Disciples Home Missions

Connecting People to the Life-Changing Love of God

Green Chalice

My Test Post Here

May 20, 2025
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My Test Post Here

by Chris Liu-Beers

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Celebrating the International Day of Biological Diversity

May 16, 2025
International Day for Biological Diversity is a reminder to give thanks and feel gratitude for this amazing planet and all the life that it supports.  A day to recognize that the human race is not somehow apart and separate from the natural world but intricately connected.  To not only feel the interconnectedness between the vast diversity of people but to also include the vast diversity of all forms of life.  To see the Body of Christ as encompassing all of the natural world, not just humans.

Celebrating the International Day of Biological Diversity

by Brian Frederick-Gray

by. Rev. Ryan Cullumber
Living Coast Ministry

On May 22nd the world celebrates God’s creation on International  Day for Biological Diversity. It is a day to marvel at the magnificence of life on this planet; to be in wonder of the radical diversity of species and how we all live together as one whole, how we are all dependent on the thriving of a vast spectrum of ecosystems.  Our food, water, medicines, clothing and energy all come from different ecosystems.  Even with all the advancements in technology, humanity depends on a healthy environment across countless ecosystems to not simply survive but to thrive.
 
International Day for Biological Diversity is a reminder to give thanks and feel gratitude for this amazing planet and all the life that it supports.  A day to recognize that the human race is not somehow apart and separate from the natural world but intricately connected.  To not only feel the interconnectedness between the vast diversity of people but to also include the vast diversity of all forms of life.  To see the Body of Christ as encompassing all of the natural world, not just humans.  How each ecosystem, when it is working in balance, sustains life and supports neighboring ecosystems.  Just like diversity is a strength in human communities, ecological diversity is what keeps Mother Earth healthy and vibrant.

Harbor Christian Church has established a program called Living Coast Ministry (formerly Blue Theology) that focuses on the interconnection between the natural marine world and the divine.  Our Living Coast Theologians enjoy a week-long summer residential program at Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, California.  Harbor is located just across the street from the Upper Newport Back Bay.  Being located in coastal Southern California gives us access to many wild places that most people never have the opportunity to experience.  Living Coast Ministry at Harbor supports participants in visiting these natural wonders while helping to develop an ecological spirituality. 

What do we mean by ecological spirituality? Throughout the week, each group enjoys hands-on experiences that deeply connect them to the surrounding ocean and shoreline ecology. Each evening participants are led in discussions, sacred experiences and activities that support them in crafting their unique ecological lens on spirituality. In other words, Living Coast Ministry brings together real world experience and the sacred, allowing participants to ask new questions of their faith and to open to more expansive experiences of the divine. ​

We love the opportunity to host youth groups and their chaperones from all over the country.  To date we have hosted groups from Minnesota, Colorado as well as local groups from Southern California.  This summer we will welcome groups from California, Kentucky and Maryland.  Our Living Coast Ministry team would love to hear from and potentially host you and your group.  

Learn More About Living Coast Ministry

The Green Chalice Story and History

May 13, 2025
Eco-justice ministries in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) grew out of the 1977 General Assembly resolution that called for the development of a Task Force on Ecology. This group, comprised of 18 persons, six of whom represented denominational staff, was active for a number of years and authored the Alverna Covenant. Eventually, as the […]

The Green Chalice Story and History

Eco-justice ministries in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) grew out of the 1977 General Assembly resolution that called for the development of a Task Force on Ecology. This group, comprised of 18 persons, six of whom represented denominational staff, was active for a number of years and authored the Alverna Covenant. Eventually, as the lifetime of that group ran its course, its responsibilities were moved to the general unit of the denomination that works most directly with congregations, Disciples Home Missions.8-6CCKY-Logo-300x150

From 2000 – 2010, as a DHM employee, Angela Hermann, built on the foundation laid by the Task Force on Ecology through her work as the coordinator of environmental education and advocacy.  “Return to the Garden,” a community garden initiative, grew out of a project from her Master’s Degree program in 2005. Under Angela’s leadership, the DOC Coffee Project was started and the 2009 General Assembly was more sustainable and included a Green Learning Track. She authored or co-authored resolutions in 2001, 2007 and 2009 and wrote extensively for Disciples’ publications on caring for creation. In 2010, along with John Davidson and Church Extension, Angela created a Green Church program, now known as the Green Chalice Certification Program.

