St. Paul’s Green Team

God created the earth and called it good (Gen. 2:4b-9) and placed human beings on the earth to sustain and protect creation (Gen. 2:15). As Christians we are called to love our neighbors (Luke 10:27) and to serve the least among us (Matt. 25:45). Our neighbor includes all of creation, and climate change most acutely impacts the least of those among us.

The Green Team at St. Paul's was organized in the Spring of 2019 to help us be better stewards of God’s good creation. Through education, support and inspiring one another to care for all of God’s creation, we can be the faithful stewards our Creator calls us to be.

As a Green Chalice Congregation, individual members and friends of St. Paul's covenant to Worship God with all creation and pray for the healing of the earth; Study the climate crisis and engage others in climate solutions; Repent and forgive for the harm we have inflicted on the earth that sustains life; Advocate for eco-justice public policies and witness by living sustainable lifestyles; and Rest in God's good creation and invite others to delight in nature. The goal is not perfection but progress toward living a more sustainable lifestyle. All are welcome to join the work of the Green Team. 

Current Community Practices Include:

• Composting our community food scraps and organics, and inviting members and friends to do likewise. St. Paul’s compost service is open to all - click here for more info!

• Supporting our Community Garden for members and friends with compost and sustainable gardening practices.

• Embracing solar energy as a way to reduce our congregational carbon footprint and reduce energy related expenses. Click here for more information about the 19.2 kW solar array that we installed in July of 2021.

• Practicing water sustainability with the help of an 1,100 cistern that collects rain water flowing off the roof of the Brown Building. Via a solar-powered pump, this water can be accessed by St. Paul’s community gardeners. Click here to learn more about the water cistern and to view the beautiful mural that was painted on the cistern by local volunteers.

• Encouraging and supporting community engagement around good storm water practices. Learn more about St. Paul’s Rain Garden Project that was completed in October 2022, with support from the City of Raleigh Rainwater Rewards Program.

• Annual Earth Sunday Worship Services and Celebration – Join us in April each year for a special outdoor worship service! One of our favorite Earth Sunday traditions is getting an update from the perspective of St. Paul’s White Oak Tree, Quercus Alba, nicknamed Aunt Alba, about all that has happened on St. Paul’s campus over the years:

  • 2022 Update from Aunt Alba - Written & Performed by Cathy Cralle Jones

  • 2021 Update from Aunt Alba - Written & Performed by James Brady

To join in our communal work, or for more information, contact Cathy Cralle Jones.

Click Here to Visit St. Paul’s Virtual Treasure Map

Check out St. Paul’s map of outdoor treasures, featuring Eagle Scout projects, various gardens, historical artifacts & more!