Dennis Eby practiced soil and water conservation on his Lancaster County farm for 28 years. This is one reason why he is qualified to work with “plain sect” farmers who do not always know of new farming regulations and are less likely to ask the government for help. Eby is completing his second year with the Lancaster County Conservation District, stating that his job “is a continuation of taking care of the Earth and developing good stewardship” (Eby’s quote from Mennonite Weekly Review). read more

Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA, takes rain seriously. On March 22, 2008, the congregation sponsored a rain barrel-making day that produced 11 barrels.

Rain barrels enable homeow ners to capture rainwater and save it for later use watering lawns or gardens. A rain barrel cuts down on ground water usage and on the amount of unfiltered stormwater rushing into local streams.

Doug Ehst, a teacher at Lancaster Mennonite Middle School, led the barrel-making endeavor. He says enthusiasm was high and hopes to organize another barrel-making day that will produce 11 more barrels.

Blossom Hill is a congregation of about 120 people, many of whom feel a strong sense of responsibility to care for the earth. Some drive hybrids; others favor cloth diapers as a way to cut down on waste. Recently the group built a new building that is heated and cooled with a ground source heat pump—a highly efficient HVAC system that exchanges heat with the earth rather than the air.

Earth Ministry, a well-organized, eye-catching website, provides ample resources to people of all ages and groups of all sizes. Focusing on issues of climate and energy, transportation, food and farming, water and the like, Earth Ministry suggests changes for individuals, families and congregations. Their links point to a vast array of publications, worship aids and devotions highlighting creation care. Take advantage of visiting a very informative, yet not so overwhelming, site which offers hope through success stories.

www.earthministry.org