In the summer of 2007, by the invitation of the Kentucky regional minister, Greg Alexander, a group of concerned Kentucky Disciples came together to discuss how to better care for God’s creation. For over three years, under the leadership of Rev. Carol Devine, Green Chalice KY hosted green retreats, provided educational workshops, and supplied resources to churches. Congregations in Kentucky started community gardens, recycling programs, rain gardens, composting, using real dinnerware, eating local foods, praying for and celebrating creation in worship, planting trees and more. Churches lowered their carbon footprints by having energy audits, caulking old windows and installing new ones, and installing geothermal systems and programmable thermostats.

This Kentucky ministry captured the attention of Disciples Home Missions President, the Rev. Dr. Ron Degges. As a result, DHM and Christian Church in Kentucky formed a new partnership in May 2011. Green Chalice became the official ministry for the Disciples’’ stewardship of creation through DHM.

In January 2015, Green Chalice became a founding partner of Blessed Tomorrow, a coalition of diverse faith leaders committed to creating a path to a positive future for our families, communities and the world in order to raise awareness and respond to the climate crisis. Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri was hired as Associate Minister for Green Chalice because of the growing demands for time and expertise.

In response to racial tension and the subsequent spotlight on racial inequalities in the United States in 2013 – 2015, Green Chalice co-authored an Environmental Racism resolution with Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team for the 2015 General Assembly in Columbus, OH.

At the 2017 General Assembly in Indianapolis, IN, a resolution on Carbon Neutrality was passed.  The Green Chalice Covenant was formed.  Sign the Covenant Here.  Also through our collaboration with Blessed Tomorrow we were able to offer a toolkit for congregations.

Green Chalice has collaborated with Christmount, Blessed Tomorrow and the Creation Care Alliance to offer Eco-Justice camps for youth and adults.  These experiences, whether virtual or in person have supported congregations as they find the global and local intersections across food and faith, climate change, spirituality, racism, pollution and poverty.

As part of the church’s response to climate change Green Chalice has partnered with Blessed Tomorrow to offer a Climate Ambassador Training program and will continue to offer ways for congregations to faithfully address our changing climate.

Green Chalice has prioritized Carbon Neutrality while still working toward creation care goals.  Along with a growing number of Green Chalice and Certified Green Chalice Congregations within our network, we have added Blue Chalice congregations as well as congregations that have become carbon neutral.

In 2023 Heights Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Houston, Texas offered a generous donation to Green Chalice Ministries for climate change, creation care and justice work. Their difficult decision to join First Christian Church, Houston, after closing their doors allowed them to allocate resources from their legacy to support vital ministries like ours.  With resources from generations of ministry they sought to support national and local ministries and organizations important to them, including Green Chalice. The Heights members described praying for Green Chalice each Sunday eventually adding resources to their prayers. 

After conversations with Rev. Devine and Rev. Hardin-Nieri, the Heights leadership reviewed an unfunded Green Chalice Congregational Resilience grant application as part of their decision making process stating “We love the pioneering spirit in which Green Chalice and Week of Compassion partnered to address climate change from a preventative angle that also addresses creating a more equitable path for all God’s people to flourish.” 

The Heights board appreciated elements of collaboration among Green Chalice, Week of Compassion, Christian Church in Kentucky, Christmount, and other ministries and nonprofits. Heights saw an opportunity to extend their legacy and ministry through Green Chalice as they sought a more viable, just, and beautiful future for people, communities, and all of God’s Creation. 

The partnership with Heights Christian Church arrived at a critical time as Green Chalice and DHM strengthen their presence amidst the challenges of climate change, racism, and oppression. Together with First Christian Church, we planted a tree near their sanctuary, symbolizing the enduring legacy and commitment to a just and sustainable future. 

In 2024 Green Chalice deepened partnerships with ministries as they sought to accompany churches across the denomination. New partnerships with National Convocation and Obra Hispana have emerged. In outreach to young people and congregations the Justice and Creation Fellowships were created supporting 22 congregations and young people (10 in 2024 and 12 in 2025) in creation care, vibrant mentoring, community resilience and collaboration.  Green Chalice remains committed to strategic dreaming and sustaining our ministry that has supported congregations, clergy, and communities for eighteen years. We will continue to seek justice, dream big, reach out to others, be curious, walk with humility and lead with compassion. Heights Christian Church built a legacy of love. We are so Grateful.  Learn more at greenchalice.org.

