In the midst of rising temperatures, intensifying storms, and growing environmental injustice, one question looms large for people of faith:
How can our congregations take root and SEED LIFE in the face of the climate crisis?
This is not just a scientific or political question—it’s a spiritual one. Our faith traditions call us to be stewards of creation, caretakers of our neighbors, and builders of hope in uncertain times. That’s why Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is inviting Green Teams, faith leaders, and environmental advocates from across the region to come together for a powerful morning of inspiration, education, and action.
Join us on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oconee Street United Methodist Church in Athens for a regional Green Team Summit Circle designed to cultivate deeper commitment and stronger partnerships within Georgia’s faith-based environmental movement.
Why This Gathering Matters
The climate crisis is not just a future threat—it’s a present reality. Georgia communities are already feeling the impacts of heatwaves, flooding, and environmental pollution. But amid these challenges, faith communities across the state are beginning to rise. They’re planting trees, installing solar panels, advocating for clean energy policies, and caring for their neighbors most affected by climate injustice.
This event is a sacred opportunity to root your congregation more deeply in that work—and to seed new life in your faith community’s commitment to justice, sustainability, and hope.
What to Expect at the Green Team Summit Circle
This half-day summit will bring together people from diverse backgrounds and traditions, united by a shared belief that faith and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Here’s what’s in store:
Plenary Session with Commissioner Carol Myers
We’re honored to welcome Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Carol Myers as our plenary speaker. Commissioner Myers will share insights into the local government’s clean energy goals and the critical role that community engagement—especially from faith communities—plays in making those goals a reality. Learn how your congregation can be a catalyst for municipal climate action.
Two Rounds of Interactive Workshops
You’ll have the chance to participate in two rounds of workshops, each designed to equip your Green Team with actionable strategies:
- Advocacy Opportunities with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC):
Discover how the PSC influences energy policy in Georgia and how you can mobilize your congregation to advocate for cleaner, more just energy systems. - Planting and Protecting Trees in Under-Forested Communities:
Trees are more than just beautiful—they are powerful tools for justice and resilience. This workshop will explore how tree-planting can help address environmental inequities, reduce heat islands, and restore life to neglected neighborhoods.
Light Breakfast & Fellowship
We’ll provide a light breakfast so you can fuel up, connect with other attendees, and build relationships that will continue long after the event ends.
Who Should Attend?
- Green Teams looking to grow their impact
- Faith leaders eager to engage their congregations in climate action
- Environmental advocates seeking spiritual grounding and new partnerships
- Anyone interested in the intersection of faith, justice, and ecology
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your commitment, this gathering will leave you equipped with tools, inspiration, and a supportive network to help your community thrive.
Register Today
Registration closes Friday, August 8th, so don’t wait!
If you decide to join after August 8th, please contact Hanah Shultz at hanah@gipl.org to check availability.
Let’s Grow a More Just and Sustainable Future—Together
In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus reminds us that even the smallest seed, when planted, can become a tree that offers shelter to all. Likewise, your congregation’s efforts—no matter how small they may seem—can become a source of life, justice, and renewal for generations to come.
Join us on August 16 to plant those seeds of change.
Together, we can root our faith in action and SEED LIFE for our communities, our neighbors, and our planet.
Hosted by:
🌿 Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL)
💒 Oconee Street United Methodist Church, Athens, GA
