As climate change brings more frequent and intense storms, communities of faith are increasingly called to respond with courage, compassion, and care for both people and place.
Join us for Rising to the Challenge: Faith and Flood Resilience in Our Communities, a learning lab focused on how congregations can prepare for and respond to flooding in ways that protect their properties, support vulnerable neighbors, and safeguard local waterways. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing stormwater, reducing flood risk, and building resilience through nature-based solutions.
Grounded in a shared commitment to stewardship, this session will highlight how caring for land and water is not only an environmental responsibility, but a moral call to protect and sustain our communities in the face of a changing climate.
*Photo: Saint Gabriel Roman Catholic Church/Watershed Public Charter School - MD - Central - Baltimore County, Bioretention Project
Guest Speakers:
Apostle Larry Lee Thomas - Apostle Larry Lee Thomas, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Empowering Believers Church of the Apostolic Faith in Glen Burnie, where he is celebrating 30 years of pastoral leadership and 40 years in ministry. As Presiding Prelate of Empowering Believers Church Apostolic International Network, he provides spiritual covering and oversight for churches across the United States, Africa, the Philippines, and the Caribbean, reflecting his commitment to both local and global ministry. He also serves as President of the United Black Clergy, building partnerships among faith communities, government, and civic organizations to advance health, education, economic development, and family renewal. A passionate advocate for faith and wellness, he is the spokesman for the Smoke Free Holy Ground Initiative, which has partnered with more than 1,000 churches internationally to promote smoke- and tobacco-free sacred spaces. Through over 15 years of mission work in Tanzania and Kenya, Apostle Thomas continues to lead with a vision for transformative ministry, community impact, and Kingdom-centered change.
Dr. Dennis Chestnut - Dennis Chestnut is a proud native Washingtonian. Dennis is a master carpenter and vocational educator, but his dedication to youth development, community improvement and civic duty has led to his involvement with many civic and conservation projects. Dennis is the board chair of the Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition and has created and help establish many community serving and youth serving organizations over the years including the nationally acclaimed Eastern Brach Striders Track & Field Club and Groundwork Anacostia River DC. Dennis has also been recognized for his work with and receipt of numerous awards including the Greater Washington Interfaith Partnership Vision Award, the Lankford/Giles/Vaughn Minority Architect Award for Community Activism, the DC Appleseed 2019 Sustainable Living and Leading Award, the 2019 River Network River Hero, the 2020 Cox Communications Trust for Public Land Cox Conserves Heroes Award, the Chesapeake Conservancy 2020 Lifetime Champion Award, the Mayor Bowser 2022 Spirit of Service Award Ready, Set, Serve Emergency Preparedness Award, and most recently the 11th Street Bridge Park 2024 Anacostia Hero Award. Dennis has also appeared in numerous publications, books and video documentaries that highlight his work on restoring the health of the Anacostia River, improving the natural resources in the East of the River communities, and developing high quality youth programs.
Chuck Williams - Longtime congregant and member of the music ministry at the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church and the Second Century Project, and recipient of the Big Train Community Hero award. He will be sharing his congregation's restoration journey and how they are saving a piece of history in the heart of Rockville!
These webinars are supplemental to IPC's Faithful Green Leaders Training Program and are free and open to all.
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