at Maple Springs United Methodist Church, 2569 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
Workshops on April 18th
Learn more about the nine workshops and presenters who will be sharing during the Bishop’s Climate Summit!
After the Summit
Ongoing resources and support will be available from the WNCC Creation Care Ministry Team to help congregations take next steps throughout 2026 and beyond.
The Western North Carolina Annual Conference presents a one-day event on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Resident Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr, says, “The Bishop’s Climate Summit is an invitation for us to follow Jesus in a warming world. This is not about politics. It is about the praise of God and our stewardship of God’s good creation, for ourselves and our descendants. Together, we will learn how to care for God’s gifts and protect those most vulnerable to the harm we now see across our communities and our state. I hope you will join me for this important day of worship, learning, and faithful action.”
What time is it? It’s OUR time. Throughout Scripture, God calls leaders to listen, to respond, and to act for the sake of their communities. As Moses and Esther stepped forward in pivotal moments, we too, are invited to consider how God may be calling us to lead faithfully in this season.
Today, our communities and our world are experiencing the growing effects of a changing climate. These realities touch every aspect of life and ministry, and they call the Church to thoughtful engagement, compassionate leadership, and hopeful action.
This day-long, in-person gathering is open to clergy, church staff, and laity.
Why This Matters
Our warming world is creating impacts unlike any seen before in human history. As United Methodists, we affirm that caring for God’s creation and protecting those most vulnerable—including children, youth, and future generations—is part of our Christian witness. As church leaders, it’s time to prepare our hearts, minds, and ministries for faithful leadership in this moment.
What to Expect on April 18
The Bishop’s Climate Summit will include worship, conversation, learning, lament, and shared hope. Workshops will offer practical ideas and ministry tools that churches of all sizes can implement in their communities.
Pre-Summit Webinars
To prepare for our gathering, you are invited to three 60-minute webinars—from noon to 1:00 pm ET – January 15, February 12, and March 12 at 7pm. Each session will help build a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of God’s creation and how climate shifts are affecting the people and places we love. This shared foundation will equip us to consider faithful, neighbor-loving responses in our churches.
Learn more about the free Pre-Summit Webinars and register here
“Caring for God’s creation is central to our Christian witness. I invite you to join me at the Bishop’s Climate Summit as we seek faithful, practical ways to respond to the challenges of a warming world.”
– WNCC Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
For questions, email us: CreationCareWNCC@gmail.com