Eco-Journey

Eco-Journey Blog is Moving

Starting May 31, 2011 the Eco-Journey blog will have a new home at www.pcusa.org/eco-journey.  

All of the content that is currently on the blog will be moved to the new address, and we'll continue to blog there on issues related to faith and environmental justice.

If you have this site saved on any bookmark lists, please change it to our new address at www.pcusa.org/eco-journey, and continue to follow the Eco-Journey blog.  Thanks for your readership!

 

Big Tent Registration Extended

Are you planning on coming to the Big Tent in Indianapolis, June 30-July 2? There is still time to register. At Big Tent there will be many opportunities to explore how environmental stewardship and faith connect, including at the Peacemaking conference. Sign up for the Peacemaking conference, where Environmental Ministries will be leading a coffee and conversation session. I'll also be there leading a Big Tent common workshop on Earth Care Congregations, and at the Compassion, Peace and Justice booth in the exhibit hall.  Read more about the Peacemaking conference, reposted from Swords into Plowshares:

The registration deadline for the Peacemaking Pre-conference Gun Violence, Gospel Values:   Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call and Conference Growing Christ’s Peace at the Big Tent is extended to JUNE 15.  Peacemaking registration scholarships funds are still available on a first come, first serve basis through June 15.  Scholarship applicants need to register for the Big Tent while awaiting scholarship approval.  No registration funds will be required, simply select the scholarship option.   Although registration for the children and youth programs is closed, a few spaces are available; parents/guardians can contact the G. A. Meeting Service.   Please register online, or download a registration form to complete and return. Contact the G.A. Meeting Service by email or at (800) 728-7228, 2417 if you have difficulties registering.

The cut–off date for reservations in the Big Tent hotels is JUNE 3.  Rooms may continue to be available after this date, but to ensure access to the conference rates ($99/night at the JW Marriott, $97/night at the Marriott Downtown), reserve lodgings as soon as possible online or by calling (800) 266-9432 and specifying “Presbyterian Church Big Tent” as you speak with a reservations agent.

via presbyterian.typepad.com

 

Are you planning on coming to the Big Tent in Indianapolis, June 30-July 2? There is still time to register. At Big Tent there will be many opportunities to explore how environmental stewardship and faith connect, including at the Peacemaking conference. Sign up for the Peacemaking conference, where Environmental Ministries will be leading a coffee and conversation session. I'll also be there leading a Big Tent common workshop on Earth Care Congregations, and at the Compassion, Peace and Justice booth in the exhibit hall.  Read more about the Peacemaking conference, reposted from Swords into Plowshares:

The registration deadline for the Peacemaking Pre-conference Gun Violence, Gospel Values:   Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call and Conference Growing Christ’s Peace at the Big Tent is extended to JUNE 15.  Peacemaking registration scholarships funds are still available on a first come, first serve basis through June 15.  Scholarship applicants need to register for the Big Tent while awaiting scholarship approval.  No registration funds will be required, simply select the scholarship option.   Although registration for the children and youth programs is closed, a few spaces are available; parents/guardians can contact the G. A. Meeting Service.   Please register online, or download a registration form to complete and return. Contact the G.A. Meeting Service by email or at (800) 728-7228, 2417 if you have difficulties registering.

The cut–off date for reservations in the Big Tent hotels is JUNE 3.  Rooms may continue to be available after this date, but to ensure access to the conference rates ($99/night at the JW Marriott, $97/night at the Marriott Downtown), reserve lodgings as soon as possible online or by calling (800) 266-9432 and specifying “Presbyterian Church Big Tent” as you speak with a reservations agent.

June 19 Lectionary and Reflecting on "Dominion"

Rev. Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, sends out a wonderful weekly e-newsletter "Eco-Justice Notes" that reflects on eco-justice issues from a theological perspective.  These weekly columns are inspiring, and I wanted to direct you to Rev. Sawtell's most recent issue from May 20.

In this issue of "Eco-Justice Notes," Rev. Sawtell focuses on "Dominion: a challenge for preachers."  He explains that the Revised Common Lectionary gives pastors a perfect opportunity to incorporate eco-justice into sermons on Sunday, June 19.  The lectionary text that day includes Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 8, both of which incorporate the idea of human "dominion" over the earth.

"Dominion" has long been a misunderstood concept, being read as an excuse to treat God's earth in whatever way we see fit.  But, with dominion comes responsibility.  Given dominion, we are called to be caretakers of the earth.  As Dr. Carol Johnston writes in "And the Leaves of the Tree are for the Healing of the Nations,"

"Insofar as human beings do exercise power or dominion over other creatures, it should imitate this creative, redeeming God.  According to Job and the Psalmists, God cares for all the creatures, regardless of their usefulness to human beings."

