Pearl Faith Community Application

Pearl Faith: Simple Acts of Stewardship

We have created the Pearl Faith Community to help people of faith recognize and fulfill their responsibility for the stewardship of our sacred waters and protect them for future generations. Fill out the application below, check at least one item in each stewardship category that within a year your congregation commits to completing, and we will provide you with advice, assistance, and community resources. Then when you are able to complete at least one item in each stewardship category, we will welcome you with a beautiful, inspirational banner for your sanctuary or meeting space. All faiths are welcome, and it is free to become part of the Pearl Faith Community.

Question Title

* 1. Join us in the Pearl Faith Community

Contact Person
(First & Last Name): *

Organization Name:

Address: *

City: *

State: *

ZIP: *

Email Address: *

Phone Number:

Neighborhood:

Question Title

* 2. What have you done inside your buildings to be better stewards?

Green your coffee hour
Examples: eliminating Styrofoam, buying fair trade or organic coffee, etc.

Inspect and repair insulation and duct work

Install programmable thermostats

Use reusable, biodegradable or compostable products

Host zero or low trash events by recycling and composting

Install occupancy sensors

Install low-flow or dual flush toilets

Replace lighting with LED bulbs

Purchase Energy Star rated appliances

Seal and insulate windows or purchase most efficient models

Purchase organic or locally-grown foods

Use locally grown and pesticide-free flowers in displays and services

Use non-toxic cleaning products

Have a professional Energy Audit and make a plan for implementing improvements

Use geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings

Purchase renewable energy, install your own solar panels or wind turbines to generate energy

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. What educational activities have you done to become better stewards?

Invite Lynnhaven River NOW to give a presentation

Host a Day of Service or Mitzvah Day for the community

Host a lecture or film series on environmental topics

Form a Creation Care team

Include creation care themes throughout worship service including prayers for our water and common home

Host a congregation picnic or worship service outside ( ex. the Brock Environmental Center )

Use electronic newsletters, double-sided copies, and recycle programs

Join Lynnhaven River NOW for bird walks, nature hikes, paddles, and bike tours

Join Lynnhaven River NOW for river cleanups

Devote a part of the newsletter to creation care, have a stewardship page on your website

Find and join other organizations of your own faith who are dedicated to stewardship

Host adult Sunday school classes with creation care focus

Link creation care to special times of the year on the faith calendar

Host native plant, or river-friendly gardening workshops

Pay it forward by mentoring other congregations

Sponsor mission trips that include environmental issues such as water purification, rain catchment, etc.

Visit or contact elected officials to advocate for environmental legislation and protection of our resources

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. What have you done on your grounds make a difference?

Reduce turf grass with mulched beds or native plants

Reduce chemical use including pesticides and fertilizers

Reduce stormwater runoff with rain barrels

Reduce stormwater runoff with a rain garden, living shoreline, bio-buffer or green roof

Plant trees in honor of members

Increase mower height, leave and mulch grass clippings back into lawn

Create native plant prayer gardens, labyrinths or meditation gardens

Plant a butterfly garden and National Wildlife Federation "Backyard Habitat"

Plant a community vegetable garden - share with food bank

Install a bike rack and promote ride share or alternative transportation

Decrease black top by installing permeable pavers

Other (please specify)

It takes a community to restore and protect our waterways. We know how blessed we are to live in this beautiful place. We all want to do our part to restore the health of our sacred waters and protect them for future generations to enjoy. One of Lynnhaven River NOW's goals is to help people of faith recognize and fulfill their responsibility for the stewardship of these gifts.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Pearl Faith Community. After your application has been reviewed you will be contacted by one of our staff members to provide you with advice and assistance, help you with community resources, and inspire you with a beautiful banner for your sanctuary or meeting space.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at
PearlFaith@LRNow.org