Stewardship of Creation

We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are deeply concerned about the environment, locally and globally, as members of this church and as members of society. Even as we join the political, economic, and scientific discussion, we know care for the earth to be a profoundly spiritual matter.  - ELCA Social Statement on the Environment, 1993

SOLAR PANELS

Resurrection Lutheran Church is concerned about global climate change and its threat to the well-being of all creatures.  To this end, in November 2006, we became the first church in Chicago to install a solar thermal water-heating system on the roof of our church building.  Funding for this project was secured with the help of Faith in Place.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

Citing the fact that we are the first church in Chicago with solar hot water, then-Illinois Lieutenant Governor (now Governor) Pat Quinn presented Resurrection Lutheran Church with a 2008 Environmental Hero Award on Tuesday, December 30, 2008.  Pastor Brian Hiortdahl, Office Steward Doreen Reifel and then-church council president Jim King were joined by Faith in Place Executive Director The Rev. Clare Butterfield, and Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Wayne Miller for the afternoon press conference at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.  Resurrection was one of twenty-six recipients in 2008.  

CLOTH BAGS

A group of Resurrection members sews cloth tote bags from high-quality heavyweight fabric donated by an office furniture manufacturer.  The bags are then donated to Lakeview Pantry for use by patrons, given away as "thank you gifts" and available for sale during Coffee Hour with proceeds going to our Manna Meals ministry.

To join the sewing project contact Opal Katsma or Anne Roberts.

FAIR TRADE COFFEE

Resurrection is a Fair Trade congregation and serves only Fair Trade Coffee and Tea.  We support the Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Coffee Project.  LWR plays a critical role in helping to sustain a just system of trade that allows small-scale farmers to stay on their land, support their families, plan for the future and care for the environment.  You can support Resurrection Lutheran Church and the efforts of LWR by purchasing Fair Trade coffee and donating it for use at Coffee Hour.