God has entrusted humankind with the responsibility to be stewards of creation, to care and share, to touch the earth with gentleness and with love, to respect all living things and to responsibly use the resources generously given to us.
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The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15)

On a daily basis our lives are defined by the choices we make. Stewardship of creation relates to how we, as Christians, choose to use the gifts God has bestowed on us in furthering His mission in this world. We become faithful stewards when we acknowledge God’s creation and the abundance of His gifts and respond with a determination to care for creation. 
Feb 14, 2025
Feb 21, 2025
Did you know Earth Day is April 22nd? The theme this year is “Our Power…Our Planet.” In the weeks leading up to Earth Day, we will be posting items in the Friday E-News that encourage and inspire our continued care of God’s creation. In addition to the E-News items we will be sharing, please check out the upcoming newsletter for an interesting article about Glory’s Creation Care History.
As this is also Valentine’s Day, what better day to share info that ‘shows some love’ for our common home!
You will have noticed and used the Slim Jim recycle containers and signage located in the Narthex, kitchen, and other rooms throughout the church promoting our congregations desire to compost and recycle more, in order to waste less.  DID YOU KNOW that these containers were purchased from an Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) grant through the Community Champions Program (CCP).  The grants come from the sale of Bottle Depot recycled containers.  We were able to receive the grant because you, the congregation, recycled your beverage containers through our church.  The containers were taken to a local Bottle Depot and Glory received the usual refund plus was given credit for its recycling initiative.
Feb 28, 2025
March 7, 2025
As a Greening Faith Community, Glory Lutheran actively collects its organic materials for composting. As residents of Strathcona County we have the privilege of participating in our communities incredible composting program. Anything deemed organic, that is, ‘anything that relates to or has derived from living matter,’ can be placed into our green bins. This includes, all food (including meat and dairy) and soiled paper items like cupcake wrappers, French fry boxes, yes, even that napkin you used to wipe your fingers on!
For a more detailed list of what can go in the green organics bin, please visit:
https://www.strathcona.ca/your-property-utilities/garbage-and-recycling/roll-out-carts/organics-green-cart/
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Quick! Name 5 things that can be recycled ….
You probably had several things come to mind as there are many items accepted for recycling. Here at Glory Lutheran Church, recyclable items are collected, sorted, and then taken off-site to a recycle station where items are then placed into their appropriate bins (mixed paper, cardboard, glass, metal, hard plastics, Styrofoam, tetra paks). Photocopier toner cartridges, electronics, batteries, and security lights are amongst the items we take to the Broadview Enviroservice Station for recycling. All beverage containers collected are delivered to the Bottle Depot for refund.
Did you know about the changes coming for plastic recycling? Starting in April, plastic clamshell containers, and take-out containers will be accepted for recycling in your blue bags. The introduction of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is making this possible. For further EPR information, check out page 12 of your recently delivered 2025 Strathcona County WASTE COLLECTION CALENDAR.
March 14, 2025
March 22, 2025
March 18 – Global Recycling Day is an annual United Nations recognized event that aims to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and its benefits.  The 2025 theme, “Breaking Barriers,” focuses on overcoming global challenges in recycling and waste management. One of the sub themes relates to the 6 R’s of Recycling.  Before we place items in the waste bin, we are encouraged to make a choice…our choices make a difference.
  • Reduce: choose to reduce the number of products and services we use.
  • Reuse: choose to find new ways to reuse items instead of throwing them away.
  • Recycle: choose to convert used materials into new products.
  • Rethink: choose local or Canadian products with minimal packaging.
  • Refuse: choose not to purchase or consume unnecessary products.
  • Repair: choose to fix broken or damaged items instead of discarding them.
In regard to Reuse and Recycle, check out the Strathcona County Broadview Enviroservice Station and the HodgePodge Lodge.  The Lodge just received national praise and an award.
EARTH HOUR – SATURDAY, MARCH 22 – 8:30-9:30 p.m. local time
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Join individuals, families, municipalities and cities around the world and switch off your lights and electronic devices for one hour to provide an opportunity to reflect on our energy consumption. The annual highlight of Earth Hour sees the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour.  Edmonton has participated in Earth Hour since 2007 recognizing the importance of making energy efficiency part of your everyday lifestyle. Enjoy Earth Hour this Saturday at 8:30 p.m. with a candle-lit dinner, a family games night by candle-light or a time for reading the Bible in front of the fireplace. 
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March 30, 2025
April 4, 2025
March 30th is International Day of Zero Waste. The United Nations Environment Programme and UN Human Settlements Programme have jointly facilitated this to highlight the importance of supporting global waste management, and the need to promote sustainable consumer and production practices. This year’s theme focuses on fashion and textiles which is an industry taking a toll on the planet not only with the pollution it creates, but also in how it feeds climate change. By rethinking what we purchase, how much we purchase, and where we purchase our items from, we contribute positive actions towards waste reduction.
The UNEP suggests these sustainable practices: Change the narrative that newer is always better and Shop less, shop better. 
You may want to check out two compelling documentaries on Netflix titled, "Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy" and "The Minimalist … Less is Now.”
Do you hate discarding plastic clamshells in the garbage?  With Strathcona County opting to expand its participation in the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program, households with curb side pickup are now able to recycle plastic containers like clamshells in their blue bags.  “EPR is a policy where producers are responsible for the end stage of their product’s life cycle.  This means that producers (companies or manufacturers) are now responsible for paying to collect and process their products when they’re thrown away, and not municipalities and taxpayers.”1 This is a huge step toward limiting plastics in our landfill.  Suggestion: Continue to choose to minimize the purchase of products with plastic packaging.
For more complete information on EPR, the financial and environmental savings and a listing of products that can be recycled, connect with the following links:Strathcona County Waste Management:  
1 Reference Strathcona County 2025 Waste Collection Calendar
April 11, 2025
In more than 190 countries, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 with over six million Canadians joining in the annual global event by taking part in activities to help protect the environment. This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a day of civic participation and action on a local and global level.
The theme for the Global Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power…Our Planet”, highlighting our consumption of power, how it is generated and the potential for renewable energy production.
Go to EarthDay.org and check out the Earth Day Activities being taken across the world. You will find news and stories, individual action toolkits and fact sheets on topics including plastics, fashions, bees and endangered species.
On this Earth Day, we pray: God of Creation, grant us the wisdom and strength to care for your earth, its creatures, and all that you have created, that future generations may thrive.  Amen.
The ELCIC invites members and congregations to join with Christians of various traditions in celebrating and honouring a Season of Creation, held annually from September 1 to October 4. This year's theme is “Peace with Creation”. This is an opportunity to affirm the Lutheran World Federation's commitment to address climate change through liturgy, prayer and action​.

October 21st to the 27th is Waste Reduction Week in Canada!

" Since 2001 the Waste Reduction Week in Canada campaign has engaged Canadians to better understand the issues of waste and the opportunities they have to accelerate our transition to a circular economy. Starting with a focus on recycling education and collection events, it has now expanded into a month-long celebration. Now part of the larger month-long campaign, Waste Reduction Week continues to educate about the waste reduction component of a circular economy, focusing on major waste streams and topics."
See more information here: 
https://circulareconomymonth.ca/about-circular-economy-month/waste-reduction-week/​

Here is what is being highlighted for the week in Strathcona County: https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/footprint/
Things we've found interesting:
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