Going Green for God

Paper Plate Debate

2012-01-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is on my mind today, because we had a group come in who was having lunch in one of our meeting rooms. I set up tables and chairs for them and put out plates from our cabinet for their food. I pulled these plates from the cabinet in our kitchen--the ceramicy sort of plates you probably have at your church--with the intentions of going down after the group had finished and giving them a run in the washing machine.

When I went down later to check in on the group, after their pizza arrived, I noticed that the plates I set out had been returned to the cabinet and a stack of paper plates was set out instead. Since I try really hard in daily life to avoid as many disposable items, seeing things like that happen grate on my like fingernails on chalkboards. I'm not sure if it was a co-worker or one of the participants who made the switch, but, either way, it really set off a lot of thoughts for me about paper products especially involving food.

It seems to me that paper products have probably surpassed permanent in everyone's typical meal. If you eat fast food, you're using paper. And, it seems, more and more that churches go to paper for every meal over those aforementioned plates most have in their cabinets. There are a few attitudes that seem prevalent in regards to paper vs permanent that I when I push for permanent: (1) washing dishes takes a lot of time and effort, and (2) using paper/Styrofoam plates the more noble gesture for a guest to offer the host (because it saves him/her the time and effort).

This is an issue that doesn't seem to be on very many people's radar, because it is such a common practice these days. It seems very cut and dry that just taking everything you use and throwing it away is far easier than scrubbing and drying dishes or even running the dishwasher, and it might be. But, it really isn't that much easier. In the end, there is more trash to take out, the trash has food all over it that will probably attract critters, and it costs more (and yeah, I realize that it's not much, but you could totally rent several movies for that). And, if you have a dishwasher, it's really barely more time than taking out the trash.

So, what gives? Is washing the dishes so bad, that we have to get plates that we'll use once and then send down the road to our landfill to spend decades rotting? The answer, of course, is no, but I'm being a little snarky here, I realize. It is just another one of those temptations that are really easy to give in to, because it saves a bit of work. "I know it's better to wash the dishes, than use disposables, but it has been a long day, and I'm just tired." And that just snowballs.

And, this is not asking to get rid of your car and flush your toilets with rain water. It's just putting dishes in a machine, pushing the button, and getting them out. And, even that work is something that can build community within our families, gatherings, and churches. If we would not be in such a hurry to finish and get on to the next thing; if we lingered together to clean up our messes, we might make some connections that weren't there. We might slow down enough to notice something or ponder something we would otherwise miss. And, we would take the gifts we are given and use them more respectfully. We have the time if we will make it.

So, I ask you to think about this at the next gathering where people feel that the time to clean plates and cups is just not a possibility. And, if you are every planning an event that I attend, know this: I will stay after and clean the plates if I need to, and it will not be a terrible inconvenience to me. I am willing, and I really want to--not because cleaning dishes is my favorite activity, but because this is really something we can make room for.

Are you sweating in January?

2012-01-23T13:36:00.001-08:00

We are hitting the mid-point of winter as far as the calendar goes, and even though it's unseasonably warm this week, we're bound to see some pretty cold temps over the next few months. Last Saturday, I think the thermometer got its highest at about 7:30am, then proceeded to drop as the day went on. Yet, that evening, I was leading a discussion about 2012 summer staff at camp, when I found myself almost breaking a sweat.

The room was full of people, and we were talking about important stuff, but I didn't feel nervous. I wasn't sitting too close to anyone, and I wasn't overdressed for the weather. Why did it feel like I had just downed a shot of habanero pepper juice? I ended up stripping down to an undershirt, and I felt very relieved when I walked out the door into the winter, freezing temps. What had happened, I discovered, is that the thermostat in the room had been jacked up due to the cold outside.

Think about this for a moment and how silly it is: It's miserable cold outside, so let's make it miserable hot inside. That way, it doesn't feel good anywhere. It's like treating flaky, dry skin by rubbing lard on it until it's completely greasy and full of acne. Nevermind that it costs a lot, a lot of money to heat a building. So, we pay a lot of money to heat something way more than we need it. As we do this we are wasting resources that are in small supply right now to do that, all in the name of over compensation.

There is an idea out there that 72 degrees is the perfect temperature, and we must heat our homes to this at all times. Well, I was sweating last Saturday with it set on 70 degrees. So, did we really need it there? Of course we didn't. We would have probably been fine at 65 degrees, and we really probably could have managed at 60 degrees if we really had to. Even changing your thermostat 1 or 2 degrees can have a significant affect on how much your heating unit has to work. So, keep that in mind. In the dead of winter, we are sometimes asking our heating units to change the temperature by 60 degrees. Let's not push them anymore than we have to. It will save us money and keep us from that ridiculous feeling of sweating like it is July in the middle of January.

