Environmental stewardship
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Collect for the Stewardship of Creation, The Book of Common Prayer
Parishioners, staff, and clergy who are especially interested in finding ways this parish can participate in safeguarding the integrity of God’s creation and renew the life of the earth work together on educational offerings, outreach activities, and encouraging sustainable practices.
We pursue these practices through our farmers market, in our café, and in our physical plant. For example, St. Stephen's has installed a solar array on the roof of the parish house, a move that not only reduces energy consumption but is expected to prolong the life of the roof.
With the oversight of the vestry, the environmental stewardship project team engages parishioners and members of the Richmond community in caring for the earth.
Sue Wootton and Bill Gray lead this project team, and Anna Jones is the staff liaison.
Book group
A monthly environmentally-focused book club is also open to all. Like the group's regular meetings, these are publicized in the Spirit and the eSpirit. A list of book recommendations is here.
Other events and offerings
St. Stephen's Church is a host for Richmond's annual environmental film festival.
Contacts
Sue Wootton, co-chair
Bill Gray, co-chair
Anna Jones, staff liaison