A few weekends ago, I visited two different churches of two different denominations 50 miles apart from each other. Each church was installing a rain garden to treat stormwater and reduce pollution in nearby rivers. One might ask “Does one rain garden really make a difference?”

“One rain garden” is similar to the story of the mustard seed. “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31) Taken collectively, these hundreds of rain gardens, rain barrels, native plantings, and other small acts of stewardship add up to huge impact. Our network of over 225 congregations has planted over 15,000 trees, reached over 100,000 people, and reduced stormwater emanating from over 2 million square feet of impervious surfaces. So, yes, one rain garden does make a difference.

In the same way - one donation makes all the difference. Your gift, no matter how big or small, combines with other gifts to help IPC inspire more faithful stewards. Right now, generous supporters have agreed to double all gifts up to $10,000. Will you help us reach our goal of $10,000 by June 21st?

The Holy Qur’an refers to mustard seeds when teaching that all good deeds – no matter how small --will be recognized. “O my son! If it be equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed…Allah will bring it forth.” [31:16]

You can sow your own mustard seeds of hope and join a faithful community of stewards working to restore God’s Creation. You can help restore God’s Creation with your donation -- and right now your gift will go twice as far!

Our network of congregations is having tremendous impact on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Hundreds of faith communities are taking action, praying together, blessing rivers together, advocating in the halls of power together. This movement is sweeping across Maryland – and you can be part of it.

Restore God’s Creation with your donation today and your gift will have 2x the impact!