2011 Evolution Weekend

This year marks the sixth annual Evolution Weekend and, for the first time, many congregations will be focusing on specific environmental issues as they explore the relationship between religion and science.

11 -13 February 2011 -- Evolution Weekend

Evolution Weekend is an opportunity for serious discussion and reflection on the relationship between religion and science. An ongoing goal has been to elevate the quality of the discussion on this critical topic, and to show that religion and science are not adversaries. Rather, they look at the natural world from quite different perspectives and ask, and answer, different questions.

Religious people from many diverse faith traditions and locations around the world understand that evolution is quite simply sound science; and for them, it does not in any way threaten, demean, or diminish their faith in God. In fact, for many, the wonders of science often enhance and deepen their awe and gratitude towards God.

Instead, the information and understanding gained through legitimate scientific inquiry can be of significant help to people of faith in better understanding this wonderful planet that we live on - its beauties and wonders, as well as the many environmental threats to the health of both natural and human communities. Science can thus be of assistance to religious leaders and communities, as they seek to fulfill their calling to care for the Earth, through more informed advocacy and actions.

Through sermons, discussion groups, meaningful conversations and seminars, the leaders listed below show that religion and science are not adversaries.

To examine some of the sermons members of The Clergy Letter Project have delivered on this topic, to find scientific consultants willing to help answer questions or to read media reports about our activities, please explore our web pages. Similarly, if you want to examine some liturgical resources created and recommended by Clergy Letter Project members for Evolution Weekend, click here.

Additionally, many faith communities maintain web sites for “earthkeeping” resources and advocacy on environmental issues from a faith and justice perspective. To make use of some of these resources as you prepare for Evolution Weekend 2011, click here.

Whatever way participants choose to celebrate Evolution Weekend, their activities demonstrate, as do The Clergy Letters themselves, which have now been signed by more than 13,000 members of the clergy in the United States, that those claiming that people must choose between religion and science are creating a false dichotomy.

240 Congregations
from 44 States and
9 Countries are scheduled to participate in
Evolution Weekend 2011

Select a state to see its participants or simply scroll down.

Alabama

Trinity United Methodist Church
Birmingham, AL
The Rev. David Barnhart

Alaska

Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Anchorage, AK
Ken Winterberger, Board President

Arizona

Mountain View United Methodist Church
Cottonwood, AZ
Michael Anderson, Pastor

First Congregational Church, UCC
Flagstaff, AZ
The Rev. William Guise

Unitarian Universalist Church of Southeast Arizona
Sierra Vista, AZ
The Rev. Rod Richards

Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Tucson, AZ
The Rev. Steve Keplinger, Rector

St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church
Tucson, AZ
The Rev. Thomas J. Lindell

Arkansas

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church
Little Rock, AR
Elizabeth F. Minton

California

Aptos Community United Methodist Church
Aptos, CA
Pastor Pam Fine

Congregational Church of Belmont
Belmont, CA
The Rev. Kristi Denham

Memorial United Methodist Church
Clovis, CA
The Rev. Kim Leslie
Scott Hatfield, Science Teacher and Certified Lay Speaker

Diamond Bar United Church of Christ
Diamond Bar, CA
The Rev. Jeanne Favreau-Sorvillo, Senior Pastor

Congregation B'nai Tzedek
Fountain Valley, CA
Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Fullerton, CA
The Rev. Charles C. Caskey

St. Matthew's Church
Glendale, CA
The Rev. Pr. K. G. Banwart, Jr.

