Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock has been honored with the national Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) Restoring Creation Award for 2020! Ann Owen, sustainability coordinator for the church, was presented with the award at PEC’s 25th-anniversary celebration and annual meeting on September 29. Rev. Steve Hancock, Rev. Lindy Vogado, Carol Young, and Rick Owen also attended the Zoom celebration.

Locally, the creation care initiatives at Second Church were recognized by the City of Little Rock in the Non-Profit Category for the annual Sustain the Rock Award for 2020. Announced the week of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day in April, Second Church became the first church to win the award, and the second faith-based organization: Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center won this award in 2014.

A founding member of the PC(USA) Earth Care Congregations (ECC) program, Second is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year as an ECC. Creation care initiatives at Second are tracked using the ECC areas of worship, education, facilities and outreach. Recent sustainability efforts have included the installation of a solar parking lot array with 81 panels and two car chargers, composting with The Urban Food Loop, and hosting a community Drawdown Conference. Second also has adopted a stretch of University Ave. through the City of Little Rock Adopt-a-Street program, and has supported the ministry of Solar Under the Sun.

The PEC Restoring Creation Award honors an organization that “demonstrates sustainable practices and models them for other organizations; operates in a manner that is consistent with good stewardship of God’s creation; partners with other organizations to leverage resources for greater impact; and encourages continuous environmental efforts within the organization.”

The Sustain the Rock Awards recognize businesses, non-profits, individuals and City of Little Rock departments/employees who have made significant contributions to a greener Little Rock. Winners of these awards are recognized for contributing to a “more sustainable city, by embracing and promoting an approach to business and daily living that balances environmental responsibility, economic prosperity, and social equity.”

Congratulations to Second Church, Little Rock!