This WEBSITE has been CONSOLIDATED into the InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) Website as of 2/2022 found at http://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/ . Please check it out for updated information on our group.
Historical listing of Events followed by Pictures
2022
* Creation Care Sunday at POP, February 5,6, 2022
2021
* What You Can Do About Climate Change in-person event, October 25, 2021
* Climate Reality/En-Roads Discussion on Zoom, January 25th and Feb. 1st, 2021
2020
* Relay for our Water September 16th and 17th, 2020
2019
* Paris to Pittsburgh screening at five churches from September 11 to October 29th, 2019
* Climate Change in our Own Backyard with Mark Seeley, May 19, 2019
2018
* Celebrating God's Creation Through Songs and Stories, October 28, 2018
* Sacred Encounter with the Earth June 24, July 22 and August 26, 2018
2017
* Healthy Planet Healthy People, November 12, 2017
* We Can Do This: A Clean Energy Future!, April 22, 2017
2016
* We Can Do This: Climate and the Economics of a Renewable Future, November 12, 2016
* POP Mega Sale Recycling Effort, August 25, 26, 27, 2016
* Climate Care: Taking Next Steps, January 31, 2016
* Planning meeting for Taking Next Steps January 2016
2015
* The Intersection of Faith, Climate Change and Weather November 7, 2015
* 2nd meeting of the Interfaith Creation Care South Metro/Twin Cities
* Creation Care Recognition during June Picnic June 20 and 21st, 2015
* Solar Energy for home and community Environment Solutions Event April 12, 2015
* Film screening of the Journey of Hope Environment Solutions Event April 19, 2015
2014
* Woman's Retreat October 2014
* Electric Vehicle Environment Solutions Event September 2014
* Earth Day Recognition Event, first event under new name of POP Creation Care April 2014
2009-2013
* Justice for Creation was less active during this period but continued recycling at the Mega Sale and continued the tree giveaway for Earth Day.
2008
* "Creation Sings", May 25th, 2008
* The second Creation Fair, May 18, 2008
* One of many Sunday displays, January 2008
2007
* Movie "Inconvenient Truth" was aired February 2007 (no picture)
* Bagged Groceries at Cub with donated reusable bags October 2007
2006
* Alternatives to disposable gift wrap program began November 19, 2006
* Creation Fair, October 7,8, 2006
* Earth Day Recognition with free trees, April 23, 2006
* Will Steger 2nd presentation, March 26, 2006
2005
Diaper Ministry began, 2005
CFL light bulb distribution, 2005
Mega Sale Handbook, 2005
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CREATION CARE SUNDAY AT POP
The Prince of Peace (POP) Creation Care Group supported by InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) complemented the Care for Creation worship services at POP on Saturday night (Feb 5th, 2022) and the two services on Sunday morning (Feb. 6th, 2022). The services included music, prayers, videos and a very inspiring sermon by Pastor Jeff Marian on Care for Creation. Chris Erickson the leader of our group had a special video part in the sermon. You can view the on-line service at this link from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1423672871420292 . The whole service is worth watching for the strong emphasis on taking care of God's special gift but the sermon really makes a strong statement. The sermon begins with a short video at 28:27 with Chris starting at 36:20. If not on Facebook here is a Youtube link that just covers the sermon and runs 14 minutes. Chris will start his comments at 6:50 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5IdiDCKK9w . Pictures of the table display, some of the conversations that were had, and the volunteers who participated for both the Saturday and Sunday services are found below. Those that joined us on Saturday were Diane Grier from Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Burnsville, Paula Thomsen from Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran, Prior Lake, Chris and Kay Erickson and Curt Carlson from POP. Those who assisted on Sunday were John Crampton from Oak Grove Presbyterian, Bloomington, Paula Thomsen from Shepherd of the Lake. Chris and Kay Erickson, Curt and Nancy Carlson from POP.
From the beginning God has called us to care for this planet we call home. It's increasingly clear that we have not done the best job in responding to that call. When we care for Creation we honor the Creator.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
Working to try to return to some degree of normalcy 
during the Covid 19 pandemic the POP Creation Care Small Group working with InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) sponsored the event WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE. This was our first in-person event in two years and we followed CDC Covid 19 guidelines for indoor gatherings. It was held at Prince of Peace this time in its newly constructed Chapel on Monday, October 25, 2021. We were quite happy with the attendance and participation. Bill Middlecamp repeated his presentation previously given on Zoom under the title of Climate Reality/ En-Roads Discussion earlier in the year. As one of 20,000 trained Climate Reality leaders from more than 150 countries and a trained En-ROADS facilitator, having him back for this in-person event made all the sense in the world. The larger audience in person made for a more spontaneous presentation to address the elevated concerns caused by the recent severe global and local weather events we have experienced. If you were not able to attend the event you can check out the video of it at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nB1dXH-muvelm2EcEfuL7vsOhV94AFak/view . An added feature to the event was Chris Erickson from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church singing his new song What We Can Do. A music video of it can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKuGK4rZ2sk . Check out some of the pictures from the event below.
