I want to share three opportunities for engagement in Earth care that are coming up soon.
1. We will have our first chapter meeting, Monday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. at Edgehill United Methodist Church, 1502 Edgehill Avenue. We are working on getting a speaker scheduled and will let you know when that is in place. It will be our first chance to think about what we would like to focus on in 2026.
2. Annual “State of the Environment” Conference at Vanderbilt Law School (Flynn Auditorium), Wednesday, Jan. 21, Noon – 5:00 with a reception afterwards. Just show up, no registration necessary (though need to arrive at noon to be sure to get a free lunch). I have been to several of these and it is an excellent opportunity to get an overview of both challenges and progress in terms of addressing care for the Earth across the state from experts in various areas (water, energy, land use, etc.). It is free, including a box lunch. Well worth your time if you are free for all or part of the afternoon. Find a schedule of topics and panelists attached.
3. A partner in this work, Arocha USA, is inviting Nashville churches to be part of a “Churches of Restoration” cohort to receive expert guidance in their efforts to be faithful caretakers of creation in their setting. This would begin in August of 2026. Please let Jenna Henderson, Director of Community Engagement, know if you are interested right away (email address below). Jenna hopes to have the cohort selected by March 1.Jenna describes the work in this way: “Since we started the program in 2024, we’ve worked with nine Nashville churches, walking alongside them over the course of a year as they deepen the ways they care for God’s creation as a church. While each church develops specific creation care actions, leaders get to participate in a local learning community and a national network of church groups initiating similar projects. It doesn’t matter where a church is on the journey, just that they want to grow in this area of discipleship. Many find great encouragement getting to know others who care deeply about God’s creation as Christians.” More on this program is attached. If you are interested, you can reach Jenna at jenna.henderson@arocha.org.
Schedule for the 2026 State of the Environment Conference
12:10 – 1:00 p.m. State of the Environment Panel
Welcome Remarks by Anne Davis, Adjunct Professor and EELU Senior Program Advisor, Vanderbilt Law School
Moderator: Mike Vandenbergh, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law, Vanderbilt Law School
1:10 – 2:00 p.m. State of Water Panel
Moderator: JB Ruhl, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law, Vanderbilt Law School
2:10 – 3:00 p.m. State of Energy Panel
Moderator: Jim Rossi, Judge D.L. Lansden Chair in Law, Vanderbilt Law School
3:00 – 3:20 p.m. Transition Break
3:20 – 4:10 p.m. State of Land Use and Conservation Panel
Moderator: Chris Serkin, Elisabeth H. and Granville S. Ridley Jr. Chair in Law, Vanderbilt Law School; Professor of Management, Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University
4:20 – 5:10 p.m. State of Scholarship and Innovation Panel
Moderator: Teri Donaldson, Adjunct Professor of Law; Program Director, Energy, Environment & Land Use Program, Vanderbilt Law School
5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Cocktails & Conversation – Networking Reception in 1st Floor North Lobby