There are so many ways to make this work, especially at our homes. Play with the thermostat--drop it down a degree at a time and see what you can comfortably interact in. Turn it down more when you aren't there. When you are at home, dress warmly, so you don't have to heat it so high. You'll be amazed by how much keeping your feet warm will affect the way the rest of your body feels about the temperature. Getting a good pair of house slippers could save you a great deal of money and resources. Find some warm, comfortable, trendy pajama pants and snuggle under the blanket when you're watching TV. At my house, we keep the temperature at 65 when we're at home, and our electric bill is consistently below $100, often much lower. But, it that sounds too crazy for you, at least, challenge that theory that the thermostat always has to be set at 72. Bump it down a few notches and see if you notice. Put on those house slippers that have been cluttering up the closet. I bet you have other things you could spend that money on. I know we have better things we could do with that electricity.

Stillness in the Bleak Midwinter

2011-12-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

During Advent, our pastor adds a little tweak to the order of worship. At the end of the service, we are asked to sit back in our pews and just be still, while music is played on the piano. So, during that time of the postlude when we typically gather coats, pocketbooks, and bulletins to throw away, we put off our list of things to accomplish, probably less than one or two minutes for silence and contemplation (at least, that's the idea). I don't know how the rest of the congregation feels about this practice, but it could be my favorite part of church over the course of the entire year. It draws me right into thinking about Advent, Christ, and this season.

In a time in the year where the daylight and climate make it easier for us to be still and contemplate our faith, we have managed to come up with lists of things we "have" to do during this time of year. It stresses us all out, people complain about it regularly, and yet we are still chained to it. I'm not saying that the Christmas season is just all-out misery, but it has been drawn out and stretched into a big set of obligations that I don't think the Christians who introduced the idea intended.

In fact, the timing of Christmas isn't so tied into the actual historical date of Christ's birth, anyway. It's timed with the winter solstice. Winter Solstice has been celebrated by all types of cultures for a long, long time, but we Christians saw a great deal of symbolism that could be had from this time of year. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, daylight-wise. This time of year seems to be dimly lit, because it's dark outside an hour before you get off work. So, the day after the Winter Solstice is a great moral victory for us, because it's the day that the light begins to return. You see where early Christians saw a metaphor there?

You're probably thinking by now, "why is Troy giving us a Christmas history lesson? Isn't this supposed to be a Creation Care blog? When are we going to get the guilt trip about using less wrapping paper or taking an energy efficient vehicle to visit Grandma?" Well, my creation care angle in this post is one about being better connected to the Earth. During the Christmas season, so many of us are just connected to the inside of buildings and cars. This Christmas we will be inside decorated rooms at parties, stores trying desperately to sell us stuff, watching hear-warming television specials, and crammed inside our cars driving hours to get to Christmas celebrations. The idea of light in our lives, in a literal sense, will be lost, because most of our will be coming from bulbs.

It's hard to stop, this time of year. We have a checklist of things that we must do, so that no one gets left out or offended. We want to take part in those traditions we have cherished since our childhood--and, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. But, for at least a moment or two each day, sit down, go outside even. Look at how the world is changing. Feel it in the air. See the lights at the end of a cold, winter day. Imagine that first Christmas, and how it must have felt to bring Christ into the world in a stable with animals and straw as your company. Hear the sacred songs of the season in your mind. And know, just as the earliest Christians realized through this brilliant metaphor for the season, that light will soon return. Light enough to light up this entire world where there was darkness. And, if you can manage to be still long enough, out in this world, the world that God made, I bet you will feel even more.

December Tips

2011-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

We all think of "green" for the holidays. We want to hang the greens, but we also worry about spending so much "green." Unfortunately, so much about the holidays involves waste - so we challenge you to be as green as possible in all your celebrations. Here are some specific tips on limited waste from www.blessedearth.org

Skip paper cards. If everyone sent just one less card per year, we could save 50,000 cubic yards of paper.

Reduce the trimmings. If every family reused just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet!

Wrap in reusable material such as cloth bags or reusable gift bags. If every household in America wrapped just 3 presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

If you must use wrapping paper - buy the kind made from recycled paper and make sure you recycle it when finished. So often we rip it off and throw it away and it takes up room in a landfill.

Switch to LED holiday lights. They cost about $8 more per strand than standard bulbs, but use up to 100 times less energy and will last about ten years when used indoors.

August: Reusable Tips

2011-08-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Reusing as much as possible is crucial to eliminating waste. Here are some tips to help you live a reusable life.

~ Get a good reusable water bottle to take with you as much as possible. Avoid plastic water bottles at all costs - even if they get recycled, they require energy for manufacturing and disposal.

~ Reuse any water that you don't drink to water plants. Don't dump it down the drain.

~ Reuse paper that is only printed on one side. Print on the other side or use it as scrap paper to make notes or grocery lists. Then, when you have used it fully, recycle it.

~ Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Ask in your community about battery recycling programs.

~ When you eat, use washable dishes, utensils, cups, and napkins. They eliminate waste and make for a nicer dining experience.