Consider taking Rev. Sawtell's challenge to preach on a just interpretation of "dominion" on June 19.  Read Rev. Sawtell's reflections and find more resources. 

Register for the 2011 Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference

Environmental Ministries is excited to be presenting workshops at and helping to sponsor the upcoming Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) Conference.  Register now.    Be sure to register by June 1 for Early Registration Discount! The event will be a wonderful time of learning, worship, fellowship, and networking with other Presbyterians working on earth care.  Read more about the conference from PEC:

2011 National PEC Faith & Environment Conference

"God's Earth: Too Big to Fail?  An Eco-Justice Conversation Among Faith, Science and Culture" August 31 - September 3, 2011, at Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in the mountains of Colorado. 

Keynote speakers include Dr.  William Brown, author of The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science and the Ecology of Wonder; Dr. Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, senior scientist and director of sustainable foods at the Pesticide Action Network; Carol Raffenspurger, Executive Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network; Dr. Hayes, Professor with expertise in amphibian biology at the University of California Berkley; Dr. Holmes Rolston III, environmental ethics scholar; Dr. John E. Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri Columbia.

Special thanks to our conference sponsors, including Environmental Ministries, the Presbytery of Olympia, the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest, Second Presbyterian of Little Rock, and Second Presbyterian Church Indianapolis.  

Registration is now open at $125.00 and can be completed online here.  Be sure to register by June 1 for Early Registration Discount!  Get all the latest info on the conference on the "Too Big to Fail" blog  here.

 Featured Speakers and Leaders:

Dr. William P. Brown, Professor, Conference Plenary Moderator and Worship Leader

• Recent Work to be discussed at Conference: The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder

Tevyn East of The Affording Hope Project, Conference Creative Artist

• Will perform Leaps & Bounds 

Dr. Tyrone B. Hayes, Professor, Conference Plenary Presenter

• Click the above link to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Dr. Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Senior Scientist of PANNA, Conference Plenary Presenter

• Check out her blog and learn more about her research

Dr. John E. Ikerd, Professor, Conference Plenary Presenter

• Click above link to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Carolyn Raffensperger, M.A., J.D., Conference Plenary Presenter

• Executive Director of Science & Environmental Health Network

Dr. Holmes Rolston, Professor, Conference Plenary Presenter

• Click link above to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Rev. Stacy Smith Conference Music Leader

Sustainable Pathways Event: Creation Care and Best Practices for Camp and Retreat Ministries

Sustainable Pathways: Creation Care and Best Practices for Camp and Retreat Ministries will take place September 19-23, 2011 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.   

The conference will provide participants with ideas for incorporating sustainability into their camp and conference centers in many areas, including maintenance, facility planning, energy efficiency programs, and food service.  

Download the event flyer and register for the event at Ferncliff's website.

The event is endorsed by the Presbyterian (PCCCA), United Methodist (NCRC),and Evangelical Lutheran (LOM) camp and retreat ministry networks.  

Camp and Conference Centers are a natural partner for environmental sustainability education and practices, and it has been exciting to see the increased focus on these issues over the past couple of years.  Read about the Green Pre-Event at the PCCCA Conference in 2009 and the Green Leaf Seal for Camp and Conference Centers that was launched at the PCCCA Conference in 2010.  The Eco-Stewards Program for young adults (which will take place soon in Montana - more on that soon) is a partnership between PCCCA and Presbyterians for Earth Care - another way that camp and conference centers are partnering to address sustainability issues.

 

 

Mountaintop Removal DVD and Worship Resource

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program sent the following email, announcing an exciting DVD giveaway opportunity, and a new worship resource.  

“The land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants.” Lev 25:23

God’s Creation is a gift and one that we are called to protect and to serve as tenants – not as owners. And yet we treat Creation as if it’s ours, altering it to meet our needs. In no place is this more apparent than in Appalachia, where Mountaintop Removal mining – the practice of blowing off mountaintops to extract coal – is destroying both Creation and communities.

The new documentary Dirty Business sheds light on the energy industry particularly the unsustainable and unjust nature of energy production and consumption. If you knew that:

• Mountaintop Removal mining is razing God's Creation and contaminating communities 
• Historically, coal fired power plants have been placed in communities of color and low-income communities, adding an extra burden to those who are dealing with historical and societal injustice 
• The impacts coal has on Creation and communities are estimate to be $330-500 billion a year which is paid for by those who suffer from coal mining and power plant pollution – not the coal industry

. . . . What would you do?

