Five Commissioned as EarthKeepers

Congratulations to the Mountain Sky Conference's recently commissioned EarthKeepers:

• Todd Allen

• Ann Heard

• Pamela Lee

• Dr. Clyde Oakley

• Ingrid Wood

"Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips US-based United Methodists to lead grassroots environmental projects that are action-oriented, antiracist, bold, and entrepreneurial. EarthKeepers are trained to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities, including eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning."

Here is a synopsis of the projects the EarthKeepers are initiating: 

Todd Allen's project is Transforming Energy Together - Todd stated, "My project plan is to listen to the needs of historically black churches located in downtown Denver and connect them to useful energy efficiency tools, resources, partners and initiatives to help reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint by 30%."

Ann Heard's project is "Food for the Future". Ann wrote, "I will research and partner with other organizations in my area that are working in the area of food security. Food shortages will become a reality in the future unless we work now to take care of the earth, nourish the soil and educate the community on growing food."

Pamela Lee and Clyde Oakley are teaming up on their project "Hope for Environmental Justice".  They write, "Our project is to start a Green Team at Hope UMC in Greenwood Village Colorado to address environmental issues" in their congregation and environmental injustice in the larger community. 

Ingrid Wood's project is Garden with the Chimes.  She states, "Garden with the Chimes will improve the Ft. Benton UMC church and parsonage landscape and will make it less costly, more resilient and sustainable, as well as inviting to animals and humans alike, and provide ADA access." 

To read more about their projects and to get updates on 2024 trainings, join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network at http://creationcare.umcmission.org/signup.