Creature Care Practices

2011-05-31T18:20:00.001-07:00

This month our focus is on caring for something living be it a plant, pet, or person - as we are all creatures together. And in caring for one creature, we care for many creatures as God made us all a part of creation. Here are five simple practices to connect with creation as we care for fellow creatures.

~ Put out a bird feeder, birdbath, or birdhouse.

~ Plant something in your yard or get a houseplant.

~ If you are considering a pet, adopt one from a shelter or rescue agency. If you don't need a pet currently, volunteer to help at a local shelter.

~ Take a dish made of fresh fruits or vegetables to a friend or neighbor. Encourage them to do the same if possible and share a gift of healthy food.

~ Once a week for the next month, walk or bike somewhere instead of driving. If you must drive or ride in a car, share the trip with someone else.

Water Practice 3: Connect water with your senses

2011-03-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

Take time to connect to water with your senses.

We all know how much a part of our life and faith water is if we really take time to think about it. The trouble is that we rarely spend time thinking about it. Most of us take water for granted more in a day than we really appreciate water in a year.

During a time in your day when you are using water—bathing, washing hands, washing dishes, washing your face, when you’re out in the rain—pay attention to the feel of water on your body. As you do that, consider a verse from scripture that refers to water, for instance:

- In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)

-As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, my God. (Psalm 42)

-The woman said to Jesus, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." (John 4:15)

-For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. (Mark 9:41)

Water Practice 2: Use only what you need

2011-03-23T17:19:00.001-07:00

It is so easy to leave a faucet running. When we are rinsing dishes or getting ready for a shower, we let it go and lose track of time. It is time consuming to keep turning the faucet on and off, and there is plenty of water, so why does it matter?

I refer back to times when I have had a finite amount of water, and I had to really take seriously how much I used. I realized I didn’t need as much water for cleaning as I thought. I thought of all the times I left a faucet running, while I did other things, and it seemed so wasteful and arrogant to let it go that way just because I could.

I think of the people all over the world who must walk miles to get all the water they will use in a given day and carry it back on their heads. I think of how they would look at me running my water for no good reason.

Then, if we feel this way, how must God look at us wasting these gifts? Is water any less important to me than it is to the one who must walk miles to get it? Not really. If this were true to me every day, how would I act about that? Would I let it run down the drain while I walked off to get more plates, or would I ration out only what I needed like I did when I was in the woods with limited water?

What actions would best tell God, “I am so thankful for this life-giving water. I realize how important this blessing you give me is.” This is a way of giving thanks—to treat these gifts with the importance they deserve.

Water Practice 1: Collect Water for Use

2011-03-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

We let so much water that could be used around the house wash away.

Take some time to consider all the water that is lost down the drain or into the ground in your house. For instance, water runs down the drain when you are waiting for the hot water heater to kick in. You could let that water run into a bowl, pitcher, or watering can to use later. This can be used to water plants or rinse dishes waiting to be washed. You can also set up a rain barrel or bucket to catch some of the water that falls from the sky. You, of course, would not drink this water, but you can use it to flush your toilets. This cuts down on the amount pumped from your well or city water. This could save you money, but that’s not all.

I’ve found that these practices slow me down and focus me on these simple tasks. When I do that, it clears my mind and helps me appreciate simple things. This calls me to prayer. These acts certainly take more time, but I feel a closeness to God while I do them, and I am more thankful for this basic necessity of life.

So, collect some of this water, and when you do that extra work it will inevitably create, make it into a prayer of thanks.

Water

2011-03-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

We get references throughout the Bible to water. It makes sense for the biblical writers to compare things to water—everyone on earth knows it and uses it just about every day. Water is a huge part of every human’s life, whether you realize it or not. Sadly, for many of us, we don’t respect water as one of the most important elements to life.

Think about how many parts of your daily life depend on water: quenching thirst, bathing yourself, using the bathroom, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, cleaning your dishes, and washing your clothes—just think of what it would be like to do without all of that for even a day, when you really need it.

In this part of the world, though, water is plentiful, and we rarely get close to running out. When you have so much, it’s easy to overuse something. So, we leave our sinks on, we take hour long showers, and we pay no attention to our leaky faucets.

I was backpacking with a group of youth, miles into the woods of Nathan Bedford Forest State Park. The shelter where we were sleeping was nowhere near a water source, so a group of us had to hike several miles to a creek to filter water. We were all out of water from drinking, cooking, and cleaning over the past day. As we walked farther and farther, we grew more and more tired. I was so worn out and just wanted a large gulp of water. We were next to Kentucky Lake for part of our walk, and I even considered drinking some of that filthy river water. It was such a relief finally getting to our water source, filtering that water, and getting to wet our throats.

I remember one of the youth on the trip saying, "I never realized how important water is and how much I waste it. When we get back, I’m not going to waste so much water."

When you are out on the trail and only have so much water with you, you have to treat it with great importance. When you are back in the world of running water, piped into your home, it’s harder to see it with so much reverence. But, water deserves our reverence still, doesn’t it? Isn’t it still one of the most important elements in our life?