We are offering 15 free copies of Dirty Business to the congregations or study groups that have the best plans for public viewings. Please submit your plan here no later than next Friday, May 27th.  (By mailing your plan to [email protected]nccecojustice.org.) And be sure to download our study guide and our Mountaintop Removal worship resource here. 

Peace and Blessings,

Nate

 

Reflections on Fracking

My colleague Brian Frick with PC(USA) Camp and Conference Ministries wrote this blog post on hydraulic-fracturing, or fracking. Brian's post on the "Here I Am" blog looks at fracking from the point of view of a camp and conference center, but this way of looking at it can be translated to any setting, as we're all charged with caring for God's good creation.

BREAKING NEWS: Fracking (extracting natural gas from underground shale  deposits through fracturing) has been scientifically linked to water contamination.  

Take a moment and listen to the "Here and Now" episode discussing the issue.  

‘Fracking’ Scientifically Linked To Water Contamination

And here are articles of interest on the Fracking issue

Scientific Study Links Flammable Drinking Water to Fracking

Duke University Fracking Research

Buried Secrets Gas Drilling's Environmental Threat

Hydrofracked? One Man’s Mystery Leads to a Backlash Against Natural Gas Drilling

And a documentary on the subject

‘Gasland’ Up For Oscar, After Uncovering Dangers In Natural Gas Drilling

Though the chemicals shoved into the ground with massive amounts of water to fracture (frack) the rock and extract the gas, have not been found in drinking water, towns near "fracked" gas wells have shown elevated levels of Methane in their drinking water.  That's right, you can light the water on fire in some places and this is the water the people drink.

Questions to ponder and comment on:

Is this the water you want to have in your neighborhood?  At your conference center/camp?  Is the $ realized through sale of gas rights and the "fracking" of the gas that may be under your center, worth the environmental impact?  Would you send your church group or kids to a place that has elevated levels of methane in the drinking water?  How do you share this information with others who may want to capitalize on gas revenue?

It's like the logic of having Soda Machines in Public Schools:  I have tried to explain the logic (or lack of in my opinion) behind selling gas rights at our conference centers to being like the logic behind having Soda Machines in public schools.  Sure the school gets revenue, but studies show that the students get fatter and have higher risk for diabetes in such schools.  Is the revenue worth the impact?  Now replace soda machine with fracking for gas and schools with conference center and you get my point.

I know I come on strong on this subject, but I do not think that harvesting natural resources such as gas from our centers is in line with the missional ministries of our camps. The financial pressures are growing, but this is not a solution that should be on the table.  If this is your only option, you have bigger issues than keeping the conference center open.

I would LOVE for you to call me and discuss this more.  It is a topic that comes up more and more in conversations throughout our church.

via presbyterian.typepad.com

 

My colleague Brian Frick with PC(USA) Camp and Conference Ministries wrote this blog post on hydraulic-fracturing, or fracking. Brian's post on the "Here I Am" blog looks at fracking from the point of view of a camp and conference center, but this way of looking at it can be translated to any setting, as we're all charged with caring for God's good creation.

BREAKING NEWS: Fracking (extracting natural gas from underground shale  deposits through fracturing) has been scientifically linked to water contamination.  

Take a moment and listen to the "Here and Now" episode discussing the issue.  

‘Fracking’ Scientifically Linked To Water Contamination

And here are articles of interest on the Fracking issue

Scientific Study Links Flammable Drinking Water to Fracking

Duke University Fracking Research

Buried Secrets Gas Drilling's Environmental Threat

Hydrofracked? One Man’s Mystery Leads to a Backlash Against Natural Gas Drilling

And a documentary on the subject

‘Gasland’ Up For Oscar, After Uncovering Dangers In Natural Gas Drilling

Though the chemicals shoved into the ground with massive amounts of water to fracture (frack) the rock and extract the gas, have not been found in drinking water, towns near "fracked" gas wells have shown elevated levels of Methane in their drinking water.  That's right, you can light the water on fire in some places and this is the water the people drink.

Questions to ponder and comment on:

Is this the water you want to have in your neighborhood?  At your conference center/camp?  Is the $ realized through sale of gas rights and the "fracking" of the gas that may be under your center, worth the environmental impact?  Would you send your church group or kids to a place that has elevated levels of methane in the drinking water?  How do you share this information with others who may want to capitalize on gas revenue?

It's like the logic of having Soda Machines in Public Schools:  I have tried to explain the logic (or lack of in my opinion) behind selling gas rights at our conference centers to being like the logic behind having Soda Machines in public schools.  Sure the school gets revenue, but studies show that the students get fatter and have higher risk for diabetes in such schools.  Is the revenue worth the impact?  Now replace soda machine with fracking for gas and schools with conference center and you get my point.

