`Caring for God`s creation`: Taking steps against climate change

So convinced by the biblical mandate to care for the earth, the Rev. Jonathan Barker, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, made significant changes in his personal life and adopted the practice of minimalism. Ten years ago, he removed his television to save electricity and consume less, since he would not be exposed to commercials.

“I own one pair of jeans that I wear each day except Sunday,” he said. “I also became vegan because the meat industry is the largest contributor to greenhouse gasses. I bought a fully battery-operated electric car — the Nissan LEAF. Finally, my wife and I were able to put solar panels on our roof to power our car and home with sun-power.”

Barker also brought his congregation into using green energy in a number of areas, such as by switching all of the lights to energy-saving LEDs, as well as incorporating washable plates for the Grace Welcome Center, the church’s free community breakfast program. Grace Lutheran also uses washable trays when hosting the Soup Kitchen Network each Wednesday....