If we find more time in our daily routine to pay respect to water, even if it is just finding ways to use less of it, it can really make us more thankful people. If we thank God for these gifts more regularly, we are in closer communion with the one who made us.

Learning from Job

2011-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

The Book of Job has fascinated people for centuries. I think it appeals to so many people because it treats one of the ultimate life questions: "Why do the innocent suffer?" This question can be spun many ways and made the foundational point for "The Problem of Evil" or "Theodicy" - which fundamentally asks, "Is God good/just?"

From my perspective, a reading of Job doesn't fully satisfy these issues, but some good points are made. Usually the section that gets the most attention is that of God's response to Job in the last few chapters of the book. God answers Job by asking Job, "Where were you when..." and lists several chapters worth of details about creation. Often this is understood as God "smacking Job around" or simply telling Job to shut up and realize that God is God and Job is not. That might be part of what's happening, but I don't believe it's the whole.

More than anything, I read this section as God laying out for Job the intricate connections of creation. It is clear that God has gone to painstaking ends to make things "just so." If any of the variables were off, it could all go awry as so many parts depend on one another. Ultimately, God is communicating with Job that God has the utmost care for EVERYTHING in creation - including Job and humans, but not just Job and humans. Everything in creation matters to God.

I invite you to read those few final chapter for yourself or with a group. Discuss the connections, and feel free to share your thoughts on this reflection.

February Focus: Creation is Connected

2011-02-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

Recently our material has centered more on specific practices. This month we want to focus a bit more on the spiritual side of creation care. Of course, we want the spiritual to impact the practical and the way you look at things to shape your behavior, as the two are deeply connected.

This month is all about connection. We are focusing on how creation is connected and our connection with it. In a post last year which featured an Earth Day letter to a local newspaper I wrote: "'The environment' is not something separate from us. We are all part of the environment - intricately woven into it and inseparable from it." When human beings forget that we are part of creation and treat "the environment" as something separate, something we can decide to care for or not, we can do untold harm.

This month we will highlight this connection through scripture and other sources, and we hope you will feel more connected with creation through these readings and thoughts.

Electricity: Practice 5

2011-01-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Knowing where electricity comes from

Take some time this week and find out where your energy comes from. Call your local power company or go online and see if you can find it. It may be difficult.

Try to get a sense of what is truly happening every time you hit a light switch or plug something in. It may make you look at it differently.

Set goals for next month about being a better steward regarding power usage. Look at the actual kilowatt hour usage on your bill and commit to decreasing daily usage. You might even set an extreme goal and be surprised that it isn't as tough as you thought.

Electricity: Practice 4

2011-01-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

Turning things off

There are so many items in a house that often get left on when they are not being used. Televisions, fans, chargers, radios, cable/satellite boxes are just a few.

Sometime this week, take time when you leave a room or your house to make sure you have turned everything off that is not essential. As you make your rounds, notice how many things you have that use electricity, and think of how much power it takes to run your house in any given day.

Be humbled by how much money and resources this takes. Be proud that you are being a good steward with these resources, but at the same time don’t forget to realize so much more than just your money makes this possible.

Electricity: Practice 3

2011-01-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Refrigerator

This one appliance is uses a pretty hefty percentage of your normal energy bill. It makes sense—you can’t really turn it off each day.

Here is one practice that will keep it from working as hard, and help you use your resources more wisely: Sometime this week, stock your refrigerator and freezer as full as you can. If you have an empty fridge (like my college apartment fridge), it will be cold just like a stocked one. The difference is that one has cold things, while the other has cold air.

When you open the door of an empty fridge, cold air goes out to your kitchen, and the fridge has to go to work to replace it. In a stocked fridge, the cold stuff stays there and stays cold. End result: a stocked fridge doesn’t have to work as hard. If you are not the type who always has a fridge full of food, it doesn’t mean you need to buy a lot of food you can’t possibly eat or leave that mayonnaise jar in there when you know it’s expired. Just take some empty containers like milk jugs, fill them with water, and put them in those empty spots. You save resources and money, just by leaving them there.

Electricity: Practice 2

2011-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Heat/Air

This, I think, is one of the most difficult issues involving electricity to make some kind of change with.

We are so used to a consistent temperature that it is hard to imagine anything other than a room somewhere between 68 and 72 degrees. It has become so that in many buildings I find myself the hottest in the winter and the coldest in the summer. We have this amazing gift of never having to worry if we will freeze or be exhausted by heat. But, many of us get too comfortable, using this gift when we aren’t around or stretching it during the most extreme times of the year.

This week, if you do not already, be mindful of your thermostat when you leave your house. Give your heater a break while you are gone. It will save you money. If you already adjust your thermostat when you go, try adjusting the temperatures when you are there. Make common sense adjustments like dressing with warm house slippers (your feet inform the rest of your body on how to feel). Use blankets on your couch. Dress warmer. This will save you money, which is big to some. But even if you think it is well worth your money to keep the thermostat where you like it, this is a way to be in better touch with the gifts God gives you, saving coal reserves. It also keeps you in tune with the seasons, as God created us to be.

