Why Sign up? 

We are living in a time when the climate is changing. Fire and flood, unbreathable air and undrinkable water, rapid loss of forests and biodiversity – these are signs that humanity has lost its way as stewards, caregivers, siblings to the good, created world around us.  

In a time of environmental crisis, what does it mean to respond faithfully to God’s call to care for creation? What does it mean to follow Jesus to be with the vulnerable and those who suffer because of environmental damage? And what is the particular work of the Church in these times; where young and old alike face an uncertain future? The climate is changing, and we who follow Jesus must move towards this suffering and loss, as God calls us to be hope and healing in the world.  

In our experience as pastors and climate action leaders in the church, we find that discussing climate brings a diverse set of emotions, from a soft denial that hides our fears to an anxiety that is immobilizing to an anger that doesn’t find an outlet. How can pastoral care and preaching provide resources for people to engage, care, and act? 

What is it? 

Open to 25 pastors and church leaders, this 6-month cohort will bring together scientific and theological resources, formational insights and practical guidance. The cohort will include: 

  • A 3-day retreat from Feb 7- 9, 2025 at Camp Assiniboia near Winnipeg, Manitoba.  
  • Four Zoom sessions (1 per month) 9am - to 12pm CT, March 5, April 9, May 7, and June 4. 
  • A 2-day retreat from July 5-6, 2025 in Kitchener, Ontario. 

An exciting component of this cohort will be the invitation to initiate a climate related project that each participant will work on during the duration of the course and will have an opportunity to report on as we draw the cohort to a close.  

We know this is a significant commitment, but when it comes to responding to climate change, we need more than information, we need formation, even transformation into new Spirit-induced approaches.  

We will build on the experiences and knowledge that you already bring from your ministry in your congregation or ministry. We will discover biblical and pastoral resources on creation care and climate change and bring stories of ways congregations have engaged these issues. We will also have time for reflection on your ministry in the congregation and will support each other in planning the course projects.  

Schedule 

Opening Retreat 
Friday, Feb 7, 12:00 noon to Sunday, Feb 9, 3pm. 
Camp Assiniboia, Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Presenters at our February gathering will include Professor Rachel Krause (CMU, Biology Dept), Joanne Moyer (The King's University, Environmental Studies and Geography), Wendy Janzen (MCEC eco-minister and pastor of Burning Bush Forest Church), and others including Doug Klassen on pastoral care in the context of the climate crisis and Sandy Plett on building hope in a time of crisis. 

Register for Opening Retreat (deadline Jan. 15): 

REGISTER

Zoom Gatherings 

Four half-day gatherings, tentatively scheduled for Wednesdays: March 5, April 9, May 7, and June 4. 

Tentative themes include preaching on climate and hope, climate and racial justice, climate and decolonization (indigenous justice), and climate and immigration. Each session will also be a time for participants to update one another on their climate-related project.  

Concluding Retreat 
Saturday, July 5 3pm - Sunday, July 6, 7pm 

Near Kitchener, ON (location to be determined) 

Themes and speakers are yet to be finalized but will likely include responding to natural disasters, public policy, climate and peacebuilding. This gathering will follow immediately after MC Canada Gathering 2025, also in Kitchener and ending on July 5 at noon.  

Registration Fees

Opening retreat (Feb. 7-9) registration fee: 

Note: Because of generous funding from Mennonite Church Canada and Anabaptist Climate Collaborative, we are offering a significant subsidy for all participants. 

  • $250 per participant for accommodation and food. 

Possible additional subsidies:  

  • Transportation costs (up to $450 per participant) will be reimbursed by Mennonite Church Canada.  
  • Reduced registration fee of $150 for the second registrant from same congregation. 
  • Registrants may request a $200 subsidy if the participant and/or congregation is unable to cover the full cost (bringing registration fee to $50).  

We encourage participants to attend CMU’s Renew conference on February 11-12. All CMU costs are the responsibility of the participants. 

Register for Opening Retreat (deadline Jan. 15): 

REGISTER


Concluding retreat (July 5-6) registration fee: 

  • tentatively $100 per participant for food and lodging – to be finalized in April 2025. 
  • Travel costs will be the responsibility of the participant and their congregation.  
  • A subsidy may be requested if the travel and/or lodging costs present a barrier to participation. 

Note: MC Canada Gathering 2025 is happening July 2-5 in Kitchener, ON.  


Questions? Contact Sandy Plett