NCC Eco-Justice Working Group -- Capsules

December 2009 Edition

2010 Earth Day Sunday Resource Available

Sacred Spaces and an Abundant Life: Worship Spaces as Stewardship is available now to help congregations prepare for and celebrate stewardship in their house of worship. Click here to download a copy or for more information on the topics discussed in this resource click here

Reports from Copenhagen.
Click here to read blog posts by Tyler Edgar regarding here experience in Copenhagen for the UN Climate Change Conference.

United Methodist report: God's Renewed Creation
Over the last 5 years the United Methodist Church Council of Bishisops has investigated the environmental crisis facing our world today. Their report on their findings calls the United Methodist Church into action on issues regarding Creation care. Click here to read the report or visit the website for more information.

Earth Care Summit to be held in Portland. The Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is having an Earth Care Summit on February 1st celebrating congregations going green and providing a learning and network opportunity for faith communities. For more information click here.

Creation Care Conference to be held at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina Gather at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina April 8-11 to learn, pray and engage Creation Care. Through inspirational and thorough speakers and workshops teh conference hopes to offer a theological, biblical and practical foundation to continue serving God's good gift of Creation. Click Here for more information on this weekend retreat for lay persons and clergy.

New Healthy Spa Workshop Guide for Congregations
Most people use an average of nine personal care products everyday. Over 12,000 chemicals are used in personal care products. Made In the Image of God: Healthy Spa Workshop is a guide with information on what kinds of chemicals are in daily personal care products, recipies to make non-toxic products, and information about how congregations can treat their bodies with the care God intended. Download this resource here.

Christian Principles for a Healthy Body and Spirit
Do you already endorese the Christian Principles for a Healthy Body and Spirit to protect kids from toxics for Christmas? Why not ask your organization to do so? Read the principles here and endorse them here.

Seasons of Creation Resource Now Available: This web resource focuses on creation through the month of September but has many resources that could be used at any time for a congregation seeking liturgies, sermon ideas, bible studies, and other resources in regards to creation care. Click here to access many resources from Seasons of Creation.

Eco-Justice Working Group

Church of the Brethren

Environmental Justice Office of Presbyterian Church (USA)

Presbyterian Washington Office

Episcopal Ecological Network

Greek Orthodox Church in America

Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of the Synods

Reformed Church in America

United Church of Christ

United Methodist Board of Church and Society

Give a Gift to God's Creation this Christmas; Send a Comment to the EPA

On December 7, the EPA formally classified the pollutants that contribute to climate change as threats to our health. Join us in telling the EPA to require the nation's #1 source of global warming pollution -- coal-fired power plants -- to reduce their pollution and protect the health of God's People and God's Creation.

Click here to submit public comment by December 28, 2009.

ELCA's New Poverty and Climate Change Resource Now Available

The ELCA just released a new resource for churches to engage issues of climate change and poverty. Vist the ELCA website and download this resource that can help your congregation learn and act upon the pivotal issues of our day.

This Christmas, Give to the NCC Eco-Justice Program

Looking for that last minute Christmas gift? Or, making decisions about end of year donations? The work of the NCC Eco-Justice program is not possible without your support. Click here to make a donation, in your own name, or for another.

Sermon of Thanksgiving from North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light Engages Creation Care

The North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light has published a sermon of thanksgiving by Richard Fireman, NC IPL Public Policy Coordinator. Enjoy this message of thanksgiving, hope and inspiration taht engages issues of Creation care. Click here to read the sermon. Also check out North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light for other resources and evenets happening in North Carolina.

OIPL calls for Creation Care Sermons

Oregon Interfaith Power and Light is holding its 3rd annual Earth Words contest, looking for sermons about Creation Care. For more information, click here.

New Blog: Congregational Resource Guide for Going Green

The Congregational Resource Guide (CRE) has long been recognized as teh leading portal for information of interest to clergy, lay persons, and laity in a variety of congregationas and faiths. CRE is pleased to announce the launch of CRG Green, a blog dedicated to discussing the best resources available on teh web and in press related to gree resources for congregational life. Click here to check out the blog.

Twas the Night Before an Eco-Justice Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, as God looked from afar;
Nothing was whirring, not even the electric car.
Fair trade stockings hung from the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of local fruit danced in their heads.
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just adjusted the thermostat for a long winters nap...

To read the rest of of a Night Before an Eco-Justice Christmas, click here. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Eco-Justice Program!