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."

CLIMATE JUSTICE CONGREGATION

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

In April 2024, Westwood Lutheran Church was excited to be 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 thankful for this recognition and also have more work to do 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.

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.