Celebrating Earth Day

Apr 15, 2025
It is humbling to slow down enough to think how amazing this planet is and how the Earth provides everything we need to survive and thrive.  And not just for humanity but for all of life from the microscopic organisms to the Blue Whales.  The Earth is truly a gift from God.

Celebrating Earth Day

by Brian Frederick-Gray

by Rev. Ryan Cullumber
Associate Pastor, Harbor Christian Church

On April 22nd the world celebrates God’s creation on International Mother Earth Day.  It is a day:

  • to give thanks and feel gratitude for this amazing planet and all the life that it supports;
  • to recognize and feel the interconnectedness not only between people but also all of the life around us;  
  • to see the Body of Christ as encompassing all of the natural world, not just humans;
  • to see how each ecosystem, when it is working in balance, sustains life and supports neighboring ecosystems.  
  • to see how all of the ecosystems are unique and beautiful in their own ways and necessary for the thriving of life everywhere.  

It is humbling to slow down enough to think how amazing this planet is and how the Earth provides everything we need to survive and thrive.  And not just for humanity but for all of life from the microscopic organisms to the Blue Whales.  The Earth is truly a gift from God.

One of the major ecosystems that supports all life on this planet are the oceans.  The oceans and the creatures that inhabit them produce nearly half the oxygen on Earth.  World Aquatic Animal Day has been celebrated every year on April 3rd since 2020.  This day raises awareness about wildlife that lives in or near the water. These places not only include oceans, rivers and lakes but also reservoirs and wetlands.  

One of the creatures that most of us have not given a second thought to is plankton.  Zooplankton, animal-like plankton and phytoplankton, plant-like plankton are the base of the ocean’s food chain and provide half the oxygen on this planet.  Without plankton we as a species would not survive along with many others.  So as you take a breath remember to thank our tiny friends for their contribution to this amazing creation we call home.  

Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, California has established a program called Living Coast Ministry (formerly Blue Theology) that focuses on the interconnection between the natural marine world and the divine.  Our Living Coast Theologians enjoy a week-long summer residential program at Harbor Christian Church.  Harbor is located just across the street from the Upper Newport Back Bay.  Being located in coastal Southern California gives us access to many wild places that most people never have the opportunity to experience.  Living Coast Ministry at Harbor supports participants in visiting these natural wonders while helping to develop an ecological spirituality. 

What do we mean by ecological spirituality? Throughout the week, each group enjoys hands-on experiences that deeply connect them to the surrounding ocean and shoreline ecology. Each evening participants are led in discussions, sacred experiences and activities that support them in crafting their unique ecological lens on spirituality. In other words, Living Coast Ministry brings together real world experience and the sacred, allowing participants to ask new questions of their faith and to open to more expansive experiences of the divine. ​

We love the opportunity to host youth groups and their chaperones from all over the country.  To date we have hosted groups from Minnesota, Colorado as well as local groups from Southern California.  This summer we will welcome groups from California, Kentucky and Maryland.  Our Living Coast Ministry team would love to hear from and potentially host you and your group.  

Learn More

Green Chalice Resources

Apr 4, 2025
Congregational Toolkit This resource was created with Blessed Tomorrow was sent to congregations following the Carbon Neutrality Resolution in 2017. Disciples of Christ Specific Resources Church Resources Study Resources Ecumenical & Interfaith Resources Secular Resources Archived Newsletters

Green Chalice Resources

Congregational Toolkit

This resource was created with Blessed Tomorrow was sent to congregations following the Carbon Neutrality Resolution in 2017.

Disciples of Christ Specific Resources

Church Resources

Study Resources

Ecumenical & Interfaith Resources

Secular Resources

Archived Newsletters

World Water Day Reflection

Mar 13, 2025
World Water Day is March 22nd. World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. Ecosystems supply, purify and protect freshwater resources. Apart from directly captured rainwater, humans get every drop of freshwater from either groundwater, surface water or frozen water.

World Water Day Reflection

by Brian Frederick-Gray

by Rev. Ryan Cullumber
Associate Pastor, Harbor Christian Church

Freshwater Ecosystems

Life on Earth depends on healthy ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands, rivers, mangroves and aquifers, are a critical part of the global water cycle – supplying, purifying and protecting freshwater resources. We often do not think about where our water comes from and simply take it for granted when we turn on our taps. Water is the source of life and everyone needs access to clean and safe drinking water.

