This course invites learners to deepen their biblical, theological and scientific understanding of God’s call to care for creation and work for climate and environmental justice for all people.
Learners will learn how to speak about the deepening climate crisis with love, and take active steps toward environmental justice, both personally and with others in their congregations and social settings. Learners will also be equipped to help lead the course in their own contexts, through in-person or Zoom settings.
Both course materials and conversations will share the joy of encouraging resources and connections with many other climate justice efforts, especially, but not limited to, those springing up within the United Methodist Church.
In addition to Blackboard interactions, one optional Zoom meeting may be held, scheduled with learner input, during the second week. The meeting will not be recorded.
Learners must obtain the book: Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action edited by Pat Watkins, in the updated 2023 edition. A hard copy version of the book is available at UWFaithresources.org.
This course has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries. It provides the required 10 contact hours.
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $105
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: Yes, optional
Certification or Series: Yes (Lay Servant Ministries)
Read course description for details.
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About the Instructor
Rev. Beth Galbreath is a United Methodist deacon. She has been active in the environmental and renewable energy movements since the early ’70s, and chaired her city’s first Sun Day celebration in 1978. She has been a solar advocate in the Illinois Solar Education Association, a wilderness canoeist and organic gardener, and a leader in the Northern Illinois Conference Net-Zero Committee (econetnic.org). She and Jim and their (previously solar-powered) electric vehicle have relocated to the snowier Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but she’s still looking for new steps to take toward a lifestyle of “net-zero carbon emissions” – the latest, cooking with induction.
Past Learners Said…
“The course was complete. We could see the history of climate (in)justice through the ages. It was also very convicting and moving. The first week was difficult (emotionally) learning about the effects of our throwaway society. And the 2nd week helped me see where I can make a difference in my own home, in my church and into my community. Beth did an outstanding job as moderator for our discussions. I so appreciate her leadership in all of the classes I have taken led by her.”
“I learned so much about the impact of climate change and how it intersects with so many other things, such as race and socioeconomic status and gender. I learned how this relates to us as Christians and how we are called to respond. Finally, I learned how to take the many resources that there are and craft my own plan to work toward climate justice in my church and my community.”
“Where to even start about what I learned? I think the thing I learned that will stick with me for the rest of my life is the real cost of items that we purchase. Just recently while shopping I looked differently at all the ‘cheap’ stuff I used to buy just to brighten up my home. The course was so good.”
“Shortly after my Mountain Sky Conference voted to establish a Green Team in every church throughout the conference, I joined the Green Team Outreach (GTO) group to help spread the word within my district. Shortly thereafter, I received an email from BeADisciple announcing the new course offering “Loving People and Loving the Planet,” and I thought it would be a great resource for the work ahead–I was not disappointed!”
“This course is invaluable in learning just where we are in the struggle to redeem our earth from the damage we are doing to it. There is something for every person and every church. I highly recommend it.”
