Welcome back to our blog series of Q&As with our staff. As our team has grown in recent years, this is a chance to get to know some of our stories and quirks. Caring for creation and equipping others to do likewise is so much more meaningful — and fun — when done as a team!
Photo caption: A Rocha USA Director of Community Engagement Jenna Henderson (left) with Nashville Conservation Coordinator Noah Guthrie (middle) and Conservation Intern Dylan Richardson (right).
What drew you to A Rocha?
I first heard about A Rocha while studying at Regent College, where Peter and Miranda Harris taught. Their story about holistically living out the Gospel by caring deeply for all that God made and loves was something I’d never heard before, and it really resonated with me.
What’s your favorite species and why?
I love so many different kinds of creatures, but one I especially enjoy are otters, because they are just so good at being playful.
What places are near and dear to your heart?
Special places for me are the mountains of East Tennessee, the fields, lakes, and woods of central and northern Wisconsin, and the north coast of Northern Ireland.
Two Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra). By Jakub Neskora, on Unsplash.
What training/background do you bring to this work?
I have a Master of Arts in Christian Studies and several decades of experience in the faith-based non-profit environment.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
I enjoy connecting with people in churches who are doing creation care or want to get started. I find that there’s such joy in leaning into the vocation of creation stewardship — noticing, enjoying, and caring for the diverse forms of life around us. It’s a pleasure to learn from humans and other local species in this process.
What are some ways you see A Rocha’s work bringing life to your local ecosystems?
For many years in Nashville, we ran pollinator garden workshops and helped people plant native perennial gardens at home. Many of those gardens are still flourishing today, including the one in my front yard, where I see all the life it attracts (birds, bees, moths, and more) on a daily basis.
Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) and New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) from Jenna’s garden.
What keeps you going when faced with all our overwhelming ecological problems?
Knowing that every small step of faithfulness matters to God and to God’s creation, and seeing how even small actions bear fruit and create community (human and non-human).
What is a little-known but fun fact about you?
I’m really into growing Meyer lemons.
What would be your creation-oriented book recommendation?
Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, by Doug Tallamy. Many of the Psalms. Aside from that, Sandra Richter’s Stewards of Eden is a great place to get started on creation care theology.
What is your favorite creation-oriented song?
“For the Beauty of the Earth.”
To learn more about sustainable gardening and landscaping practices, check out our “4 Tips for Creature-Friendly Yards and Gardens” resource!