Electricity: Practice 1

2011-01-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

Lights

Get creative with lighting your house: So many of us have windows in our house that are always covered by blinds of curtains. Yet, during any given day, there is enough sunlight to light many houses without needing light bulbs.

Sometime this week, if you are at home or in your office, try going without turning on the light switches. Open the blinds or the curtains and let the sun light your room. This, of course, may not be feasible if you don’t have enough windows, if it’s cloudy, or if it’s just too cold. But, if it’s possible, try it—see how your perspective changes with the different kind of light. Also, take a few moments to look out your window and be more connected with the world around you. You will notice nature, people, buildings. In these brief moments, pray. Your world is much bigger than the room you are in.

Try candles at night: Up until about 100 years ago the only light in homes at night came from some sort of candle. Take a night this week to reconnect with your roots. Have a dinner by candlelight. I bet it will make it more difficult to be distracted with just the candles lighting the house. You will save money and resources, and depending on what you do that night, it could be a very novel way to spend the evening as a family.

I remember many nights when the power went out, how I was surprisingly excited to get to use the candles and oil lamps at my parents’ house. Candles are still used to invoke something spiritual in our churches. If you are doing a devotion or Bible Study, try beginning by lighting your candles and ending by extinguishing them without using electrical lights. The fire has a different affect on us.

January Focus: Electricity

2011-01-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

The idea of electricity is so abstract for many of us that it is hard to look at it the way we might look at food or water. It is kind of like money. If you have enough of it, why is it a big deal to use it? What could possibly be spiritual about our use or our conservation of electricity?

I think the first part is understanding where our electricity comes from. For us in the Tennessee River Valley, we get a lot of it from hydroelectric power. We also get it from burning coal too, though. Then there is a minimal amount from wind and solar. When you start to think about what happens outside of your house when you flip on that light switch, you are a little more connected to those things that make this possible. Secondly, just finding alternatives to electricity can take you out of your daily routine enough that it can be a spiritual experience.

Packaging and Waste: Practice 2

2010-12-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Food: So much packaging is used for food these days. Just think about how much packaging is used for one person to have a value meal at a fast food restaurant. All of that is made for one meal then thrown away. We package and serve food this way at home as well.

In the same way we talked about gift packaging, try to focus on more on what’s inside the packaging than how it’s wrapped. For instance, in the meat section of the grocery store, you can find ground beef wrapped in plastic or in a sturdier plastic box with cellophane covering. This is, of course, better protection for your ground beef, but do you really need that much protection between the store and home? Look at these items that are pandering to your sense of safety. This may cause you to buy another brand than you are used to. These are lifestyle changes that may speak to companies that are packaging this way.

Look for ways of using less packaging. Try not to buy as many individual wrapped products unless it’s a necessity. Try to buy packaging that is recyclable. Know, as you do this that you are using the resources God has given us more wisely—this is a way of giving thanks.

Packaging and Waste: Practice 1

2010-12-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

During the holidays, it's a great time to think about packaging gifts. Think of all the paper and gift bags and bows and boxes and labels that we buy for one moment and then throw away. Think of what this says about us on a day that we say is about hope, generosity, and love. The Wise Men brought extravagant gifts to give baby Jesus. I do not imagine, though, that after the gold, frankincense, and myrrh were presented, that Mary and Joseph had multiple bags of trash set outside the stable door.

If we are to give extravagantly, do we really want the extravagance to be, in part, something we hardly value after the gift is opened? Try this practice: Focus more on the gift than the packaging. Wrap your gift in something you already had, that was to be thrown out anyway like newspaper or magazines. It can be made much more personal this way. If you are using the gift bags, save them for next year. You will never buy gift packaging again. They fold neatly and don’t take up much space when stored with the rest of you Christmas decorations.

Make every bit of your gift meaningful and humble yourself this Christmas season. Think of how perfectly peaceful the story of the Wise Men rings. A poor family by the world’s standards is given gifts by rich people by the world’s standards who have been humbled by God.

December Focus: Packaging and Waste

2010-12-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it seems that for many people December and the holidays celebrated during the month have become more about "stuff" than anything else. Certainly we feel that this displays a misplaced focus. But assuming people will buy things for the holidays, we do want to offer some tips to make the holidays greener.

Most of our hints will focus on waste and packaging. Packaging is a big deal in today’s world. We want everything fresh, undamaged, and wrapped in something appealing to the eye. But then, most of this packaging gets thrown away. Though it is clearly necessary at times, it is often wasteful. Consider how much we throw away just to temporarily package something.

When you buy something, do you think about its life cycle? Do you ask yourself how much energy and resources it required to make, what it will take to function, and what will happen to it when it is no longer useful? Do you compare the packaging involved? If not, we hope you will start to consider these issues and make decisions that display better stewardship.

