Rio Texas Conference Creation Care Connection, led by First UMC-Sonora senior pastor Mark Brechin and facilitated by RTC Director of Mission, Service & Justice Ministries Abel Vega, in 2023 began observing an emphasis on Creation Care as enhancement of Native American Ministries Sunday. The inaugural RTC Creation Care event brought together faith and community groups to provide information congregations need to move forward with their own projects.

UM Pastora Liliana Padilla offered Centro Comunitario Impacto in San Antonio as the venue of Celebración de la Tierra on Sunday, April 23.

During the Sunday morning weekly gathering of community members, Pastora Padilla shared a fiery exhortation to honor the Creator, and asked the weekly Sunday morning community participants what actions they would pledge. Araceli Herrera, proprietor of Domesticas Unidas, explained how she uses vinegar, baking soda and non-toxic natural substances to clean houses; then provided demonstration throughout the afternoon.

A large artwork created at the center served as photo backdrop, as also did a decorated San Antonio Water System Conservation Department electric vehicle during its first public appearance.

Children learned about trees, watersheds, plastic pollution prevention and gravity from community organizations. Esmeralda Mendoza and Sandra Losoya-Fuentes of the Missions Committee of Iglesia Metodista Unida La Trinidad provided children art opportunities. Annabella Vega and Ann Vega of Chapel Hill UMC provided face-painting and decals for children and adults.

Spring Creek UMC shared the design of its nature trail and member-built labyrinth. Northern Hills UMC utilized the San Antonio River Basin demonstration model borrowed from San Antonio River Authority.

Wesley Nurse Marta Ek and Methodist Healthcare Educator Ana Ramirez, RN, provided information.

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio shared their journey to forever protect the headwaters of the San Antonio River through acquisition and conservation easement. Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, Native Plant Society of Texas-San Antonio chapter, Alamo Group of the Sierra Club, Bexar Branches Alliance, Pax Christi Texas, and San Antonio Water System provided consultation to support faith groups throughout the afternoon.

Our hope for this inaugural event is not to make this event larger, but to build confidence among our congregations to celebrate and lead in their own neighborhoods in future.

Article contributed by Rachel Cywinski, United Methodist Global Ministries EarthKeeper volunteer