Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Brenskelle.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2010, Lutherans Restoring Creation started operations. At that time, they began in only 5 synods (geographical regions of the U.S.) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. One of the 5 was the gulf coast synod. I was an inaugural member of the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation team. When the original team lead stepped down a few years later, I took over this ministry. Lutherans Restoring Creation exists to incorporate creation care into all aspects of the Lutheran church. In 2017, I started the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston (IENoH) to engage a broader audience around care for the earth. The IENoH is a Houston affiliate of Texas Impact. I continue to lead Lutherans Restoring Creation in the gulf coast synod, and to lead the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston.
Since late 2024, I also serve as advocacy “animator” (leader) for the Texas chapter of the Laudato Si Movement, an organization primarily targeting Catholics, but open to others. I was asked to assist by the then-chapter leader. In this role, I provide information to all the chapter members on justice advocacy opportunities in the environmental arena.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The gulf coast synod covers eastern TX and parts of Louisiana, so I quickly realized that virtual programming was a must, and began to offer virtual environmental educational programming in 2015. Since COVID, all environmental educational programming that I organize is now virtual.
I also started offering hands-on environmental stewardship projects in 2013, but it was a couple of years until I found an organization with which I could routinely partner, the Willow Waterhole Conservancy. I now partner with several different environmental organizations on various efforts over the course of each year.
Initially, educational programming for the IENoH was hybrid, but has gone fully virtual, eliminating the necessity of getting space loaned by local faith communities for the in-person portion of the hybrid events.
So, for both organizations, the importance of reliable partners and virtual offerings have been key learnings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in promoting care for the earth & its peoples among people of faith, both Christian (my own faith) and those of other faith/spiritual traditions.
This encompasses:
1. environmental educational programming
2. advocacy for justice on environmental topics
3. hands-on environmental stewardship
4. eco-spirituality
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was very studious,, but spent nearly all my leisure time in nature. My home had woods on two sides, a creek on a third side, and the town on the 4th side.
Pricing:
- all my events are free
Contact Info:
- Website: http://creationcares.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandenvironmenthouston/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Christ-the-King-Creation-Care-306344082873677/
