“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”
-Psalm 24
The testimony of stewardship leads us to care for the environment and our community. There are many ways in which Hudson Friends take responsibility for the care of the environment and community.
Our growing knowledge of ecological processes teaches us that abuse of this trust threatens not only our own health and welfare, but the integrity of the earth itself. Economic power made possible by the exploitation of God’s natural gifts dominates much of our political and economic system. We work to counter the effects of this abuse on our politics and environment, since we know that acting responsibly in the wise, careful use of the earth for the benefit of all creation will bring us into harmony not only with the world beyond humanity, but with its creator.
Biblical history describes a covenant of trust and responsibility in which we are to care for the earth as well as to give thanks for all of the creator’s gifts. An ecological ministry aims to protect and restore the physical world, to serve the healing processes of the land, and to aid the victims of ecological destruction. We are called to recommit ourselves, joyfully and in love, to this covenant in which both the earth and we ourselves can be sustained by God’s care, wisdom, and healing power.
If we listen to the earth, we will hear it proclaim the glory of God. If we enjoy and preserve the earth, it will become our home. And as we unite with creation, we draw ever nearer to God.
NYYM Faith and Practice, 2018
Adopt-A-Highway
Hudson Friends have adopted the closest highway to the meetinghouse, NYS Rt. 9G/Rt. 23B from Dear Alley in Hudson to where it connects with NYS 23 at the Stewart’s Shops and Gas Station. This is just one way we come together as a group to take care of our community and the land it occupies. Each year, we schedule a minimum of two clean-ups in the spring and two in the fall, as well as additional clean-ups as needed in the summer. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to us at info@hudsonquakers.org and put “Adopt-A-Highway” in the subject line.
Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW)
If you are looking for ways to engage in stewardship, or are interested in how Quakers are living this testimony around North America, check out the Quaker Earthcare Witness website.