower (now Creekside) Earthwise folks on electrification to transition from fossil fuels to combat climate change. The resolution, adopted by an 88-5 vote, declares that the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ encourages member congregations to actively plan for and promote electrifying appliances and machines when old ones fail or become outdated as one of the ways to protect God’s earth and its people from climate change emissions, and to become role models for just and equitable electrification for individual members and the broader community.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Creekside’s Earthwise Ministry is proud to announce that, with the completion of phase 1 of the Seeds of Hope/Carbon Neutral effort, data show we are avoiding more than 40 percent of our facility’s carbon emissions and our 204 solar panels are currently generating 30% of the facility’s electricity. Creekside is saving approximately $4,000–$5,000 on electric costs. The beautiful structural steel solar canopy, designed by Creekside member Kurt Gough with Shelter Architects, is a prophetic witness to God and sends our message of carbon neutrality to the broader community.

A Pioneer in Fossil Fuel Divestment

The Creekside Foundation is one of the first local church organizations to participate in the United Church’s Beyond Fossil Fuels fund.

Is Your Congregation Considering Solar?

Creekside invested in solar panels to spread the “gospel” – the good news – of renewable energy in the city. We hope to inspire other organizations to reduce their carbon footprint. Watch the videos at right to learn more about our “Journey of Hope” and the “Just Community Solar” work of MN Interfaith Power and Light. Rev. Sarah Campbell or a member of our Earthwise team is happy to speak with you.

Groundwise

The Groundwise group creates plans for our grounds that are practical, soul-sustaining, sustainable and move the church from being a part of the Minnehaha watershed problem toward being part of the solution. To get involved, contact Rev. Sarah Campbell.