Notice. Cherish. Protect.
All are welcome to join Earth Ministry as keepers of the flame of serious environmental stewardship at WBUUC.
Earth Ministry supports White Bear Unitarian Universalist’s long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship and the 7th UU Principle “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.” The motto “Notice. Cherish. Protect.” guides the Earth Ministry’s work. When fear and despair about climate change and biodiversity loss is daunting, being present and in community can be a source of strength and inspiration to act.
Get Involved
All are welcome to join Earth Ministry. Monthly meetings focus on planning activities, and ways are sought to partner with allied committees such as Climate Change Action, Land Stewardship, Gallery and Worship Council, as well as with external groups such as the UUA Ministry for Earth and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light. For more information on WBUUC’s Earth Ministry, contact Co-chairs Joanna Eckles or Dana Boyle.
Current Activities
Phenology Board
Phenology is the study of cyclical events in nature like the timing of blooming plants or migrating birds. Mark your observations of local flora and fauna on the Phenology Board at church or use this link to post an observation online. Seeing the cycles of nature from year to year is a form of Community Science.
iNaturalist
Take photos on church property and tag them to the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Project on iNaturalist. Here is a link to this living catalogue, which helps identify the species of flora and fauna. A beginner’s tutorial for using iNaturalist on your iOS or Android smart device is located on this site.
7th Principle Online Exhibit
Visit the online 7th Principle Exhibit celebrating Earth Day 2020, to view creative expressions from the WBUUC community.
A Short Selection of Recommended Resources on Healing the Earth
All We Can Save – Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis,
Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson (also, see the All We Can Save Project)
Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Nature’s Best Hope, by Douglas Tallamy (also, see the Homegrown National Park Project)
Real Change. Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World, by Sharon Salzberg
Saving Us – A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, by Katharine Hayhoe