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CLIMATE REALITY/En-ROADS DISCUSSION on ZOOM
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RELAY FOR OUR WATER
Interfaith Creation Care South Metro in which POP Creation Small Group is a part of, in
collaboration with Lakeville Friends of the Environment joined the "Relay for Our Water" which was sponsored by Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL). Our portion of the event occurred September 16th and 17th, 2020. Water from Itasca State Park has been transported by foot, bicycle, canoe and Electric Vehicle around the state by different groups. This "Water Walk" is a Native-American tradition to celebrate the importance of water in our lives. It also draws attention to the Treaties we have with our native neighbors and draws attention to the Enbridge Oil Pipe Line #3. Our group had a "Sacred Encounter" ceremony at South Creek in Lakeville in which we celebrated water and blessed the water on its way back to Itasca. Chris Erickson led a ceremony to honor water. Songs were sung, scripture was read and heartfelt stories about what water means to our lives were told. As we passed the water on we felt a connection and ownership or responsibility to protect our water. Water is Life. We received the water on the 16th and transferred it to the next group on the 17th. It will be returned to Itasca in October at the end of the wild rice harvest.
Water is under siege from pollution, climate change, mismanagement and corporate environmental disasters. Without clean water, we cannot live. In many of our Native-American cultures, woman are the Keepers of the Water. In recent times many brave women also known as Water Protectors have captured the attention of the world by leading demonstrations at Standing Rock to stop the oil pipelines or Flint, Michigan demanding clean water for our children. The elders understood since the beginning of time of time that clean water is essential for the survival of all living being. It is incumbent on all of us to help raise awareness and protect our water for future generations. Check out the Pictures of Events page for pictures of the event.
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PARIS TO PITTSBURGH Screening
The
screening of the National Geographic film Paris to Pittsburgh was a big draw
to many south metro faith communities. Prince of Peace Creation Care Small Group working with InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) (now a coalition of Creation
Care stewards from 14 churches) sponsored the screenings at five south metro
churches from September 11 through October 29th , 2019. The film highlighted the impassioned efforts
of Americans who are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of
climate change. The federal government
has stepped back from supporting the Paris Accords but that is not stopping the
American people in all walks of life, as shown in the film, to step forward and
offset for this action. As the weather
grows more deadly and destructive, cities and citizens are taking action. Following the screening there were some great
discussions addressing many concerns.
The most obvious question raised was “What can I do”. Answers were ably provided and all were
directed to handouts provided by ICCSM at their table or in some cases other
groups present and to the ICCSM website at http://iccsmtc.blogspot.com
. Those churches providing screenings
were Risen Savior Catholic in Burnsville, St. John’s Lutheran in Lakeville,
Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran in Prior Lake, The Well United Methodist in
Rosemount, and St. Thomas Becket Catholic in Eagan. Light refreshments were provided.
ICCSM is committed to be good stewards of God’s
creation. We accept that 98% of
scientists agree that humans are changing the creation in harmful ways. That we have the ability to mitigate this
change and should take appropriate action now.
We recognize our moral imperative to act and that inaction causes
suffering for the poor today and threatens the future for us all. We encourage you to view the ICCSM website at
http://iccsmtc.blogspot.com
to learn about our organization. We are
always looking for more participation. So
please join us. Check out some of the pictures from this event from all five churches.
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Climate Change in Our Own Backyard with Mark Seeley
Dr. Mark Seeley, U of M Professor, climatologist and meteorologist
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Celebrating God's Creation Through Songs and Stories.
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Sacred Encounter with the Earth. The Prince of Peace
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Healthy Planet Healthy People, was held at Prince of Peace. The event was on Sunday, November 12, 2017. It showed the strong concern that our community has for how climate is impacting our health even in Minnesota. We had testimonials from Bill Middlecamp and Kay Erickson followed by our headline speaker. That speaker was Dr. Bruce Snyder, Neurologist and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the U of M School of Medicine and a member of Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. We had good table discussions following the speaker and questions and answers after that.
