For the first time, the EarthKeepers in-person training will be on the west coast, in Des Moines, Washington (Seattle-Tacoma area).
Details and applications can be found on the Global Ministries website.
Participants will take a field trip by ferry to Vashon Island and visit Vashon UMC. The church received a funding grant from the Inflation Reduction Act Direct Pay program to help install solar and a battery backup system so that they can help power emergency access for vulnerable populations. Church leader and Global Ministries EarthKeeper, Eric Walker, said this system will enable the church to be used as a 24/7 emergency shelter in the event of a prolonged power outage. The church building is equipped with a kitchen and showers. The project is part of a larger “going green” effort being made by the church, intended to reduce energy consumption and promote conservation — including the replacement of its gas furnace with a heat pump to both cool and heat the building.
Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training.
As a Global Ministries EarthKeeper, you will:
- Be equipped with United Methodist resources to lead creation care work within your community and congregation.
- Learn strategies for community organizing, project planning, anti-racism, and climate justice.
- Have the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund a project that will achieve measurable, positive environmental impact in one year or less.
- Receive project support and technical guidance through post-training consultation from Global Ministries staff and other EarthKeepers.
- Join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network, an online community of practice to support United Methodists engaged in environmental ministries.
Fall 2025 Training Details
Dates and Times: Training begins October 2 at 4pm Pacific Time and ends October 5, 2025 at 1pm Pacific Time. Pre-training homework will be provided on September 12.
Location: Wesley Homes and Des Moines First UMC in Des Moines, WA, a short train ride from Sea-Tac Airport.
Lodging and Meals: Sheraton Four Points, Des Moines, WA. Global Ministries will cover the cost of single lodging on the nights of October 2, 3, and 4. Global Ministries will provide vegetarian meals starting with dinner on October 2 and ending with lunch on October 5.
Travel: Participants are responsible for their transportation from their homes to the training location. Global Ministries will provide transportation between the hotel and training location, and for the field trip, will be provided.
Field Trip: Participants will take a Washington State Ferry to Vashon Island to visit Vashon Island UMC and learn about the church’s resilience hub.
Questions? Email environment@umcmission.org
Full details and application can be found at https://umcmission.org/EarthKeepers/