United Church of Hayward
United Church of Christ
Hayward, CA
The Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber

La Canada Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
La Canada, CA
The Rev. C.L. "Skip" Lindeman, Pastor

Cross Roads United Church of Christ
Lakewood, CA
The Rev. C. Kit Wilke

Woodruff Community United Church of Christ
Long Beach, CA
The Rev. C. Kit Wilke

First Church, Unitarian Universalist
Los Angeles, CA
The Rev. Ricky Hoyt, Minister

Companions of the Abbey of Merton St. Ambrose
Martinez, CA
The Rev. Richard Mapplebeckpalmer

St. Timothy Lutheran Church
Monterey, CA
Pastor Clark Brown

The Church of Gnosis (Ecclesia Gnostica Mysteriorum)
Mountain View, CA
The Most Rev. Rosamonde Miller, Presiding Bishop

1st United Methodist Church of Napa
Napa, CA
The Rev. Douglas J. Monroe, Senior Pastor

Bloom in the Desert -- UCC & Reconciling Methodist
Palm Springs, CA
The Rev. Kevin Johnson, Pastor

Church of Our Saviour
Placerville, CA
The Rev. Craig Kuehn

First United Lutheran Church
San Francisco, CA
The Rev. Dr. Susan M. Strouse

Lakeside Presbyterian Church
San Francisco, CA
The Rev. Kim L. Nelson, Pastor

United Church of Christ
San Luis Obispo, CA
The Rev. Dr. Curt Miner

First Presbyterian Church
San Rafael, CA
The Rev. Nancy Wiens, Pastor

UU Congregation of Marin
San Rafael, CA
The Rev. Chip Wright

Unitarian Universalists of the Santa Clarita Valley
Santa Clarita, CA
The Rev. Ricky Hoyt, Minister

The United Church of Christ in Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CA
The Rev. Dr. June C. Goudey, Pastor

Unitarian Universalist Church
Studio City, CA
The Rev. Dr. Jay Atkinson, Parish Minister

Church of the Foothlls
Sylmar, CA
The Rev. Sam Platts

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Visalia
Visalia, CA
Harold Wood

Temple Kol Tikvah
Woodland Hills, CA
Rabbi Janet Offel

Colorado

Living Water Unity Church
Arvada, CO
The Rev. David Ridge

United Church of Broomfield
Broomfield, CO
The Rev. Gregory Garland, Pastor

Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church
Denver, CO
Mark Meeks, Minister

Messiah Community Church ELCA
Denver, CO
The Rev. Wolfgang Stahlberg

University Park United Methodist Church
Denver, CO
The Rev. Paul J. Kottke, Senior Pastor

Jefferson Unitarian Church
Golden, CO
The Rev. Dr. David Sammons

Green Mountain United Methodist Church
Lakewood, CO
Stephen Walden, Program Director

Namaqua Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Loveland, CO
The Rev. Todd Strickland, Minister

Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church
Parker, CO
The Rev. Jann Halloran, Minister

Wesley United Methodist Church
Pueblo, CO
The Rev. Kim James

Connecticut

First Church of Christ, Congregational, 1652
Farmington, CT
The Rev. Jane Rowe

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation
Southington, CT
Rabbi Shelley Kovar Becker

Delaware

Ezion-Mt. Carmal United Methodist Church
Wilmington, DE
The Rev. William Rhines

Florida

Trinity United Methodist Church
Deland, FL
The Rev. H. T. Heitzenrater

The Unitarian Universalist Society of West Volusia
Deland, FL
The Rev. John M. Higgins

Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ
Fort Myers, FL
The Rev. Philip O. White, Senior Minister

First Presbyterian Church
Havana, FL
The Rev. Bill Bess

Friendship Fellowship (Unitarian Universalist)
Rockledge, FL
The Rev. John M. Higgins

Covenant Mennonite Fellowship
Sarasota, FL
Pastor Randy Spaulding

Sarasota Campus Ministry
Sarasota, FL
The Rev. Dee Graham

The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
Tampa, FL
The Rev. Jon Keiser

Old Episcopal Church of Scotland
Tampa, FL
Bishop Fredrick R. O'Keefe, OSB

Venice United Church of Christ
Venice, FL
The Rev. Donald Wilson

Nativity Lutheran Church
Weeki Wachee, FL
The Rev. Phil Schroeder

Georgia

St. Mark United Methodist Church
Atlanta, GA
Pastor James T. Moor

Church of the Green Wood
Dahlonega, GA
The Rev. Ashley Carter

Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Newnan, GA
The Rev. Burdett Wantland