World Water Day is March 22nd. World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. Ecosystems supply, purify and protect freshwater resources. Apart from directly captured rainwater, humans get every drop of freshwater from either groundwater, surface water or frozen water.  

Freshwater ecosystems such as wetlands and marshes mitigate the effects of floods and drought. These important ecosystems protect the land from erosion and inundation and help to regulate water flows. These freshwater ecosystems are also important breeding grounds for aquatic animals and migratory birds. Because of habitat loss and the dangers of pollution, biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems is in danger. In fact freshwater species are going extinct more rapidly than terrestrial or marine species. 

Another benefit of preserving these wild places is that wetlands such as mangroves, seagrasses, marshes and swamps are highly effective carbon sinks that absorb and store carbon dioxide. All these ecosystems are examples of how the natural world acts like the body of Christ, each with an important and vital role to play.

Living Coast Ministry

Harbor Christian Church has established a program called Living Coast Ministry (formerly Blue Theology) that focuses on the interconnection between the natural marine world and the divine. Our Living Coast Theologians enjoy a week-long summer residential program at Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, California.  Harbor is located just across the street from the Upper Newport Back Bay. Being located in coastal Southern California gives us access to many wild places that most people never have the opportunity to experience. Living Coast Ministry at Harbor supports participants in visiting these natural wonders while helping to develop an ecological spirituality. 

What do we mean by ecological spirituality? Throughout the week, each group enjoys hands-on experiences that deeply connect them to the surrounding ocean and shoreline ecology. Each evening participants are led in discussions, sacred experiences and activities that support them in crafting their unique ecological lens on spirituality. In other words, Living Coast Ministry brings together real world experience and the sacred, allowing participants to ask new questions of their faith and to open to more expansive experiences of the divine. ​

We love the opportunity to host youth groups and their chaperones from all over the country. To date we have hosted groups from Minnesota, Colorado as well as local groups from Southern California. This summer we will welcome groups from California, Kentucky and Maryland. Our Living Coast Ministry team would love to hear from and potentially host you and your group.  If you would like more information on Living Coast Ministry in Newport Beach please click here:  

Living Coast Ministry

Going Carbon Neutral

Feb 24, 2025
OUR CALLING God created the earth and deemed it good (Gen. 2:4b-9) and in Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created and are held together (Col. 1:15-20). As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and care for God’s creation. We share a common responsibility for the […]

Going Carbon Neutral

OUR CALLING

God created the earth and deemed it good (Gen. 2:4b-9) and in Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created and are held together (Col. 1:15-20). As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and care for God’s creation. We share a common responsibility for the stewardship of God’s good earth, as a matter of justice, so that it can sustain all species, peoples, and future generations.

Today, Disciples of Christ are called to bring our leadership to the moral challenge of climate change. Damage to our climate puts the health of our children and elderly at risk, hurts the poorest among us the most, and harms God’s creation.  Read more about the Resolution here. 

Webinar

Going Carbon Neutral:  How to Reach Our Goal to Care for God’s Creation

OUR RESPONSE

The Resolution Concerning Carbon Neutrality was passed at the 2017 General Assembly. Download the resolution here.

CONGREGATIONS GOING CARBON NEUTRAL

Mission Hills Christian Church, Los Angeles, CA 

Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

CARBON NEUTRAL GUIDE

Blessed Tomorrow Moving Forward Guide
Carbon Neutral Guide-Spanish

Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar

Feb 19, 2025
Watch Video Excerpts from the 2025 Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar (featuring Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo).

Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Original Description for the Event

Disciples Justice Ministries is hosting an Immigration Webinar on Tuesday February 25, 2025 at 3PM ET that is free of charge and open to the public. 

In this 90-minute session we will address needs and questions from congregations about changes in the US immigration system and ways that we can faithfully engage these pressing issues. We’ll hear from Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo and other faith and justice leaders.

Videos from the Event

Justice and Creation Summer Fellowship 2025

Feb 17, 2025
The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a second cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in […]

Justice and Creation Summer Fellowship 2025

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is April 15th, 2025 – Deadline Extended!

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a second cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2025 cohort the summer of 2025. 