How We Eat - Practice 2

2010-11-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Meals building community with family and friends: We have become so busy these days that we must find ways to multitask everything. It is difficult to sit down to eat without doing something else. At least once during this week, take a shot at sitting down with friends and family just to eat. Set aside an hour or more for everyone just to enjoy the act of eating together. Do not waver from this time even if you finish eating before time is up. This is fantastic time to build community. Take time to slow the meal down, don’t just woof it all down and be done. Pause between bites to talk and share. Let the meal last a while. Think about how many times in the gospels food or a meal is involved. There is so much ministry to be had around the table. Share food with each other. Consider your blessings. Look at each person around the table and relish the fact that you are children of God and you have been fed today.

How We Eat - Practice 1

2010-11-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

Spend some time on your blessing.

Often, for me, when I sit down to eat, I go right into shoving my face full of food. I don’t think a lot about the food I’m eating and what it took for it to get on my plate. Food is not as much the centerpiece of each day as it may have been in the past. Much of work for humans used to be food related—think about it.

Today, though, we don’t have to think of food outside of making sure we eat it. By doing this we run the risk of not appreciating and thanking God for one of the most important things in our daily lives.

So, try this: At least once a day, think about everything that had to happen for the food to make it on your plate when you sit down to eat. Think of the animal or plant that lost its life, the worker who harvested, the machinery and manpower needed to deliver the food, the cook who prepared the food—take all of this in and realize how much happened so that you could have this meal you are about to eat. Think about how it will keep your body going longer for all the things you need to and love to do. Be grateful for this incredible thing. Thank God piece by piece and be humbled by all the ways you are given sustenance.

November Focus: How We Eat

2010-11-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is coming up. It's become a holiday most known for eating, and likely overeating. It also kicks off the grand holiday eating season for many people who will have parties and other gatherings that center on food. We've already talked a few months ago about what we eat, but how we eat can be an expression of faith too.

Often in our culture how we eat doesn't seem very holy. We're busy people, and we usually grab food on the go, eat in our cars, and shovel food down our mouths in order to keep going to our next destination. Consequently, food ceases to be anything special or in any way sacred. It is fuel or nutrients - something to be consumed, but not savored. Such a view can cause us to totally dismiss a relationship of thanks with our food. In many ways this way of eating is radically different from our ancestors who had a close connection with what they ate because, for the most part, they raised their own food or hunted (for necessity, not for sport).

Of course whether or not we share our meals with others has a large impact on us. Many studies have shown that eating together as a family can make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and teenagers. It's mostly common sense - socializing and connecting around food is basic to who we are. I would dare say no one ever wants to eat alone. We would all prefer to share a nice meal with others.

In the Biblical worldview, how you eat, and particularly who you eat with is of tremendous importance. One of the key charges against Jesus by his critics (or opponents) was that he ate with the "wrong" people: "And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, 'This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them'" (Luke 15:2).

Think about the last great meal you had - not in terms of the food, but in terms of the fellowship and friends you shared it with. Pray about eating with those who may have no one else to eat with.

Transportation Practice 4

2010-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Get the most from your vehicle: Cars are hard to figure out. There’s a reason we have such a hard time finding a mechanic we can trust: because we so often don’t know anything about cars. For many, if it’s moving it’s working and if it isn’t, it needs to be fixed. But usually, it needs to be fixed long before it stops, and while this is going on, the car is wasting resources and your money. So, it is good stewardship to learn more about your car and know what it needs. It can also be fun and a big ego boost to maintain or fix your car yourself.

But, even more simply, we can drive in a way that does not wear our cars out faster. For instance, making slower more gradual stops, where you see the stop earlier, anticipate, and ease on your brakes will make your brakes last longer, use less gas, and help your tires last longer. If you avoid gunning it as soon as the light turns green, you use less gasoline. I’ve seen a difference of 5-10 miles per gallon when I drive like this, as opposed to riding the brakes and gunning the gas pedal. The more gradual you can make your stops and acceleration, the better—especially when you’re dealing with hills.

Working on cars and driving with more restraint probably doesn’t seem overtly spiritual unless you’re thinking about it in the stereotypical kind of man’s man way. But, this is, like so many other things we’ve talked about, taking care of something. It is using our resources wisely. This is a praise to God that you realize all he has blessed you with and you do not intend to squander it. So, roll up your sleeves, get greasy, watch your driving, save some money on gas, replacements and repairs, and know that you are giving greater glory to the gifts God has put in your life.

Transportation Practice 3

2010-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Take the Scenic Route: We like to be able to drive fast. When I was in college, driving from Jackson to Knoxville was a huge chore to me, and so I wanted to finish it as quickly as possible. I wheeled down I-40 well over the speed limit, feeling almost like I needed to. We are in such a hurry these days that the most important thing to us becomes making good time at all costs. Even if we deny everyone in the car a bathroom break, completely miss everything we drive past, and even endanger some lives all in the name of good time.