St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church
Savannah, GA
The Rev. Canon Richard P. McDonnell

Hawaii

Church of the Crossroads
Honolulu, HI
The Rev. Kyle Lovett, Pastor

Idaho

Illinois

The New Reform Congregation Kadima
Deerfield, IL
Rabbi David Oler

Park Ridge Community Church
Park Ridge, IL
The Rev. Brett W. McCleneghan, Senior Minister

Ascension Lutheran Church
Riverside, IL
Roger E. Timm

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton
Wheaton, IL
The Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

Indiana

Unitarian Universalist Church of Evansville
Evansville, IN
The Rev. Dr. Claudene F. Oliva, Minister

Grace Unlimited
Indianapolis Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry
Indianapolis, IN
The Rev. Dr. Charles W. Allen, Chaplain

St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, IN
The Rev. Kent Millard

Congress Street United Methodist Church
Lafayette, IN
The Rev. Clarinda E. Crawford

Trinity United Methodist Church
Lafayette, IN
Paul Arnold, Senior Pastor
Dave Schmidt, Minister of Worship and Liturgy

UU Church of Muncie
Muncie, IN
The Rev. Thomas Perchlik

Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
New Albany, IN
The Rev. Randy Mark Miles

First Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Terre Haute, IN
The Rev. Amy Kindred

Iowa

Westminster Presbyterian Church
Clarinda, IA
The Rev. Robert A. Keefer

Kansas

Unity Church of Christianity
Topeka, KS
The Rev. Michael Jamison

Kentucky

Church of Christ Union
Berea, KY
The Rev. Kent Gilbert

Zion United Church of Christ
Henderson, KY
The Rev. Philip Hoy, Co-Pastor

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Owensboro
Owensboro, KY
Claudia Ramisch, Pastoral Associate

Louisiana

Maine

First Parish Church, UCC
Brunswick, ME
The Rev. Ron Baard

First Universalist Church (Unitarian Universalist)
Rockland, ME
Frank Mundo

Unitarian Universalist Church
Waterville, ME
The Rev. Mike Young

Maryland

Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
Annapolis, MD
The Rev. Fred Muir, Senior Minister

St. Bartholomew's
Baltimore, MD
Alex Storrs

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County
Churchville, MD
The Rev. Lisa Ward

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Perryville, MD
The Rev. Robert R. Smith, Rector

Benjamin's Krider's United Church of Christ
Westminster, MD
The Rev. Jennifer Walters

Massachusetts

St. John's Episcopal Church
Ashfield, MA
The Rev. J. Eliot B. Moss, Vicar

Humanist Chaplaincy Office
The Memorial Church
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Rabbi Greg M. Epstein

Grace Episcopal Church
Everett, MA
The Rev. Barbara Smith-Moran

First Congregational Church of Falmouth (UCC)
Falmouth, MA
The Rev. Dr. Douglas K. Showalter

Grace Congregational United Church of Christ
Framingham, MA
The Rev. Bradford Taylor Watters

Second Parish in Hingham
Hingham, MA
The Rev. Paul Sprecher, Minister

St. Michael's Episcopal Church
Holliston, MA
The Rev. Christine R. Whittaker, Rector

First Congregational Church of Millbury
United Church of Christ
Millbury, MA
The Rev. Vicki Hammel

Congregation Beth Israel
North Adams, MA
Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
North Easton, MA
The Rev. Dr. Russell B. Norris, Jr.

