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November 2008 Edition

Energy Stewardship Workshops for Congregation and Community: November 10, Ashland, OR
Workshops will cover key principles of energy stewardship for congregations, low-cost and no-cost measures to save energy expenses, and funding energy efficiency projects for religious facilities. For more information or to register, call (503) 221-1054.

New England Religious Leaders Summit on the Energy, Climate & Economic Crisis, Nov 20, Boston, MA.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches, the United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church and the Boston Theological Institute are holding a summit of religious leaders to discuss the triple crisis of energy costs, climate instability/global warming and their powerful impacts on a precarious economy. RSVP to MA Council of Churches, council@masscouncilofchurches.org, 617-523-2771. Information: Tina Clarke, tclarke@cleanwater.org, 413-863-5253.
Resources

Climate and Energy Resources:
The world's reliance on energy has enhanced technology and the way we live our lives. It also comes at a cost to our planet. The nation's dependence on energy threatens the economy, public health, and security. We were put here to preserve and protect God's Creation and the precious natural resource. Learn more on what you can do by checking out our webpage.

Renewal DVD for Your Fall Religious Education Program
An inspiring film that documents how people of faith are building a sustainable future, 'Renewal' is the first feature-length documentary to capture the breadth and vitality of America's religious environmental movement. For more information visit http://renewalproject.net. To purchase the CD call 503-221-1054 ext. 210 or 214

Organizations

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

Make Addressing Climate Change a Priority in 2009

Tell President Elect Obama that Climate Change is a moral issue that demands immediate action.Click here to sign a letter encouraging President Elect Obama to support climate legislation that protects God's people and God's creation.To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

2009 Fellowship Focuses on Global Climate Change and Poverty
The 2009 Eco-Justice fellowship training class, held in the summer of 2009, will focus on global climate change and poverty.This training class is essential for anyone engaged in the faith-based eco-justice Port Isobelmovement and provides support for emerging practitioners engaged in global climate change work.Training is held in a retreat style format and is limited to 20 people. Applications to participate in the in this summer's training program are now being taken. For more information about the program and to review the application details please visit our website by clicking here.

7th Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days: Ecc Adv Days
"Enough for All Creation"
March 13-16, 2009:

Washington, D.C.
We live in an increasingly interconnected world and have an enormous impact on each other and Creation. As the Earth's temperature rises we see a strain on food production and an increase in severe storm events. Our increasingly codependent economies lift a few individuals up to great heights while keeping others living lives of destitution. Join us at the 7th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days, as we explore ways to bring about a world with 'Enough for All Creation'. Learn about the connections between climate change, migration and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Come together with faith-based advocates and activists
from across the United States in the nation's capitol March 13-16 as we discuss the abundance of our world and how it can be allocated in a way that is fair and just for all Creation. Register now at
www.advocacydays.org

The Green Bible Available
The Green Bible will equip and encourage you to see God's vision for Ecc Adv DaysCreation and help you engage in the work of healing and sustaining it. This first Bible of its kind includes inspirational essays from key leaders such as N. T. Wright, Barbara Brown Taylor, Brian McLaren, Matthew Sleeth, Pope John Paul II, and Wendell Berry. As you read the scriptures anew, The Green Bible will help you see that caring for the Earth is not only a calling, but a lifestyle. Click Here to order your copy of this wonderful new Bible.

The UN, Africans and Climate Change
The NCC has reengaged in the international climate conversation with a renewed focus on the need for adaptation assistance in developing nations. In order to do this we participated in the recent climate negotiations held in Accra, Ghana and brought a small delegation of Africans to the US to speak to the issue of climate change in the developing world. In Ghana, the NCC hosted two small delegations, one from the US and one with individuals from around Africa. While in the United States, the African delegation met with more than 15 Congressional offices. They also spoke to members of the religious community who are interested in learning more about the impacts of climate change in developing nations and the effect these changes will have on their global ministry.Click here to read more.

Enter the Cool Congregations Competition
Interfaith Power & Light is offering $10,000 in prizes ($5,000 for the congregation with the lowest overall emissions per congregant and $5,000 for the biggest carbon loser - the congregation that has shrunk its footprint the most). If your congregation wants to take part in the contest, you'll need to use the calculator to measure your carbon footprint between now and December 31, 2008. Click here to check out the web site and for the full list of rules.

Mindful Living Conference Recap
The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program held its biennial conference Oct. 9-11, 2008, in Alexandria, Minnesota, at the scenic Lake Geneva Christian Center. The focus was on one of the most dynamic and critical issues facing the world today--environmental health. The Mindful Living Conference provided a fascinating cadre of speakers, interactive learning activities, opportunities for fellowship, creative worship sessions, and positive action steps. Dr. "Pete" Myers gave an overview of the science of toxins. Jim Antal spoke about the theology of ecology. Mark Mitchell gave us the environmental justice perspective and a history of environmental justice activism from Hartford, Connecticut. Rev. Nancy Firestone spoke from her personal perspective as a individual with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. In the words of one attendee, "I came for a conference, and also got the benefits of a spiritual retreat." Click here for more information about the speakers. To learn more about Environmental Health - non-toxic living through education and action, Click Here!

How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Christian?
Start making strides today to shrink your ecological footprint.

Did you know that changing just one conventional light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb saves 165 pounds of carbon dioxide a year? That's enough to fill about 7,300 party balloons! How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Christian?, by Jan Nunley, Claire Foster and David Shreeve, offers hundreds of practical ideas for making the small changes in your daily life that can make a big difference to our world. It will inspire you, your church, and your community to take steps that will reduce your ecological footprint; from carpooling, to serving fair-trade coffee at coffee hour, to buying in-season produce at local farmers' markets. For more information or to order your copy contact Sharon Hinchberger, 212-592-9416, shinchberger@cpg.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Capsules is produced by the Eco-Justice Working Group of the National Council of Churches of Christ
Your comments and suggestions are welcomed: info@nccecojustice.org / Phone 202-544-2350 ext. 27/ Fax: 202-488-5639.