I discovered one day when I got a little bored on my way home that, from Camden, you can take Highway 70 to Jackson rather than the interstate. I had some time to spare, so I figured, “why not?” I took the route and, first off, learned that it wasn’t much longer than my I-40 route (5 or 10 minutes if even that). In my constant quest for gasoline efficiency, I started thinking about this and realized that I had likely saved on gas, because I was driving at a speed limit of 55 mph or less, rather than the 70 mph of the interstate. So, I had made about the same time and gotten better gas mileage.

But, I also began to like this route for reasons other than money savings. Along this route, I passed through 5 or 6 small towns along the way. When you do this, you see quirky local businesses and restaurants. You pass through pastures and farms. You see things that you can’t on the interstate, because either you’re driving too fast or the interstate just has to be separate from these small town main streets to have such high speed limits.

Along these routes, I am frequently tempted to get out and explore, and, every now and then, I give in to those urges and really have some great experiences. I remember one day on my way home, using Highway 70, there was a gorgeous sunset with purples and pink of all shades in the sky. I was passing by a large cotton field and couldn’t help but pull over to really look at it. I pulled into a country road, and for about 20 minutes, sat on my hood and just took the beauty of God’s creation in. I would not have even considered this on the interstate.

So, just try my advice out: take a way you don’t normally travel and see what you find. Or, slow down on that route that’s usually just a means to get from point A to point B. Take in some of the natural sites God has put in front of you: pull over next to one of those creeks you drive past every day and just look over the bridge, thanking God for this time. Pop in on a neat little business establishment you’ve wondered about, and talk to the people for a minutes. These activities are connectional, and there is no doubt that the God we serve wants us to connect.

Transportation Practice 2

2010-10-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Carpool: Think about this: if every person in your town carpooled with one other person, it would cut rush hour traffic in half. If every person carpooled with two other people, you’d have one third of the cars you have to sit in line with each morning to get to work. That’s appealing enough on its own for many, but you also cut out pollution, so the air in your city is cleaner, and you probably cut down on auto accidents in your town too.

And, here is the spiritual component of this practice: you will be forming a community. It will, no doubt, take some coordination. You may have to look for people who work in the same vicinity as you that live in your neighborhood. Or, you may have to pick some people up in different neighborhoods. It will not always be easy—some will run late, some will be grumpy, some will talk on and on about things you don’t care about (I’m really selling this, right?). But you will also have a few more people to share your life with. People who you can talk to after a long day to help you cool down before getting home. You could say a prayer together each morning for a safe and productive day. For me especially, my urges tell me to look for ways to isolate myself. I do enjoy driving alone, getting to listen to what I want to listen to on the radio. But, some of the best conversations of my life have been had with people in a car.

We have cars that normally at least have seats for 4-5 people. Doesn’t it seem like a shame that there are lines of these cars with just one person? So, look around you and find out who from your place of business lives nearby. Also, see who from your neighborhood works near you. Coordinate a carpool, even if it’s just one day a week at first. As with most environmental practices, this will save you money. Just imagine the cool things you can do if you cut your gasoline bill in half this month.

Transportation Practice 1

2010-10-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Walk or Bike Somewhere: There are so many places that we drive to that could easily be walked. One of the greatest sources of pollution in our world comes from the enormous amount of cars on the road. But this practice is not just about reducing pollution. I am lucky enough to live close to the place I work. From my house to the office is a little over half a mile. So, generally, on my lunch break, I walk to my house, eat, then walk back to work. There are, occasionally, days that I go into town to eat out. Those afternoons are almost always much more difficult for me to get motivated for, because during that 10 minute drive back to the office, something happens to my body. I guess it’s the food sitting there and me sitting there, and I just get tired. Whatever it is, I have a tough time waking up in the afternoons when I drive back from lunch. However, when I walk back from lunch I have much more energy and usually go right back into whatever project I’m working on. You also notice more when you walk. You see plants and animals around you that you’d just be lucky to glance at if you drove by. You have time to think and reflect. You see the place you are traveling in a different way and know it a little better. This has had a great spiritual effect on me. It helps me sort through things at the beginning and end of my days. It gives me time to reflect. It also gives me exercise. There are so many who join gyms to get the exercise they could get by simply walking to the places they have to go. This practice has so many potential benefits. Find a walk you can make instead of driving. If you don’t walk much, don’t push it—keep it below a mile. Take time to notice the things you don’t when you drive the route. Spend time in prayer, let the walk focus you.

October Focus: Transportation

2010-10-26T07:20:00.001-07:00

The Christian faith has always been a faith "on the move." Jesus and his followers were always traveling - albeit not great distances. But what Jesus and the disciples lacked in terms of distance they accounted for in terms of frequency. They are almost never in the same place for very long. Often the gospel writers tells us they are "on the way" which is both literal and figurative. They were "on the road again," but they were also on the "way" to God and the bringing about of God's kingdom. One of the earliest names for the Christian movement was "the way."