Quincy Community United Methodist Church
Quincy, MA
The Rev. Dr. Susan F. Jarek-Glidden, Pastor

Unitarian Universalist Church of Weymouth
Weymouth, MA
The Rev. Richard Trudeau, Minister

Park Congregational Church
Worcester, MA
The Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian

Michigan

Ann Arbor Mennonite Church
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Chibuzor V. Ozor, Pastor

All Souls Community Church (Unitarian Universalist)
Grand Rapids, MI
The Rev. Lynda Smith

St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Stevensville, MI
The Rev. Krehl Stringer

Minnesota

Shalom Lutheran Church
Alexandria, MN
The Rev. Rollen Halvorson

Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Bird Island, MN
The Rev. Cynthia M. Hopp

Catholic Community of St. Edward
Bloomington, MN
The Rev. Michael Tegeder

SouthCross Community Church
Burnsville, MN
Pastor Casey vanderBent

Crosby-Ironton Presbyterian Church
Crosby, MN
The Rev. Norma Spurgin

Moose Lake United Methodist Church
Moose Lake, MN
The Rev. Richard E. Edwards, Pastor

1st Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Princeton, MN
The Rev. Donald E. Britt

Mississippi

Missouri

Columbia Friends Meeting
Columbia, MO
Brother David Finke

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
St. Louis, MO
The Rev. Dr. Lydia Speller
Margaret M. Hvatum

Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Webster Groves, MO
The Rev. Roderic D. Wiltse, Assisting Priest

Montana

Billings Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Billings, MT
Woody Henry

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman
Bozeman, MT
The Rev. Jacqueline Ziegler

journeyBe
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Polson, MT
The Rev. John Payne

Red Lodge Community United Church of Christ
Red Lodge, MT
The Rev. David W. Munson

Nebraska

Augustana Lutheran Church
Omaha, NE
The Rev. Susan Butler, Pastor

Countryside Community Church
Omaha, NE
The Rev. Eric Elnes, Senior Pastor

Unity Church of Omaha
Omaha, NE
Barry L. Vennard, Minister

St. Martha's Episcopal Church
Papillion, NE
Deacon Nancy W. Huston

Nevada

New Hampshire

South Parish Unitarian Church
Charlestown, NH
Pastor Joe Holmes

Plymouth Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Plymouth, NH
The Rev. Dr. Judith A. Gooch

New Jersey

Holmdel Community United Church of Christ
Holmdel, NJ
The Rev. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks, Pastor

Emanuel Lutheran Church
New Brunswick, NJ
Jeffrey C. Eaton, Pastor

New Mexico

St. John's Cathedral
Albuquerque, NM
The Very Rev. Mark Goodman, Dean

Wellspring Church
Las Cruces, NM
The Rev. Sam Ritchey

New York

Auburn Unitarian Universalist Society
Auburn, NY
The Rev. Dr. Stanley Sears, Minister

Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church
Binghamton, NY
Dr. Sandra Michael

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Buffalo, NY
The Rev. Harry T. Grace, Jr., Vicar

St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Castleton-on-Hudson, NY
Pastor Diane Marquit

Temple Beth El of Great Neck
Great Neck, NY
Rabbi Devorah Marcus

Center for Spiritual Living Long Island
Hicksville, NY
The Rev. Michael Sternlieb

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills
Kingston, NY
The Rev. Jan Carlsson-Bull

Grace United Methodist Church
Nassau, NY
Pastor Diane Marquit

Metropolitan Community Church
New York, NY
The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Pastor

Temple Israel
New York, NY
Rabbi David Gelfand

The First Baptist Church of Painted Post
Painted Post, NY
Gary A. McCaslin, Pastor

United Church of Rockville Centre
Rockville Centre, NY
The Rev. Robert W. Gunn, Pastor

West Bloomfield United Church of Christ
West Bloomfield, NY
The Rev. Corey Keyes

North Presbyterian Church
Williamsville, NY
Pat Townsend, Pastor

North Carolina

Trinity United Church of Christ
Concord, NC
J. Nathan King, Pastor

Science and Religion Lunch Discussion Group
Duke University
Durham, NC
The Rev. Mark Rutledge
Dr. Alexander Glass

