Faith communities across the Mississippi River watershed are discovering that caring for creation is one of the most meaningful ways they can live out their values. Whether called a Creation Care Ministry, Earth Care Committee, Green Team, or something else, these groups are protecting the natural world and inspiring others to do the same. 

At One Mississippi, we're grateful to partner with communities and organizations that recognize the Mississippi River as one of our nation's greatest treasures and are committed to protecting our water. 

One faith community leading by example is the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis (First U). Their Environmental Justice (EJ) Team selected One Mississippi as the recipient of Sunday collections in 2025 and 2026, and this generosity is helping support our work to protect the people, land, water, and wildlife of the Mississippi River.

The impact of the First U team extends well beyond its financial support. In 2019, the church voted to become a Water Protection Congregation, affirming its commitment to safeguarding Minnesota's waters, particularly those on Native lands. Since then, the Environmental Justice Team has opposed oil pipeline projects, stood with Indigenous leaders to hold corporate and government entities accountable, and supported efforts to close a local trash incinerator. 

Todd Pierson, an EJ Team leader at First U, says, “The team also empowers members to make a difference in their daily lives. This past year, its campaigns encouraged congregants to transition toward plant-based diets and reduce waste by reducing, reusing, recycling, and refusing unnecessary consumption.” 

Your Congregation Can Help Protect the Mississippi River

Across the 10-state Mississippi River watershed, many churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith communities have environmentally-focused troups and ministries. Partnering with One Mississippi is a natural extension of their commitment to clean water, healthy communities, and future generations. 

Here are a few ways your congregation can get involved:

Host a Special Collection or Fundraiser

One of the simplest ways to support the Mississippi River is by selecting One Mississippi as the beneficiary of a special offering or collection. A designated collection during a worship service, Earth Day celebration, Creation Season, or another special event is a meaningful way to help fund collaborative efforts that protect the River, restore habitat, improve water quality, and engage communities throughout the watershed. 

Congregations may also consider:

• Inviting members to include One Mississippi in their individual giving or tithing. 
• Encouraging memorial or honorary gifts (Donors may simply add the tribute information when they donate).      
• Hosting a Mississippi River-themed fundraiser or educational event. 

Our development staff is always happy to help. Contact us at development@1mississippi.org.

Join River Days of Action

Each year, River Days of Action (June 1–15) unites organizations, businesses, congregations, and other groups hosting events with individuals across the Mississippi River watershed to celebrate and care for the River. 

National Mississippi River Day on June 2 is a highlight of River Days of Action, allowing congregations to showcase their commitment to creation care and water stewardship. 

Faith communities are ideal partners for River Days of Action. Your congregation could:

• Organize a River, park, or neighborhood cleanup.
• Host a native planting or habitat restoration project.
• Lead a nature walk, paddle, or recreational outing.
• Hold a worship service, prayer gathering, or meditation focused on creation care and water stewardship.
• Invite a speaker to share about the River and opportunities to protect it.
• Sign the National Mississippi River Day proclamation and encourage your city or state leaders to issue one as well.

Your event may be open to the public or for your congregation or group exclusively. Either can be recognized as part of River Days of Action. There is no cost to participate, and as part of River Days of Action, your congregation can connect with a watershed-wide movement while introducing new people to your faith community. For more information, contact our outreach and education team at info@1Mississippi.org.

‍Invite a Speaker

Sometimes the best way to inspire action is to start a conversation. One Mississippi can provide engaging presentations that help your congregation connect faith, stewardship, and the Mississippi River. Here are a few examples of topics:  

• Why Wetlands Matter – Discover how wetlands protect communities from flooding, filter water, provide wildlife habitat, and support a healthier Mississippi River.
• 10 Actions for a Healthy Mississippi River – Learn practical ways individuals, congregations, and communities can help protect and restore the River.
• Local Issues or Current Affairs – Our team can help connect local and/or current issues to our broader work for the River. For instance, we are helping groups honor the centennial of The Great Mississippi River Flood in 2027.

One Mississippi staff may be available to present to your group via Zoom or, in select locations, in person. We can also connect you with a nearby Mississippi River Network member organization to speak about local River issues and conservation efforts. 

To learn more, contact development@1mississippi.org. We invite congregations to consider providing an honorarium for speakers as a meaningful way to support One Mississippi’s mission and expand our collective impact for the Mississippi River. 

Working Together for the River

Faith communities have long been leaders in caring for their neighbors and the places they call home. By extending that commitment to the Mississippi River, they can make a lasting difference for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and future generations.

We hope the example set by the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis and its Environmental Justice Team inspires other faith communities to join us in protecting one of America's greatest natural treasures.