Horizons: Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Creation Justicy
I recently started feeding the crows that perch on the pine trees in our yard. While researching what they eat and shouldn’t eat, I learned that these incredibly intelligent birds (whose behavior scientists are only beginning to understand) use tools, recognize math concepts, are highly social and communicate with different “dialects” depending on whether they’re with just their family or a larger flock.
Within just a few days, the crows and I found a rhythm. After school drop off, I’d park the car, scatter some peanuts and go inside. The crows would swoop down for breakfast before the door fully closed. When I told a friend about having trained the crows, she laughed and said the crows trained me.
And, honestly, it’s true. More than training me to feed them, the crows trained me to cherish the micro-ecosystem of our yard. While I’ve appreciated our yard as a semi-shaded place where our family could read or kick around a soccer ball, watching the crows sparked a new respect for the network of animals and plants supporting one another. It’s one thing to objectively learn about a balanced ecosystem, and another to see it play out in front of you via the drama of a squirrel snatching a peanut from a cardinal and making a run for it.
I realize that to seasoned birders, gardeners, hikers or perhaps anyone, this delight in crows and backyard creatures may be fairly juvenile. But it infuses my mornings with chirps and color and the opportunity to marvel at creation flapping, hopping and gliding forward—particularly at a time when we know so many parts of creation are suffering or at risk.
This issue reflects how writers, artists and creation-appreciators honor and care for the world that God entrusted to us. You’ll learn about our biblical ancestors’ connection to the land and what our denomination has said about creation justice. And I hope you’ll be inspired by individuals, PW groups and congregations who are promoting nourishment and health for all parts of creation.
—Sharon Dunne Gillies, Managing Editor
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Features
Grounded in Faith: A Call to Creation Care
For decades, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assemblies have called on Presbyterians to understand creation care as a way of honoring and connecting with God, as well as a justice issue that requires our attention. Jessica Maudlin highlights policy statements and action suggestions that can keep us equipped and engaged for creation.
Eating, Loving, Serving
Rev. Dr. Michelle Estelle Lewis describes how the Peace Garden Project helps feed, nourish and honor people in the Outer Banks who are hungry, as well as being a hub for connection, leadership development and creativity.
Earth Care Congregations
Jessica Maudlin outlines the framework of the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Earth Care Congregations (ECC), a certification program to help churches channel their commitments to care for God’s creation into ministry that restores and revitalizes their communities.
From Sending to Walking Alongside: Relational Accompaniment Is a Model for the PC(USA)’s Global Ecumenical Liaisons
Beth Waltemath provides an update on the networks, staff support and models supporting PC(USA) mission in the United States and around the world.
Ways to Care for Creation
Creation Justice Ministries is a PC(USA) partner that frames environmental awareness and action via faithful and achievable suggestions. Incorporate their suggested weekly activities for the rest of the year to honor and protect the diversity of God’s creation.
PW Resources
2025 Honorary Life Membership Recipients
The Dandelion Path: Resilient, Rooted, Responsive
Carissa Herold
Call to the Gathering
Carol Winkler
Anna H. Bedford Bible Study Resource
Rev. Joann Haejong Lee offers reflections and questions for use in studying Lessons One and Two of the 2026–2027 PW/Horizons Bible study, United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, by Rhonda Mawhood Lee.
Departments
Devotion
Our Foundations
Cecilia Amorocho Hickerson
Unpacking the Theme: Scripture Study
Creation Justice—Then and Now
Rev. Dr. Shannan R. Vance-Ocampo
Mosaic
News and Information about Presbyterian Women and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Supporting Mission
A Long Legacy of Community Care
Jenny Conrad
Working for Justice and Peace
Faithful Planting
Sharon Dunne Gillies
Faithful Parenting
Tending and Caring
Rev. Melanie Marsh
What One PW Is Doing
Growing and Serving Together in Love
Judy Grantham
Books
Pages Worth Turning
After the Offering
Efficiency, Adaptability and an Enduring Impact
Sianeh Kirby
Stories from the Ages
Doing What We Can, the Best We Can
Hillary Moses Mohaupt