I know I come on strong on this subject, but I do not think that harvesting natural resources such as gas from our centers is in line with the missional ministries of our camps. The financial pressures are growing, but this is not a solution that should be on the table.  If this is your only option, you have bigger issues than keeping the conference center open.

I would LOVE for you to call me and discuss this more.  It is a topic that comes up more and more in conversations throughout our church.

via presbyterian.typepad.com

Faith, Mountains and the Economy Trip of Perspective

The Faith and Money Network is planning a "Trip of Perspective" focused on Faith, Mountains and the Economy to Wise County, Virginia to explore the impact of mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining.  The trip aims to foster awareness of injustices related to the practice of MTR, build relationships, make connections between our use of energy and environmental impacts, and move participants to personal and political action to make a difference in this issue.

The trip will take place July 27-31, starting and ending in Washington D.C., for preparation and reflection.  Download a flyer about the trip. Find more information on the Faith and Money Network website.  The application deadline is June 15th.  Some scholarships are available.  

McCormick Certificate in Environmental Ministry and Leadership

McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago is going to offer a Certificate in Environmental Ministry and Leadership, through a partnership with Faith in Place, a Chicago-based organization educating faith communities about clean energy and sustainable farming.

The program is designed for pastors and leaders of religious and nonprofit institutions who want to infuse eco-justice and care for the earth into their communities and missions.  Courses will take place over two four-day sessions in Chicago, which will explore faith and environmental issues through many disciplines.  Sessions are scheduled for September 21 –24, 2011 and February 29 – March 3, 2012. 

The curriculum for the program sounds exciting, starting with a basic overview of ecological and religious issues, it also explores biblical and theological foundations for eco-justice and earth care, and culminates with a session on “practicing green faith.”

The program is currently accepting applications until August 15 or until the program is full.  If you apply before August 1 you receive a discount.  Learn more on McCormick’s website.

Download a flyer about the program.

 

It Costs Too Much! The Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Presbyterians Speak Up

Reposted from Swords into Plowshares.  Sign up for a webinar on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.  Learn more about the Colombia Free Trade Agreement and take action.

Join us for a Webinar on May 27

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat Now

The Obama Administration is pushing to pass the three Free Trade Agreements – Korea, Colombia and Panama – by summer.  The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is organizing its voice now to speak on behalf of those who do not have a seat at the negotiating table – indigenous groups, small farmers, Colombia’s millions of displaced people and persecuted unionists. Our mission partners in Colombia are calling for the PC(USA) to raise its voice.
Join us to discuss:
                
• Ways for you to take action on behalf of our sisters and brothers in Colombia;
• How Colombia’s human rights record requires delaying this agreement;
• Why the Presbyterian Church of Colombia opposes the agreement in its present form;
• Why the cost of this agreement is too high for small farmers and others;
• How we as people of faith evaluate trade agreements.

Sign up now to hear from Lisa Haugaard, executive director of the Latin America Working Group; the Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo, director of Colombia Programs for the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, which coordinates the Presbyterian Accompaniment Program on behalf of PC(USA) World Mission; and the Rev. Dr. Alexa Smith, Presbyterian Hunger Program.

Title: It Costs Too Much! The Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Presbyterians Speak Up
Date: Friday, May 27, 2011
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT

System Requirements

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

via presbyterian.typepad.com

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat Now

The Obama Administration is pushing to pass the three Free Trade Agreements – Korea, Colombia and Panama – by summer.  The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is organizing its voice now to speak on behalf of those who do not have a seat at the negotiating table – indigenous groups, small farmers, Colombia’s millions of displaced people and persecuted unionists. Our mission partners in Colombia are calling for the PC(USA) to raise its voice.
Join us to discuss:
                
• Ways for you to take action on behalf of our sisters and brothers in Colombia;
• How Colombia’s human rights record requires delaying this agreement;
• Why the Presbyterian Church of Colombia opposes the agreement in its present form;
• Why the cost of this agreement is too high for small farmers and others;
• How we as people of faith evaluate trade agreements.

Sign up now to hear from Lisa Haugaard, executive director of the Latin America Working Group; the Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo, director of Colombia Programs for the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, which coordinates the Presbyterian Accompaniment Program on behalf of PC(USA) World Mission; and the Rev. Dr. Alexa Smith, Presbyterian Hunger Program.

Title: It Costs Too Much! The Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Presbyterians Speak Up
Date: Friday, May 27, 2011
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT

System Requirements

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer