March 2009 Edition

Save the Salmon? Salmon & Spirituality: April 26, 2-4 p.m. Portland, OR.
Dr. John Hart, Professor of Ethics at Boston University, will be presenting "Save the Salmon? Salmon & Spirituality". Dr. Hart's writings are focused particularly on issues of social and ecological justice, and on ecology as a bridge between science and religion. Pre-register (preferred) by calling (503)221-1054 ext.214 or register at the door. Admission is free. Download an event flyer to post at your congregation.

“For the Least of These, Our Brethren: Faith, Justice, and the Environment”: May 2 Little Rock, AR
The Green Faith Alliance of Central Arkansas is sponsoring a conference speakers Dr. Matthew Sleeth, author of "Serve God, Save the Planet", Rabbi Larry Troster, rabbinic scholar, environmentalist, and author, Bill Bradlee from Interfaith Power and Light, plus 16 breakout sessions and lunch from local farmers. Cost $40 per person; $25 per student. For more information contact Scharmel at sroussel@phumc.com or call (501)664-3600. Download an event flyer.

Farms Feed Everyone Celebration and Fundraiser: May 29, 6-8 p.m. Corvallis, OR.
The second annual benefit dinner will celebrate the beginning of three programs initiated in Corvallis faith communities to bring food access to all in our community. Guests will enjoy door prizes, live music, a silent auction and presentations about the work that lies ahead, as well as a delicious meal prepared by EMO’s cooking students and featuring local farms’ products. Cost: $12-49 sliding scale. For more information and to make reservations call Anna Cates at 541-757-1988, ext. 107.

“Greening Our Spirits, Greening Our World”: June 15-21, 2009, Ghost Ranch Retreat Center,Abiquiu, NM
This course will offer an in-depth week of group study and reflection on answering God’s call to care for the Earth, and a chance to re-fill your spiritual well in the mystical surroundings of Ghost Ranch. For more information on the program Click here or contact Kim at kwinchelldm@aol.com

Presbyterian Conservation Core Young Adult Stewards Program:
Eco-Stewards West: July 5-12, will be held in collaboration between Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in Colorado for training and the Greenwood Farm for a hands-on project of building a “green” house.

Eco-Stewards Program of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps - July 5-12 and August 2-9 Applications are being sought for the Eco-Stewards Program of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps. The Eco-Stewards program seeks to train and inspire young adults in the ways of eco-stewardship within the wider context of Christian faith. Applicants should be from ages 18-24 years old and demonstrate interest in church, camp, and environmental concerns. The application deadline is May 1, 2009. Download the application.

Eco-Stewards East: August 2-9, will be held in collaboration between Stronghold Conference Center in Illinois for training and the Lakeview Presbyterian Church for hands-on work in the Chicago community. They are looking for Eco-Steward applicants from ages 18-24 years old who demonstrate interest in church, camp, and environmental concerns.  The application deadline is May 1, 2009.  Click here for more.

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 God's 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.

Wwould Easter be without Easter bunnies? A lot better for rabbits! Every year, hundreds of thousands of rabbits are given as Easter gifts.  Rabbit rescue organizations calculate that fewer than 10% of these Easter bunnies survive their first year -- and this doesn't include the unsold ones killed by the breeders, or take into account the animal misery caused by well-meaning ignorant new rabbit owners.  Read more at www.rabbitwisememphis.org/easter.htm .

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

Celebrate Earth Day Sunday on April 19th (or 26th)

Are you looking for ideas on how to make your Earth Day Sunday celebration reverent and relevant? 
Look no further.  Check out the following resources to aid your congregation as you worship, study, and put your faith into action this Earth Day on April 22 :

• 2009 Earth Day Sunday resource:  Celebrating and Caring for God’s Creation. 
• Include prayers, hymns, and liturgy about climate change in your worship service. Click here for ideas
• Order a FREE copy of the video God’s Creation and Global Warming.
• Plant a tree as a sign of your congregation’s covenant to care for God’s Creation.
• Carpool or bike to church.
• Sign up for the Carbon Reduction Campaign!

Click here for more information.

Blessing of the Sun and Freedom Seder

The 40th Anniversary Freedom Seder was held in Washington, DC, on March 29. This service expressed a universal calling to care for the earth that is especially apt today when the world is threatened by the overuse of fossil fuels, and needs to turn toward the sun for the sources of energy to heal and sustain our lives. The Freedom Seder addressed the challenge of climate change through the presence in the Passover story of the Ten Plagues. The Seder drew on the teachings of Shabbat HaGadol and the 28-year cycle of the Birkat HaChamah "Blessing of the Sun", which comes just before Passover on April 4 and April 8.

To take part in a Freedom Seder for the Earth in your own community, please write to Rabbi Arthur Waskow and register your Seder here. For more information about the Belessing of the Sun service go here.

Mindful Living Resource for Earth Day

Learn about environmental health and ways to protect God’s Creation and vulnerable populations.  The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs announces its environmental health resource, Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics.  This resource is a compelling faith and justice exploration of health risks caused by toxic chemicals, paired with the Mindful Living Gathering Guide, which provides a straightforward, step by step process for publicizing and facilitating an adult Christian education session.        
Download these resources or request a hard copy to learn about chemicals of concern, current legislative initiatives, Bible studies, sermon starters, and personal actions you can integrate into your home and house of worship.  Offer a Mindful Living Gathering to your community and then get in touch with us and tell us what you learned, changes that you made, and how your faith sustains you in caring for Creation on Earth Day and every day.

Dates Announced for 2009 Young Adult Fellowship on Global Climate Change and Poverty (July 27-29)

July 27th-29th,15-20 young adults will gather on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay to learn more about the issues of global climate change and poverty – and what they can do. Applications are due May 11th – click here for more information and to apply!

Celebrating the Wyoming Range

On March 13th, the Wyoming Association of Churches and the NCC hosted around 50 people in Rock Springs at an event titled On Sacred Ground: Celebrating the Wyoming Range. With the successful protection of the Range in the Public Land Management Omnibus, another celebration is being planned for April 21st, in Laramie. Click here for more on the NCC’s work in Wyoming.

PCUSA Partner Participates in Green Festivals

Partners for Just Trade -a project of the Hunger Program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, and Joining Hands/Peru-and Green America are sponsoring a tour of two artisans from the Joining Hands Fair Trade work in Peru.On their US tour-Resonating Change: Connecting Communities Through Fair Trade -Evangelina Pizarro and Ayde Riveros will share their stories, how dignified work has provided economic stability in their lives and social stability in their communities, which exemplify the impacts of Fair Trade. Fair Trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment. The tour will take place at Green Festivals throughout Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois during the first three weeks of May 2009. Download a poster to promote the tour in your congregation.

Millions of Acres of God’s Creation Protected!

On March 25th, at the urging of the faith community, the House of Representatives passed the Public Land Management Omnibus, which President Obama then signed into law, protecting millions of acres of God’s wild lands and waters. Click here to read more, and here to thank your Representative for this important vote.

‘Green’ Certification Program for Religious Institutions

GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition, has launched the GreenFaith Certification Programfor houses of worship, the nation’s first interfaith environmental certification program. The program is designed to help churches earn recognition as environmental leaders by carrying out a number of environmental activities over a two year period.
From eco-themed worship services and religious education to ‘green’ facility management and environmental justice advocacy, GreenFaith provides a unique variety of resources and opportunities for religious-environmental action. Information and application materials can be found at www.greenfaith.org. The first application deadline for the program is May 1. For further information about the GreenFaith Certification Program, contact Program Director Stacey Kennealy at skennealy@greenfaith.org or 732-565-7740, ext. 303.

Celebrate Endangered Species Day!

We are not the only ones losing homes and a means of survival. many species have been placed on the endangerd species list primarily due to a loss of habitat. The Endangered Species act of 1973 provides a meanse of preserving the ecosystem to protect endangered species. May 15th is Endangered Species Day, and the Eco-Justice Program would like to encourage you to get your church and community involved in remembering those beings of God’s Creation at risk for extinction. Click here for a free worship and educational resource on biodiversity, Tending the Garden, and here to learn more about the issues surrounding biodiversity and endangered species.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days A Success

From March 13th-16th, more than 750 people of faith gathered in Washington, DC, to learn about the issues surrounding global climate change, and to take what they learned to Capitol Hill. Click here to read more about the event, and here for opportunities to get involved at home.

Make Addressing Climate Change a Priority in 2009

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

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.