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June 2008 Edition
Climate Justice Training, June 5 (7:30-9:30am)
Interchurch Center, Portland, OR. Continental breakfast provided. Call 503-221-1045 ext. 201 to register.
The Power to Change
June 23-29, Abiquiu, NM
This conference at Ghost Ranch will focus on a theological and ethical treatment of energy and energy policy, with a view to a sustainable way of life. Features Larry Rasmussen, Melanie Harris, and James Martin-Schramm. Click here for more.
Berry and the New Cosmology: A Gathering to Celebrate Thomas Berry's work, July 17-20. Sophia Center, Summer Institute program, Holy Names University in Oakland, CA. For more information call (800) 794-8813 or email sophiactr@aol.com
Prophetic Ministry in an Eco-Justice Frame, July 28-Aug 3
Held at Ghost Ranch, this course will combine practical strategies for transformation with theological reflection. Click here for more info.
Climate and Church
This new NCC Eco-Justice report outlines how core church ministries, such as feeding the hungry, disaster relief, and refugee resettlement, will be drastically burdened by the impacts of climate change. Click here for a free download (you will be directed to a sign up page first)
Renewal
This feature-length documentary captures the vitality and commitment of America's relgious environmental movement. Click here to order.
Toward a New Consciousness
A newly published report that summarizes the findings from a conference convened at the Yale school of Forestry and Environmental Studies in October 2007. Click here to download.
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
Luthern
Earthkeeping Network of the Synods
Reformed
Church in America
United
Church of Christ
United
Methodist Board of Church and Society
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Congress Votes on Climate Legislation
Last Friday, the Senate voted on the first comprehensive climate bill to come for a vote in more than 3 years. Despite hours of debate and various disagreements about how to effectively address climate change in an appropriate manner, the Senate voted 48-36 in favor of climate legislation. In addition to the 48 senators who voted in favor of legislation and discussion regarding the moral issue of climate change, six Senators who were absent at the time of the vote expressed their support for climate change legislation and the urgent need to respond to this global problem. This vote and the comments from Senators from around the country is a strong reflection of the growing support for climate legislation and, more importantly, a growing understanding around the country of the impacts of climate change on all of God’s Creation.
Energy Star Congregation Awards
Nominate a Congregation Near You!
Applications are now available for the 2008 ENERGY STAR Small Business and Congregations Awards.  The annual ENERGY STAR Awards program offers a way for organizations to receive recognition for their energy cost-cutting efforts. An award application is available on-line under the National Awards Program. It can be downloaded and submitted via mail, fax or e-mail. Questions and technical support is available and contact information is found on the application. The application deadline is June 30th, 2008.
Seeking Religious Leaders for Environmental Health Principle Sign-On
Are you concerned about the health of vulnerable populations such as children or God’s creation? We invite clergy, religious leaders, and women religious leaders to read and endorse Christian Principles for Healthy Body and Spirit that address our Christian call to protect vulnerable populations from toxic chemicals found in everyday products ranging from baby bottles to cleaning products. Please click here to read and endorse the principles.
National Public Lands Day Grants Available
September 27th, 2008, is the 15th annual  National Public Lands Day, a day when we can celebrate our national network of public lands, which embodies the ideals of cooperation, community, equitable sharing of Earth's bounty, utilizing the blessings of the land for the common good, and preserving the stunning landscapes and irreplaceable wildlife entrusted to our care. The National Environmental Education Foundation is seeking grant applications for the 4th annual National Public Lands Day Tour. Grantees will be awarded $1,000.00 to assist with planning and materials for their upcoming National Public Lands Day project. For more information and to apply for an NPLD Tour Grant, click here.
Local Churches Taking Action
Across the country, from holding Earth Day worship services, to greening their buildings, to creating community gardens, to passing along the value of God’s Creation to the next congregation, churches are taking a variety of steps to act in an eco-friendly way. Click here to read the stories, and here to find congregations near you caring for the Earth! Have a story to share? Click here to tell us about it.
United Church of Christ Releases Pastoral Letter
The United Church of Christ released a pastoral letter on faith and the environment. This letter, from the President of the denomination and four other prominent executives of the church, is accompanied by a variety of worship materials, study documents, and other resources.
 From the Desk of . . .
Cassandra Carmichael, Eco-Justice Program Director
I recently travelled to North Carolina to conduct a series of presentations on our newly released Climate and Church paper. This time, unlike other work trips, however, I brought my favorite sidekick, Jax (my large white dog). The road trip was sandwiched between a flurry of meetings in DC and a trip to New York. It was proving to be a busy spring work "season." Jax, however, was experiencing a different reality. That of waiting. Waiting for me to get out of a meeting with folks at the African Methodist Episcopal Church headquarters. Waiting for me while I met with one of our field organizers. And waiting for me outside a classroom at Catawba College as I gave a workshop. As we drove back late Thursday night, with Jax fast asleep and sprawled out in the backseat of the car, I reflected on his wonderful ability to wait for me as I hurried about my schedule. It reminded me of the many times that God must wait for me as I scurry around working to protecting creation. And how often I, in my rush to complete my long list of tasks, neglect to make room for my own prayerfilled waiting. As Jax snored in the backseat, I thought that perhaps I should stop long enough to end God's waiting for me and instead be the one waiting for God.
"Wait for the Lord, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land." -- Psalm 37:34a (NRSV)
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