What is our focus:

There are two areas to focus on to make sure we are caring for God's creation.
  1. Help reduce global warming: Conserve natural resources by developing alternate power sources that make our building more energy efficient
  2. Help preserve and expand natural resources worldwide: develop a prairie, rain garden, and landscape options for birds, pollinators, and wildlife; move toward sustainable living that does not harm the environment.
The world's faith communities state that climate change and protecting biodiversity and natural habitat are moral issues for all of us. Statements from the heads of the Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches all agree that
nations and their people must address reversing global warming and reducing the degradation of natural habitats.

Our love for God must be reflected in fulfilling the role God gave to humanity. God appointed us to bear God’s image (Gen 1:27) and entrusted this world to our care(Gen. 2:15). So caring for God’s creation is one of the most fundamental things we are called to do as Christians.
  •         Genesis 1:1-31 God made the heavens and the earth and it was good.
  •         Genesis 2:15  Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation. 

Can I be a part of the committee?
Absolutely! All are welcome to join. Contact Peter Gebhardt at 715-630-3584 or [email protected] or 
Carol Moore at 715-340-3362 or [email protected].

​Current News from Creation Care Steward Teams

Environmental Sustainability: Our Building
  • Task Force Members include: Peter Gebhardt; Dorey & Jamie Delikowski; John Rendall; Larry Kind; and Tom Ordens. They have worked closely with Ryan Negro from Focus on Energy.
  • Upgraded all outdoor and indoor lights to LED lights, except for gym. Savings for the lighting upgrade - saving 11,758 kWh; Annual savings -$1295.79;  Cost payback 3.38 years Cost: $4383.71, paid for by Focus on Energy incentive and capital accounts of both churches. 
  •  Replace refrigerators and dishwashers to Energy Star appliances, saving 2,202 kWh. Cost - $3,000.00
  •   Investigate solar panels as alternative solar source.
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Natural Environmental Sustainability: Our Property
  • Task Force ​Members include Paul Doxsee; Larry Kind; Carol Moore; Judy Ordens; Mary Schoonover; Gary Cumley; 350 Stevens Point; and UWSP Environmental Restoration Society. We have worked closely with Brendan Woodall, US Fish and Wildlife Services, who provided the seeds and plant plugs for our prairies.
  • Developed a prairie and a pollinator garden on our South property.
  • Developed a native rain garden on our North property.
Both projects were funded by US Fish & Wildlife Services, Local Businesses, Thrivent, and Beloved Community Members. Total cost: $2,075.00.
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Creation Care 2024 Goals​​

Environmental Sustainability - Our Building
  • Replace Gym lights to LED lights will occur in June/July and will save 3,000 kWh. Cost: $5,278.00, paid for by Focus on energy incentive, major funding by Beloved Community member, and the remainder through the Redeemer Lutheran Church capital account. 
  • Replace refrigerators and dishwasher to Energy Star appliances. Cost - $3,000.00
  • Keep solar energy on the docket.
Natural Environmental Sustainability - Our Property:  Click on Creation Care Proposal 2024 box at top of page for details. The Task Force Members prioritized the goals as follows:
  • Install water lines to East, South, and West properties - Cost: $1,500.00
  • Install Three Sisters Gardens - Cost: $1179.00
  • Repair Front Waterfall and West Door Pond - Cost: $4,000.00
          
If you have any questions about the Beloved Community’s Creation Care Projects, please contact the office at [email protected] or 715-310-9295, and we will connect you with the Coordinators.


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