Overview
Purpose
The EarthCare Ministry rose from the grassroots of the Unity movement, coming from the deep desire to express Unity's belief in our oneness with all divine life in ways that directly impact our planet home. As in so many areas in Unity, we saw the importance of walking the talk. As stated in our vision statement, “All humanity lives in a spiritual consciousness that manifests as loving coexistence with all creation and care for our Earth home.”
The purpose of EarthCare is to support Unity Worldwide Ministries in fostering the awareness of our spiritual oneness with our Earth home and to promote active care of creation. We do this through a number of services and resources, including the Path to EarthCare.
Vision
All humanity lives in a spiritual consciousness that manifests as loving co-existence with all creation and care for our Earth home.
By empowering Unity congregations, EarthCare envisions Unity Worldwide Ministries as a powerful force and global leader in addressing the climate change emergency and moving society towards environmental justice in order to create a world that works for all. In so doing, it will vitalize and expand our Unity movement.
Mission
To foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth, to promote active care of all creation, and to assist congregations in integrating an earth-oriented spirituality into their ministry.
Unity Worldwide Ministries Covenant
The Unity first principle states that there is only one presence and one power pervading the entire Universe. Unity Worldwide Ministries is committed to embodying this principle and honoring our Oneness with the earth. Recognizing that we live in a web of interconnectedness, and our actions affect the whole, we endeavor to touch the earth lightly and with reverence. And we encourage our members to do the same.
12 Powers for Our Planet Initiative
The Unity Worldwide EarthCare ministry’s mission is to foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth, to promote active care of all creation, and to assist congregations in integrating an Earth-oriented spirituality into their ministries. By empowering Unity ministries, the EarthCare movement envisions Unity Worldwide Ministries as a powerful force and global leader in addressing the climate change emergency and moving society towards environmental justice in order to create a world that works for all beings. The initiative includes monthly resources to use in your ministry based on the 12 Powers. This initative will launch in April.
Climate Change Resolution
On October 14, 2015, Unity Worldwide Ministries Board of Trustees acknowledged, in part, that climate change is real and that human activity is a significant cause of climate change. UWM also acknowledged that climate change is an issue resulting in both environmental degradation and social injustice. As such, we commit to serve, as our faith leads us, to take steps in healing the planet. Read the complete resolution here.
In a separate resolution in April of 2019, the Board of Trustees affirmed its power to restore balance to the planet and all life forms, and engage this power through our conscious and compassionate choices.
Gift Giving Ideas for Christmas and Beyond
Rev. Marge Brown wrote this article for the EarthCare Team in the hopes that churches will share it in their newsletters. Let's focus on meaningful experiences and helpful services rather than accumulating more stuff.
2023 Green Star Award Applications
We are pleased to accept applications for this year’s Green Star Award until Monday, May 15, 2023. As in the past, the award recognizes Unity congregations that have completed at least three significant environmental activities in the 2022 calendar year that foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth and promote active care of creation for the environment. Your congregation isn't required to be certified under the EarthCare Program. EarthCare Program and application information can also be found under the "resources" tab on Facebook.
2021 Green Star Award Winners
-Unity of the Blue Ridge, Mills Creek, North Carolina
-Unity of Kalamazoo, Michigan
-Unity of Vero Beach, Florida
Earthcare Program
The EarthCare Program implements the seven step Path to EarthCare by assisting church communities in integrating an earth-oriented spirituality into their ministry. The program guides congregations in discovering what Spirit calls them to do to care for our Earth home and its co-inhabitants. It manifests Unity's Fifth Basic Principle: Through thoughts, words, and actions we live the truth we know.