Download the 2025 Application

2024 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 13 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in 7 regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways. Sites from 2024 included: 

  • Foothills Christian Church, Glendale, AZ 
  • Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, Fort Collins, CO 
  • Bethany Beach Christian Church/ CCCA Conference Center, Bethany Beach, DE
  • First Christian Church, Madisonville, KY
  • First Christian Church Princeton, KY  
  • QC Family Tree, Charlotte, NC 
  • Harmony Springs Christian Church, Uniontown, OH 
  • Be the Neighbor, Denver, CO 
  • Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX
  • Camp Caroline, Arapahoe, NC

“We started a brand new Farmers Market

and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”
Kristy ~ Mentor
Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

“I noticed God everywhere.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”
Cecily ~ Fellow
Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

“I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

“Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”- Rev. Christy Drechsel Regional Executive Minister Christian Church in the Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

Green Chalice Online Gathering

Jan 30, 2025
Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established […]

Green Chalice Online Gathering

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established or emerging Green Chalice churches and people interested in active hope are welcome to join in this informative and spirit led conversation. Together we will learn and offer support and prayer for one another as we care for creation and our neighbors in these times. You can register for the free event here.

Eco Story Circle Series: Exploring gratitude and grief in these times

Jan 30, 2025
March 6th – April 17th  Thursdays, 12-1:15 pm ET Register Here. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=d973b2c1-98bf-4272-893d-a530ca6fd512&envId=p-2Xj0BlI5rEm8MRVgKSYv6w&zone=usa Led by Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri and therapists Connie Burns and Sydne Stone. This 7-week Lenten learning experience is designed by therapists, pastors and chaplains. Together, we will explore emotional and spiritual responses and share stories in the face of current ecological and social […]

Eco Story Circle Series: Exploring gratitude and grief in these times

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

March 6th – April 17th 

Thursdays, 12-1:15 pm ET

Register Here. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=d973b2c1-98bf-4272-893d-a530ca6fd512&envId=p-2Xj0BlI5rEm8MRVgKSYv6w&zone=usa

Led by Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri and therapists Connie Burns and Sydne Stone.

This 7-week Lenten learning experience is designed by therapists, pastors and chaplains. Together, we will explore emotional and spiritual responses and share stories in the face of current ecological and social challenges. Responses like grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger, and despair are normal responses in unprecedented times. This course is designed to offer mutual support, healing, insight, and compassion, not a therapy experience. *Registration Fee = $20 *Scholarships available, Email Shardinnieri@gmail.com

Past participants expressed profound gratitude for being among people who could talk honestly about grief, suffering, and the ecological and social challenges of our time.

The movement of these 7-weeks together will include the following:

1. Introductions/Orientation

2. Sorrow/Grief

3. Anger

4. Fear/anxiety

5. Shame/Guilt

6. Despair/Hopelessness

7. Integration and wholeness

Weightlifters

Jan 2, 2025
This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator--one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time. It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Weightlifters

by Brian Frederick-Gray

2025 Laity Readiness Resource

This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator–one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time.

It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, & Programs

WHAT’S INSIDE?

  • Laity Sunday Litany
  • (7 ) Trainings Videos
  • (3) Downloadable Workshops
  • (1) Youth Study
  • (1) Men’s Study

After the Storm: Cultivating Hope/Healing after a Disaster

Jan 2, 2025
This experience can be adapted for a 1-2 hour session, in-person during a church education hour, retreat, or workshop, or online. Though designed for people of faith, it can be expanded for interfaith or broader community settings.

After the Storm: Cultivating Hope/Healing after a Disaster

by Brian Frederick-Gray

This experience can be adapted for a 1-2 hour session, in-person during a church education hour, retreat, or workshop, or online. Though designed for people of faith, it can be expanded for interfaith or broader community settings.

Facilitator’s Note: 
Your role is to create a safe, courageous space for individuals to share, listen, and deepen empathy. Resources like Parker Palmer’s Touchstones for Creating Trustworthy Space can help guide boundary-setting. This resource focuses on spiritual care rather than disaster preparedness. Let participants know if they start to feel anxious or have a trauma response please invite them to step out or raise their hand for support. Tears are welcome in this space. People may begin thinking they are ok and find that memories bring emotions and memories that are a surprise.

Context: 
There will be space during this time to turn attention to any variety of traumas, storm, flood, mass violence, fires, collective illness or something
else. If your community has shared a common
trauma, like a hurricane, try to include symbols

or tangible items that have meaning in your community.

