Did you know Spirit of Peace is caring for creation through…

Theology and Purpose

Spirit of Peace has a designated group, Creation Justice Task Force, that is working to have Spirit of Peace certified as a Creation Justice Church, a program of the United Church of Christ that guides congregations in discerning how they can best embody a commitment to care for God's creation. Central to Spirit of Peace's theological understanding is our responsibility to care for God’s creation not as an entity superior to it but as an integral part of it; one that shares in its abundance, that celebrates its richness, and that strives to engage in life-affirming rather than life-depleting endeavors. At the same time, we are aware that our over consumption of earth’s resources is having dire consequences on our environment. Given that consumption is part of human reality, we strive to consume with a conscience, mindful of our impact on vulnerable animal and plant species, and the biosphere. We acknowledge that the damage we cause disproportionately affects humanity’s poor, disenfranchised, and powerless.

Land Use

During the first year of Spirit of Peace's existence, members began to restore the land around the building for the benefit of the environment. As part of that effort, an organic Community Garden of thirty plots and a Food Forest consisting of numerous fruit trees were established. Members and neighbors tend them both throughout the growing season. Excess produce is delivered to Augustana University’s Community Garden so that they can distribute it to community members in need.

As much as possible, the natural habitat of the land has been preserved. Upon entering the parking lot, prairie grasses line the perimeter. Many trees now flourish that were planted during that first year and a flower garden provides bouquets for the altar during worship in the summer and autumn months.

Building Use

In the church kitchen, chinaware, metal utensils, and cloth napkins that can be washed have replaced paper, plastic, and Styrofoam cups, plates, and utensils. The cloth napkins were sewn by our Sustainability Sewing Circle. Volunteers wash the dishes in the church dishwasher after the Sunday fellowship hour each week and then take the soiled cloth napkins home to be washed and returned the following Sunday.

Education

Pastor Charles and Spirit of Peace members and ministry teams have provided education in worship, adult and children's classes, and special events. Some topics and resources have included: Sallie McFague’s lecture on YouTube: A New Climate for Theology: God, the World, and Global Warming; electric vehicles; the film, The Boy who Harnessed the Wind; and Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, by Katharine Hayhoe. Books have been added to our Social Awareness Library, which all members are welcome to borrow from. And each of our ministry teams and committees look for ways they can incorporate creation care into their activities and events.

Broader Movements

Spirit of Peace members incorporate creation care into their daily lives and have been active in the following organizations and events: SoDak350, Big Sioux River Clean-Up, water protectors at Standing Rock, Blessed Tomorrow Ambassadors training, Teach-In Climate Fair at Augustana University, Earth Day Rallies, and Sustainability Coalition.

Spirit of Peace

6509 S Cliff Ave

Sioux Falls, SD 57108

(605) 334-2802

spiritofpeacesf.org