The poster for our event.
The event sponsor was Interfaith Creation Care (IFCC) which Prince of Peace Creation Care Group is a member.
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We Can Do This: A Clean Energy Future! This event occurred on Earth Day April 22, 2017 at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Prior Lake. Prince of Peace Creation Care small group worked in cooperation with the nine other partner faith communities within the Interfaith Creation Care South Metro to present this event. We called on Dr. Jay Coggins again to give an updated version of his presentation given at Rosemount United Methodist Church in the fall of 2016. Dr Coggins is a teaching professor at the University of Minnesota who researches air & water policy, air pollution and public health. His presentation was appreciated by all of those who attended.
Our Poster for this event.
The mission statement and website for Interfaith Creation Care was on full display.
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We Can Do This: Climate and The Economics of a Renewable Future was sponsored by InterFaith Creation Care South Metro which Prince of Peace is one of the nine faith communities that make up this group. Dr. Jay Coggins, Environmental Economist and professor at the U of M, who researches air & water policy, air pollution and public health spoke to us on how inaction in addressing climate change has a higher cost than doing something now. We had another great turn out at Rosemount United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 12th.
This was our marketing poster
The InterFaith Creation Care core group with Dr. Coggins.
Church members from all nine faith communities joined us and here were signing in.
Bill Middlecamp from the ICC South Metro welcomed us to his church and spoke briefly about the science of taking care of God's creation.
We had another great turn out.
Dr. Coggins then spoke.
He was well received by all.
Chris Erickson helped to coordinate the questions afterwards.
There was a lot of interest in the economics of Climate action.
Bill and Dr. Coggins posed afterwards.
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The POP Creation Care Small Group took on the recycling challenge during the 26th annual POP Mega Sale. This was a monster effort to learn the process that Lynette Kaderlik has fine tuned over many years. We collected paper and plastic bags collected during the collection days and sorted them by type and size for reuse during the sale. We also collected from all departments cardboard, paper, plastic and metal for recycle. It was a fun effort.
Shown at our sorting table from left to right are Chris Erickson, Nancy Carlson, Curt Carlson, Mary Swisher, Kathryn Cole, Rick Flater and Kay Erickson. Not shown are Lynette Kaderlik, Carolyn Raedeke, and Beverly Doeden.
Lynette Kaderlik, who we learned a great deal from and appreciate her experience and guidance.
Some of the many crushed cardboard and paper bundles on skids that we processed.
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Climate Care: Taking Next Steps after months of planning finally occurred Sunday, January 31, 2016 at St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church, Eagan. Interfaith Creation Care South Metro/Twin Cities, made up of nine churches, and of which Prince of Peace was a strong participant, sponsored this event. All nine churches were invited and over 200 church members came to the event. Paul Douglas was our primary presenter and he spoke on how our climate is changing and what is being done to attack this problem. Representatives from Youth Be the Spark, a program coordinated by Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light then presented their concerns for the world they are inheriting. There were, following the presentation, displays in the hallways and breakout sessions that provided Next Steps for all of us to follow. The event was a great success and appreciated by all.
Kay Erickson enjoying a high five with our special guest.
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The Interfaith Creation Care group representing now nine churches met regularly to plan our first sponsored event called Climate Care: Taking Next Steps. The group is really developing cohesion.
Left to right sitting at the table Marcia Lewis, Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, Burnsville, Bill and Jill Middlecamp, Rosemount United Methodist Church, Kay Erickson, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Burnsville, Bill Ireland, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Apple Valley. Right to Left standing Rick Flater, Prince of Peace Lutheran Burnsville, Alice Maung-Mercurio, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran, Prior Lake, Julia Nerbonne Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Dan Rietz, St. Thomas Becket, Chris Erickson Prince of Peace and Adam Fitzpatrick St. Thomas Becket. Not shown taking picture Curt Carlson Prince of Peace. Additional not shown Maure Creager, Living Joy Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, Susan Eckhardt Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Burnsville, Patrica Brokman, St. John Neumann Catholic Church Eagan.
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The Intersection of Faith, Climate Change and Weather was an event put on by Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Prior Lake. Prince of Peace in coordination with the eight member churches of the Interfaith Creation Care South Metro supported the event. Paul Douglas Minnesota's first AMS-Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, Dr. John Abraham a climate scientist teaching at St. Thomas University and five ministers from a variety of faiths presented their understanding of climate change and the seriousness of reacting appropriately to this challenge. We had strong attendance from the eight churches totaling 200 plus.
