St. Aidan's/Northside Presbyterian Natural Habitat
St. Aidan's Episcopal and Northside Presbyterian Churches occupy five acres of forested land located in an otherwise congested urban environment adjacent to the University of Michigan North Campus. In 2009 a youth class analyzed the natural features of the forest and applied for a National Wildlife Habitat Registration. On May 3, 2009, the two congregations formally dedicated the Natural Habitat in a public ceremony. Annual celebrations continue to memorialize the eco-restoration work that is an ongoing ministry at St. Aidan's and Northside Presbyterian Churches.
At St. Aidan's and Northside Presbyterian one really does worship in the woods as we face the natural habitat through pane glass windows (sometimes the deer interrupt the service). The God of Creation is never far from mind. And we have found through the years that many of our members receive much of their spiritual nourishment from nature and are especially attracted to this setting. Preservation and sharing of this precious gift with the community is very important to us.
Resources
Vision: A Result of Praxis, a Case Study Involving the Environment, by Susan McGarry
Slideshow of Significant Events
The Theology of Eco-justice
The prefix, Eco, is derived from the Greek word, oikos, which means household, house, or a family. And, whereas the term's root meaning is the same as for Economy and Ecology, its connotation within an eco-justice ministry is "action to wholeness for God's household," that is, all of creation. Therefore, Ecotheology and its action corollary, Eco-justice Ministry, speak to the interrelatedness of all beings, as it advocates for world peace, social justice for all creatures, and environmental sustainability.........read more