1st Presbyterian Church of Edenton
Edenton, NC
The Rev. Dr. G. Douglas Eddy, Pastor

Eutaw United Church of Christ
Fayetteville, NC
The Rev. Dr. David Nikkel

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greenville
Greenville, NC
The Rev. Ann Marie Alderman

Hillsborough United Church of Christ
Hillsborough, NC
Beth and Jay Kennett, Co-Pastors

Umstead Park United Church of Christ
Raleigh, NC
The Rev. Douglas S. Long

Main Street United Methodist Church
Reidsville, NC
The Rev. Dr. Charles Lee Hutchens

Shallotte Presbyterian Church PC(USA)
Shallotte, NC
The Rev. John N. Causey

Hickory Ridge United Methodist Church
Winston Salem, NC
The Rev. Dr. Mary S. Lautensleger

North Dakota

First Presbyterian Church
Grand Forks, ND
The Rev. Dr. Gretchen Daneke Graf

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Grand Forks, ND
The Rev. Dr. James M. Shannon, Rector

Ohio

Pioneer Presbyterian Church
Belpre, OH
The Rev. David A. Choate

Mt. Adams Pilgrim Chapel UCC
Cincinnati, OH
The Rev. Robert W. Croskery

Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church
Cincinnati, OH
The Rev. William D. Westmoreland

Congregation Kol HaLev
Cleveland, OH
Barbara Truitt

Indianola Presbyterian Church
Columbus, OH
The Rev. Skip Jackson

Center for Spiritual Living of Greater Dayton
Dayton, OH
The Rev. C.C. Coltrain

Hope Lutheran Church
Dayton, OH
Pastor John Johansen

Magyar United Church of Christ
Elyria, OH
The Rev. Alana Kelley

Washington Avenue Christian Church
Elyria, OH
Pastor Janet Long

Claridon Congregational United Church of Christ
Huntsburg, OH
The Rev. Pam Easterday

Morgan 3 in 1 Charge
The United Methodist Church
McConnelsville, OH
The Rev. Walter A. Jones

First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Madison
New Madison, OH
The Rev. Richard Venus

Olmsted Unitarian-Universalist Congregation
North Olmsted, OH
Cal Frye

United Church of Christ Sheffield Lake
Sheffield Lake, OH
The Rev. Robert D. Smith, Pastor

Oklahoma

First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)
Broken Arrow, OK
The Rev. Michael J. Barron

Cameron Campus Ministry
Lawton, OK
The Rev. Galeda M. Jones
The Rev. Montie D. Jones

Fellowship Congregational Church
Tulsa, OK
The Rev. Dr. Paul Ashby

Unity Church of Christianity
Tulsa, OK
The Rev. Mary Anne Harris

Oregon

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Grants Pass
Grants Pass, OR
The Rev. Margaret Keip

Portland Center for Spiritual Growth
Portland, OR
The Rev. Casey Moffett-Chaney, Senior Minister

Vermont Hills United Methodist Church
Portland, OR
The Rev. Tim Overton-Harris

West Hills Friends
Portland, OR
Mike Huber

Woodlawn United Methodist Church
Portland, OR
Luther Sturtevant

Pennsylvania

Jordan United Church of Christ
Allentown, PA
David Charles Smith, Pastor

St. Luke United Methodist Church
Bryn Mawr, PA
The Rev. David Tatgenhorst

Congregation Adath Jeshurun
Elkins Park, PA
Rabbi Seymour Rosenbloom

Messiah Lutheran Church
Mifflintown, PA
The Rev. William N. Esborn

St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Pen Argyl, PA
The Rev. C. Frank Terhune

Bethany Lutheran Church
Reading, PA
Pastor Michael L. Reist

Temple Hesed of Scranton
Scranton, PA
Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz

West Willow United Methodist Church
Willow Street, PA
The Rev. John T. Pfeil

Rhode Island

St. Augustine's Church
Kingston, RI
The Rev. Jennifer Phillips

South Carolina

Liberty Hill Presbyterian
Liberty Hill, SC
The Rev. Dr. Eugene C. Rollins

South Dakota

Tennessee

Messiah Lutheran Church
Knoxville, TN
Dr. Gordon Burghardt

Eastwood Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Nashville, TN
The Rev. Jay R. Hartley

Woodland Presbyterian Church
Nashville, TN
The Rev. John McCullough, Pastor

Cumberland Countians for Peace & Justice
Pleasant Hill, TN
Donald B. Clark

Texas

University Baptist Church
Austin, TX
The Rev. Dr. Larry Bethune

Foundation for Pluralism
Carrollton, TX
Mike Ghouse, President

Immanuel Lutheran Church
Comfort, TX
Pastor Bob Kaul

Congregation Beth Israel
Corpus Christi, TX
Rabbi Kenneth D. Roseman

Temple Shalom
Dallas, TX
Rabbi Jeremy Schneider

World Muslim Congress
Dallas, TX
Mike Ghouse, President

Beth-El Congregation
Fort Worth, TX
Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger

Axe Memorial United Methodist Church
Garland, TX
The Rev. E. Ben Read

Congregation Beth Israel
Houston, TX
Rabbi Mark J. Miller

Covenant Church
Houston, TX
The Rev. Jeremy Rutledge

Creative Life Spiritual Center
A Religious Science Community
Spring, TX
The Rev. Dr. Jesse G. Jennings

Temple Rodef Sholom
Waco, TX
Rabbi Mordechai Rotem

Utah

Holladay United Church of Christ
Salt Lake City, UT
Erin Gilmore, Pastor

Vermont

Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
Middlebury, VT
The Rev. Johanna Nichols

Universalist Unitarian Church
St. Johnsbury, VT
The Rev. Brendan Hadash

Waterbury Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Waterbury, VT
The Rev. Peter Plagge

Virginia

Unity Church of Arlington
Arlington, VA
The Rev. Lynn D. Miller, Minister

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Lynchburg, VA
The Rev. David E. Cobb

Peakland Baptist Church
Lynchburg, VA
The Rev. B. Steven McNeely

Trinity Episcopal Church
Manassas, VA
The Rev. Stuart Schadt

Warwick United Church of Christ
Newport News, VA
Michael O. Christensen, Pastor

Temple Sinai
Portsmouth, VA
Rabbi Arthur Z. Steinberg

St. James Episcopal Church
Roanoke, VA
The Rev. Susan E. Bentley

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
Williamsburg, VA
The Rev. Dr. John Maxwell Kerr

Wren Chapel
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA
The Rev. Dr. John Maxwell Kerr

Washington

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Bremerton, WA
The Rev. Randall Lord-Wilkinson, Rector

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island
Freeland, WA
The Rev. Elizabeth "Kit" Ketcham

St. Rose of Lima Parish
Keller, WA
Father Joseph C. Fortier, SJ

Metaline Falls Congregational United Church of Christ
Metaline Falls, WA
The Rev. Tara Leininger

Unity Church
Spokane, WA
Clare Austen, Minister

Washington, DC

West Virginia

Blairton United Methodist Church
Martinsburg, WV
The Rev. Russell McClatchey

Wisconsin

Advent Lutheran Church
Cedarburg, WI
The Rev. Dr. Janis Kinens

First Congregational Church, UCC
Sheboygan, WI
The Rev. James Hollister, Senior Minister

Trinity Lutheran Church
South Milwaukee, WI
Pastor Bill Mains

Holy Cross Episcopal Church
Wisconsin Dells, WI
The Rev. Joan Smoke

Evolution Weekend

The Clergy Letter Project

2011 Evolution Weekend

240 Congregations from 44 States and 9 Countries are scheduled to participate in Evolution Weekend 2011

Alabama

Alaska

240 Congregations
from 44 States and
9 Countries are scheduled to participate in
Evolution Weekend 2011