All age groups were represented.
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The second meeting or the Interfaith Creation Care South Metro was held at Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, Burnsville on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. The first meeting was in June at Chris and Kay's house. The group was called together to see how we might join forces with other green teams in the churches south of the river to make a bigger impact in our community. The group is made up of Prince of Peace, St. John Neumann Catholic Church Eagan, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Apple Valley, St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church, Eagan, Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, Burnsville, Rosemount United Methodist Church, Living Joy Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, and Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake,
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Worship services on June 20th and 21st, 2015 gave recognition to God's creation and the importance of the caring for it. The theme focused on how we can care for God's creation for the next generation. The services were outdoors and there were games for the kids, live music, a cook out. Pastor Claire Cassell gave the sermon. An audio of that sermon can be found in the Audio section of the INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES page on this website. Our group was introduced and provided assistance in making sure that trash was recycled appropriately. The cook out included hot dogs, chips, cookies and beverage to several hundred. We used paper plates, and compostable cups, At the end of cleanup, we collected all paper plates, napkins, cups, uneaten food and they filled about eight garbage bags. All of that went to a commercial organic composter. Only two small bags remained which contained several plastic water bottles and aluminum cans. They went to recycling. The only thing that went to landfill was one small bag about the size of a bread bag that contained potato chip bags and candy wrappers. This is how recycling can be done with minimal waste.
Chris and Kay Erickson joined Rick Flater from the Creation Care Group to help coordinate the recycling at the event.
Mark Slaughter was impressed with the effort.
As stewards of God's creation we are responsible for restoring our natural environment and living sustainably. We embrace clean, renewable energy as a way to reduce our carbon emissions and restore balance in God's creation. The first of two events highlighting Solar energy and celebrating the annual global recognition of Earth Day was held in the community room of the church following services on April 12, 2015. Home owners Ross and Lisa LaMothe, Energy Services Representative from Dakota Electric Mike Plutowski, Trevor Drake of Clean Energy Resources Team (CERT), Sean Gosiewski, Executive Director for Alliance for Sustainability were presenters with Doug Shoemaker from Minnesota Renewable Energy Society helping to answer questions afterwards.
Group shot following the event. L to R Curt Carlson POP Creation Care group (POPCCG), Mike Plutowski Dakota Electric, Kay and Chris Erickson (POPCCG), Ross and Lisa LaMothe home owner presenters, Trevor Drake (CERT), Sean Gosiewski Alliance for Sustainability, Doug Shoemaker Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, Rick Flater (POPCCG) and Don Knudson (POPCCG).
Our second event highlighting Solar energy was held April 19, 2015. This was the film screening of the video Journey of Hope. Robin Riley's recently finished film documents how the Minneapolis congregation Mayflower United Church of Christ courageously forged the path to become energy sustainable by 2030 using Solar energy and more efficient use of existing energy. The film brings new insights into how faith organizations can tackle climate change issues and forge a new path for building sustainable communities of hope and promise.
The Women's Retreat on October 24-26, 2014 with leadership from Creation Care Group had a theme of "Nurture Nature, Nurture Self". Four speakers addressed the issues of caring for our planet and caring for ourselves. Fifty two women attended.
A few of the participants enjoying what they heard.
The beauty of our environment was captured.
Our Creation Care team with the assistance of the MN Plug-in Owners Circle held an Environment Solutions Event on Sunday, September 14th, 2014 in the parking lot of the church. The event showcased some of the plug-in electric vehicles that are available to help reduce our family's carbon emissions.
Mark Hanson a Tesla Model S owner and Jill Middlecamp a Nissan Leaf owner are talking with Associate Pastor Sandy Rothschiller early in the AM by our table, tent and refreshments.
Chris Erickson and Curt Carlson are enjoying a break in the event to enjoy the beautiful weather we had.
This Environment Solutions Event was put on by the POP Creation Care Group (POPCCG) with the assistance of the MN Plug-in Owners Circle (MNPOC). Curt Carlson (far left in white) is a member of both groups and drives a Toyota Prius PHEV. Chris Erickson (behind left) is with the POP CCG. Jill and Bill Middlecamp drive a Nissan Leaf (MNPOC). Ryan Holland and his wife drive the Tesla Roadster (MNPOC). Ralph Jenson drives a Nissan Leaf (MNPOC). Sharon Papendick is with POP CCG. Nigel Linden is with POPCCG. Mark Hanson drives a Tesla Model S (MNPOC). Rod Motzko drives a Chevy Volt (MNPOC). Not pictured here but a major contributor to the event were Kay Erickson, Shawn Jorgenson, Robin Riley and Claire Cassell.