Hospitality Considerations:

  • Will food or beverages be provided?
  • How will the space be set up (indoor/outdoor, seating arrangements)?
  • Ensure accessibility for all participants.Materials Needed:

Materials Needed:

  • LED candles (or traditional candles)
  • Cloth/items for sacred space
  • Refreshments
  • Paper, pens/markers, oil pastels, flat rocks(or less expensive cards or sticky notes) for optionalbenediction
  • Nametags
  • Canvas boards or thick paper (one per person)

Green Chalice Climate Action Center

Dec 10, 2024
Become A Green Chalice Climate Ambassador Are you one of the millions of Americans who are growing more concerned about climate change? As we witness and experience impacts to our health, livelihoods, congregations and neighborhoods, we are increasingly looking for guidance on solutions from leaders in our daily lives, including faith leaders like you. With this […]

Green Chalice Climate Action Center

Become A Green Chalice Climate Ambassador

Are you one of the millions of Americans who are growing more concerned about climate change? As we witness and experience impacts to our health, livelihoods, congregations and neighborhoods, we are increasingly looking for guidance on solutions from leaders in our daily lives, including faith leaders like you. With this four-hour training, which you can do online and on your own time, you will strengthen your knowledge about climate change, working for climate solutions, and how to speak and advocate on the issue with confidence and success.  Join over 100 Disciples who have been trained!

Take the Disciples Climate Ambassador Training Here

Download More Information Here

Build Momentum on Climate Action

Our Moving Forward: A Guide to Climate Action For Your Congregation and Community provides you with information and resources to reduce energy use, to build resilient houses of worship as refuges from a changing climate, and to encourage support for policies that better care for creation. También disponible en español.

Climate Action Sheets — What to Know & What to Do

Join an Interfaith Movement-One Home One Future

Join congregations from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and other denominations, congregations, multifaith organizations, and individuals across the nation in joining One Home One Future.  One Home One Future is a seven year, multifaith campaign that educates, activates, and supports clergy, congregants, youth, and all spiritual people in meaningful and just climate solutions. Sign up to participate

Campaign participants will receive free congregational toolkits with a banner to hang in front of your house of worship. You will also gain free access to training and guides, a library of worship and educational resources, action sheets, webinars, retreat resources, programming opportunities, events, and an online community of practice to connect and collaborate within and across faith traditions.

The  One Home One Future  campaign offers Seven Pathways for action designed to meet you and your community wherever you are:

Sign the Green Chalice Covenant

Dec 10, 2024

Sign the Green Chalice Covenant

Green Chalice Program

Dec 10, 2024
The purpose of the Green Chalice Program is to encourage and assist local congregations/DOC Offices and Assemblies who wish to live out their faith by caring for creation. With the urgency of climate change impacting our neighbors and world right now we have prioritized Carbon Neutrality while still inviting congregations to care for creation more generally. This program is designed to […]

Green Chalice Program

The purpose of the Green Chalice Program is to encourage and assist local congregations/DOC Offices and Assemblies who wish to live out their faith by caring for creation. With the urgency of climate change impacting our neighbors and world right now we have prioritized Carbon Neutrality while still inviting congregations to care for creation more generally. This program is designed to recognize congregations for being good stewards of God’s creation. It also aims to empower congregations/assemblies with ideas and resources to enable them to walk gently on the earth. Download a Green Chalice Brochure here:  Spanish, Korean, English.

The program has two tiers. The first level is to become a Green Chalice Congregation/Assembly. The second level is to become a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregation or Assembly.

To see a list of the Current Green Chalice Congregations and CERTIFIED Green Chalice Ministries, please click here. Carbon Neutral Congregations can be found here.

Level One- Become a Green Chalice Congregation

Step 1: Form a Green Team

The first step simply requires someone to gather other church members who are passionate for creation who will commit to meeting regularly to examine the church’s practices and to facilitate change.

Solar Panels on FCC Black Mountain, NC

Step 2: Sign the Green Chalice Covenant

The second step requires that your green team reads and signs the Green Chalice Covenant as a sign of your commitment.

Step 3: Make three changes

The third step puts your commitment into action. Make three changes that will move your congregation toward better caring for God’s creation.