Program Documents
EarthCare Program (overview)
Sample EarthCare Covenant (rtf file)
Sample EarthCare Covenanting Ceremony
Covenants, Vision Statements, Mission Statements, and Action Plans
EarthCare Steps and Actions: Suggestions/Opportunities
Environmental and Social Justice (Step 5, Action 7)
- Spiritual Social Action Small Group Ministry book
- Touching Shame by Beth Rimmes
- Unity Online Radio, Voices of Unity episiode with Mike McCord, October 20, 2020
- Religious Organizations: Cans and Can'ts
- Religious Organizations: Political Activities
- The Power of Taking a Stand
In-House Energy/Environmental Audits (Step 5, Action 1)
- Abbreviated In-House Energy/Environmental Checklist
- Expanded In-House Energy/Environmental Checklist
- In-House Energy/Environmental Audit Resources
Unity EarthCare History
How to Attract Millenials to Church: Resource Links
List of Certified Ministries
Starting a Green Team and Keep It Going
Subtle Activism
UWM's EarthCare Covenant
Why Get Involved in EarthCare?
Program Flexibility
We realize that not every action may be appropriate for your ministry, and that there is a growing number of Expansion Unity Ministries. Please contact your regional coordinator or EarthCare Program Coordinator at earthcare@unity.org if you would like to discuss options to the Steps and Actions of the EarthCare Program.
Ministry Resources
Support Documents
EarthCare Curriculum (under construction)
Books & Films
UWM Climate Change Action Resolution
Congregational Brochure
Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility Investing (definition & sample policy)
Youth Resources
Green Problem Solvers
Incorporating EarthCare into Ministry Year-Round
Online Resources
EarthCare Ministry Team Resources and Services
Unity Quotations Regarding Nature and the Environment
Green Facility Assessment (checklist)
Cool Congregations Contest, sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light
Moving Forward: A Guide To Climate Action For Your Congregation and Community
Newsletters
Mike McCord, Editor
Spring 2023
Winter 2022-2023
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022
Winter 2021-2022
Fall 2021
Summer 2021
Spring 2021
Winter 2020-2021
Fall 2020
Summer 2020
Winter 2019-2020
Fall 2019
Summer 2019
Spring 2019
Winter 2018–2019
Facebook Page
facebook.com/UnityEarthCareBeth Remmes, Unity Atlanta Church, moderator
Mentoring/Collaboration Call
Please join us monthly for the Mentoring and Collaboration call to discuss EarthCare issues, facilitated by a member of the EarthCare Core team. We meet on the 3rd Saturday at 11 a.m. Eastern time. Either click the link below or call into the Collaboration site.
Mentoring/Collaboration Call Link
Call in:
+1-571-392-7650
PIN: 362 445 3205
YouTube Channel
Numerous timely and informative videos in the areas of Social Justice, Educational, Spiritual Practice, Poems & Inspiration, and Music. Moderated by Mary Gerken.
Regional Coordinators
Region Contact Email Address
Canada Mike McCord michael_mccord@sbcglobal.net
Eastern Martha Powers, Unity on Cape Cod, MA mpowers7@gmail.com
or Mary Gerken agreatpickle@gmail.com
Great Lakes Kathy Harwood Long, Friends of Unity, Plymouth, MI kathyharwoodlong@gmail.com
Northwest Cylvia Hayes, Unity Community of Central OR cylvia@3estrategies.org
West Central Mary Gerken agreatpickle@gmail.com
Pacific Rim Cylvia Hayes, Unity Community of Central OR cylvia@3estrategies.org
South Central Mike McCord, Unity Church of Overland Park, KS michael_mccord@sbcglobal.net
Southeast Beth Remmes, Unity Atlanta Church, GA bremmes@hotmail.com
Southwest David Cordova, Unity Church of San Antonio, TX davecordova@msn.com
Workshops
Active Hope: Resilience & Possibility in These Times
(1.5 hrs). Summon our collective regenerative power and access your ability to wisely navigate the turmoil of these times.
Contact Beth Remmes or visit earthspiritaction.com.
Awaken the Dreamer Through Unity
Where on Earth are we going? And what can we do about it? These are two of the questions that are at the heart of the Awakening the Dreamer through Unity symposium.
For more information, contact Mike McCord.
Contact Us
Contact Mike McCord at earthcare@unity.org or call 913.907.4061.