These are some pictures of our successful Earth Day 2014, April event at the church community room.
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| This is a group shot from the Saturday night crew |
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| Chris Erickson had composed a song titled "Save it" which addressed saving our earth for our children and grandchildren. He sang it while playing his ukulele as church members entered the church while Rick Flater handed out Creation Care information cards. |
We regret that the most enduring part of the weekend was not caught on camera. Two of our members Maure Creager and Kay Erickson gave personal testimonies before the congregation for all services Saturday and Sunday. They spoke from the heart on why they feel it is important for them to take the actions they took to protect God's creation. To say the least our group was extremely proud of their efforts. If we had their picture it would show HERE.
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| Lynette Kaderlik is shown talking to a number of individuals about our many displays. It is important to note that she was determined to help out despite having knee surgery only days before. |
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| Robin Riley is presenting Sr. Pastor Jeff Marion with his tree. We handed out hundreds to church members. |
May 25, 2008
"Creation Sings"
Justice for Creation sponsored this event where the congregation came together one evening May, 25th, 2008 to recognize and celebrated the changes being made on behalf of God's creation. Entertainment was provided by musicians and performers including Heatherlyn, Paul Dean, and Aaron Hanson.
Creation Fair #2
May 18, 2008
This Fair showed the various ways that we all can contribute to improving God's creation. There were 22 tables displaying the many ways we can change. The displays included Buying Local, Supporting local Farmers Markets, Using reusable shopping bags, Shopping wisely, Stopping Junk Mail, Using Non-toxic cleaners, Sustainable Landscaping, Reusing old tshirts as diapers, Using Resusable water bottles, Recycle your wast, Save Energy at home, Recycle your household items, Using wind energy, The POP energy team and many more.
One of Many Sunday Displays
January 2008
Bagged Groceries with Cub Donated Bags
October 2007
Alternative to Disposable Gift Wrap Program Began
November 19, 2006
Interactive displays of alternatives to disposable gift wrap for the holidays were a big hit. The first of this effort was November 18,19. We encouraged using reusable and compostable supplies for their parties.
Creation Fair
October 7,8, 2006
Our Creation Fair was a defining event. Pastor Mike Foss asked everyone at the services to join him in attending the fair. Held in the community room, it emphasized through experience displays the smell, touch and sounds of God's creation. We showed how creation was in crisis, the 1st aid for creation and invited people to take a pledge to make changes in their lives. Visitors were given a pamphlet with a bible verse, contemplation, question and prayer for each day of creation. Booths were set up reflecting each of these creation themes and our responsibilities for them.
Earth Day Recognition Tree Distribution
April 2006
In recognition of Earth Day on April 23rd, 2006 we distributed donated trees from Dakota Eletric Association. (This become an annual distribution of trees from this source up until the recent years.)
Will Steger's Second Presentation
March 26, 2006
Will Steger, famous Minnesota Arctic explorer, gives his second talk to POP. The topic this time is how faith had sustained him in his years of exploring.
Grant Money provided the boost to our group
2005
Justice for Creation in early 2006 received a grant that was made available to churches to reduce landfill waste. The money was used to purchase 21 recycling and waste containers, display boards and other equipment for our mission. We purchased industrial reusable bags from TARPS to sell to people to discourage using plastic bags. We also purchased 400 spray bottles and ingredients to make "Alice's Wonder Spray" a homemade natural cleaning solution. We also purchased 400 reusable water bottles as well as 600 pencils made of recycled newspapers with the saying "Take good care of God's Creation" all of which were given out at event and Sunday displays.
2005
Justice for Creation in early 2006 received a grant that was made available to churches to reduce landfill waste. The money was used to purchase 21 recycling and waste containers, display boards and other equipment for our mission. We purchased industrial reusable bags from TARPS to sell to people to discourage using plastic bags. We also purchased 400 spray bottles and ingredients to make "Alice's Wonder Spray" a homemade natural cleaning solution. We also purchased 400 reusable water bottles as well as 600 pencils made of recycled newspapers with the saying "Take good care of God's Creation" all of which were given out at event and Sunday displays.
Great job on the photos! It's cool to look back and see what we have accomplished in the last couple of years. Thanks so much for making sure we take pictures, and for displaying them here.
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