Third Step Examples: Get an Energy Audit, Start or Enhance a Recycling Program, Use Real Dishware, Stop using Styrofoam and disposable dishes, Changing to efficient light bulbs, Install programmable thermostats, Start a community garden, Serving local foods, Plant Native Species plants, Plant Trees in the community, Participate in the Disciples Coffee Program, Purchase Eco-Palms for Palm Sunday, Weave Creation into worship in prayers, hymns, liturgy and sermons, Use Eco-Friendly cleaning products, Provide Eco-Tips in Newsletters, Install Rain Barrels for watering, Host a Farmer’s Market, Have a Green VBS theme, Partner with Local Organizations for Advocacy, Do a creation care study series, Observe the Sabbath.

Congratulations: You are a Green Chalice Ministry!

Email information about your three steps to Green Chalice Co-Minister Scott Hardin-Nieri and receive your certificate and recognition. Don’t stop here, there is more work to be done.

Level Two- Become a Certified Green Chalice Congregation

Becoming a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregation or Assembly

Before becoming a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Ministry, you must be a Green Chalice Ministry and:

  • Create a Creation Care Team*
  • Adopt the Green Chalice Covenant*
  • Make three changes in any area*

Then

  • Notify the Green Chalice Minister of your commitment and your intention to begin work toward CERTIFICATION*

Then

And

An Intersectional Gospel: Faith that Moves Beyond Comfort

Dec 2, 2024
Panel Discussion featuring Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen, Dr. Irie L. Session, Rev. Gabriel Lopez, and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri; moderated by Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray

An Intersectional Gospel: Faith that Moves Beyond Comfort

by Brian Frederick-Gray

From the Theological Manna series — An Intersectional Gospel: Faith that Moves Beyond Comfort. A Panel Discussion featuring Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen, Dr. Irie L. Session, Rev. Gabriel Lopez, and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri; moderated by Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray.

photo is of University Christian Church Hyattsville, MD

Funding for Good: Community Collaboration and Grant Writing

Nov 21, 2024
This webinar recording is a collaboration with National Benevolent Association (NBA), Green Chalice and Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and offers tips, strategies and practical stories to help your congregation grow networks and resources to faithfully engage in climate action, community care and creation care. While this workshop will highlight stories of creation care funding it will be applicable to all collaborative efforts for congregations seeking to look outward in practice and resourcing.

Funding for Good: Community Collaboration and Grant Writing

by Brian Frederick-Gray

photo is of University Christian Church Hyattsville, MD

November 21st at 8pm ET

With Kara Whitehouse and Green Chalice guests.

Watch the Webinar Recording

This webinar is a collaboration with National Benevolent Association (NBA), Green Chalice and Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and offers tips, strategies and practical stories to help your congregation grow networks and resources to faithfully engage in climate action, community care and creation care.

While this workshop will highlight stories of creation care funding it will be applicable to all collaborative efforts for congregations seeking to look outward in practice and resourcing.

photo is of University Christian Church Hyattsville, MD

Funding for Good: Community Collaboration and Grant Writing

Oct 30, 2024
November 21st at 8pm ET With Kara Whitehouse and Green Chalice guests. This webinar is a collaboration with National Benevolent Association (NBA) and Green Chalice and Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will offer tips, strategies and practical stories to help your congregation grow networks and resources to faithfully engage […]

Funding for Good: Community Collaboration and Grant Writing

by Brian Frederick-Gray

photo is of University Christian Church Hyattsville, MD

November 21st at 8pm ET

With Kara Whitehouse and Green Chalice guests.

This webinar is a collaboration with National Benevolent Association (NBA) and Green Chalice and Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will offer tips, strategies and practical stories to help your congregation grow networks and resources to faithfully engage in climate action, community care and creation care.

While this workshop will highlight stories of creation care funding it will be applicable to all collaborative efforts for congregations seeking to look outward in practice and resourcing.

Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training

Oct 30, 2024
AME, ABCUSA, DOC, ELCA, NBCUSA, PCUSA, TEC, UCC, UMC, and ecoAmerica are partnering to offer the Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador Training to equip you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change in your home, neighborhood, church, community, with policymakers and beyond. The training is practical, inspiring, and backed […]

Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training

by Brian Frederick-Gray

AME, ABCUSA, DOC, ELCA, NBCUSA, PCUSA, TEC, UCC, UMC, and ecoAmerica are partnering to offer the Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador Training to equip you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change in your home, neighborhood, church, community, with policymakers and beyond.

The training is practical, inspiring, and backed by science.

If you have any questions before registering, please contact FaithAmbassadors@ecoAmerica.org