ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Westwood explores theology, God's creation, and current ecological concerns. When we ask, "What is distinctive about the church's response?" and "How does faith impact the environment?" ...it is with ears of faith, we listen.

We are called to respond in ways that embody God's love for all of creation and the resurrection, even through unsettling climate change. As we lament the state of our relationship with creation, we lean into the proclamation: "In hope we are saved."

In 2024, Westwood Lutheran Church was certified as one of 35 congregations and spiritual communities across Minnesota that are leading the way in changing the climate crisis from a story of fear to one of hope. Learn more about the Climate Justice Congregation Program (CJC).

We are grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing our work in the community and with others. Westwood hopes to be a role model and resource to other congregations. We hope to galvanize more people of faith, spirituality, and consciousness to respond to climate change and heal our relationship with the earth.

CLIMATE JUSTICE CONGREGATION

Westwood was awarded by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light with a recognition certificate.

WESTWOOD'S "GREEN TEAM"

The Westwood Environmental Sustainability Team is a group of members helping to live out this core value.

The team is on a mission to help our congregation and the broader community live "greener" and eco-friendly lives. Small changes by individuals can lead to bigger changes for the thriving of our neighbors and the world God loves.

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**NEW** Quarterly Eco-Newsletter, "A Greener Westwood, A Greener World"

The "Green Team" is excited to premiere the first issue of the new quarterly newsletter!

Click to read Winter 2025

Click to read Fall 2025

Mark Your Calendars:

Community Listening Sessions, 5:30-6:20, 2nd Wednesdays of the month - Fireside Room

(October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11)

Westwood's Road Map (strategic plan) states we will "be a catalyst for co-creating Westwood’s next large-scale community-facing initiative(s) to address pressing needs."

Although decisions may be several years away, Westwood begins the process of discerning ideas.

Step one is to host monthly listening sessions with community leaders. Some of these conversations include a focus on Environmental Sustainability (a Westwood Core Value). All are welcome.

Get dinner from the community meal and join the conversation in the Fireside room.

October 8: Dr. Carlondrea Hines, Superintendent SLP Schools, along with Whitney Terrill, a prior environmental justice coordinator with Sierra Club, Interfaith Power and Light, and Hopkins Planning Commission.

November 12: Emily Ziring, Sustainability Manager, City of St. Louis Park.

BOOKS

"The Planet You Inherit: Letters to My Grandchildren When Uncertainty's a Sure Thing" by Larry Rasmussen.

The revered Lutheran environmental ethicist author writes letters to his young grandchildren about the world they are inheriting. Many members of our congregation read this as part of an "all congregation book reading" several months ago. Where to buy

RESOURCES (misc.)

Below are resources for Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, the City of St. Louis Park, and Electrify Everything Minnesota. Many energy companies, cities, and the state have offered new and improved rebates for 2024 and beyond.

For local residents, the City of St. Louis Park Sustainability webpage is a resource and covers FAQs.
Xcel Energy provides residential tips for saving energy and available rebates.
CenterPoint Energy provides efficiency programs and rebates for Minnesota.
Make your home climate-friendly and more comfortable through electrification.
If you're unsure where to start, visit Electrify Everything Minnesota.

Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light shared a resource guide and a copy of the presentation from this Spring.

A resource guide with QR codes for additional organizations.
PDF copy of Buff Grace's excellent presentation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

​Westwood explores theology, God's creation, and current ecological concerns. When we ask, "What is distinctive about the church's response?" and "How does faith impact the environment?" ...it is with ears of faith, we listen.