We have considerably more options from getting from place to place in our day. But our options should raise questions about how we choose to be "on the move" and what that says about our WAY of life.

Here is another introductory video with some hints to get you thinking and praying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_RKnGjfnQY

Another September Practice

2010-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Another great thing to do regarding food is to buy locally. The other day, I was in the produce section and noticed that there were muscadines for sale. These are type of grape that grows wild in Tennessee and much of the South. If you live near woods, you can likely find them on the ground and hanging from vines this time of year. I looked at the packaging for them and noticed that they were produced somewhere in Georgia. From the store I was then shopping at, I could go to a local farmer’s market and buy muscadines harvested in Benton County, just a few miles from my house. Why should I care about that? There are several things to consider.

Much more had to happen to the Georgia muscadines to get them in my grocery than the Benton County versions. There was the road trip from Georgia, of course, which used gas. On top of that, their transport had to be cooled in these hot summer days when the temperature might make them spoil faster. The Georgia muscadines have to be packaged in a specific type of plastic that will keep them fresh but not contaminate them. And, to make the trip to Tennessee (and probably farther on to other supermarkets as well), these muscadines probably have some sort of preservative to help them last long enough to get to the store, wait for you to buy them, and not spoil immediately after you get home. The Benton County muscadines just have to be picked and driven down the road.

So, you cut out the pollution, use of resources, and probably eat healthier muscadines, but you also invest in your community. In this great era when we can have Costa Rican bananas and Chilean Plums shipped right to the store down the road, you can help out the people who live within walking distance who are trying to grow food themselves. You will likely get to know these people, thereby becoming more a part of your community. This is at the essence of what God teaches us throughout the Bible—to live in community with those around you.

What to Eat: Practices

2010-09-29T07:45:00.001-07:00

One way to eat in a more healthy and holy way is to cut back on your meat intake. This is a difficult one for me, because I have always loved meat. There were years in my childhood when I ate very little besides the meat offering at each meal. I still, to this day, crave meat more than other types of food. And, if I wanted to, I could eat meat at every meal, because these days, I have easy access to affordable meat. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father kills the fatted calf to celebrate his son’s return. That is a big statement of the father’s excitement. Killing a cow was a bigger deal in years passed, because it was just harder to get your hands on meat like that. Today, we are at no shortage for however much meat of any kind we want.

The dilemma is that too much meat is not just bad for our bodies. It takes far more grain to feed a meat producing animal than it does to make bread. That grain that goes into producing a hamburger or pork chop or chicken breast could be used to feed far more people than its meat counterpart. Also, lots of land has to be cleared for pasture for these animals. That is land that could be oxygen enriching forests. We are disconnected from this, because most of us have no involvement in the process of getting the meat we eat until we buy it. Like in the prodigal son story, meat eating has been much more of a luxury in the past. Meat is much more difficult to produce whether you grow the animal or hunt it.

So, think about that the next time you order a hamburger or have that cold cut combo. Appreciate the difficulty that is involved in getting meat to your plate. Thank the God who created life and set this cycle of life into place. Celebrate like the father that you get to eat in such a way.

September Focus: What We Eat

2010-09-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

What did you eat today? No, really, WHAT did you eat today? Do you know where it came from? Any clue how it got to your plate? For most of us, if we really start to think about these questions, we probably lose our appetite. Many of us are quite disconnected from our food. We likely have little actual knowledge of what goes in our bodies on a daily basis. This is somewhat shocking considering that just a few generations ago everyone knew exactly where their food came from. In most cases it came from their backyard. Yes, this meant sacrifice. In most cases, meat was extremely rare - sometimes only eaten once or twice a year (so that Thanksgiving and Christmas meals were truly feasts).

It's beyond naive to think that we can return to this way of life on a grand scale, and many of us will never fathom such a shift. However, we can all know more about our food. We can all make choices to eat locally, and most of us can plant gardens and grow at least some of our own food. We will examine a few practices we think will help what we eat not eat at us and creation quite so much.

New Creation Care Video

2010-08-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

Check out our latest video with tips for reusing and reducing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8C8dZrHwcA

Reusable Practices

2010-08-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Challenge: To Use As Little As You Can

This challenge is fairly simple to relate: try to avoid using as many disposable things as possible. Putting this into practice can be a little more difficult. Nearly everything we buy has something disposable along with it. It’s sanitary, it’s quick, and most of all it’s easy. But, we are making lots and lots of trash, and using lots of resources to make it. Each of us is responsible in a lifetime for so much more trash than our great-grandparents. It is hard not to just go with the flow. I find it very rewarding, though, to know I am contributing less, even if it is extra work. But, you have to be ready to remember to bring reusable things with you, for strange looks, and to do much more cleaning. But, this can be spiritual, as menial as it sounds. To me, it is getting the most from what we are blessed with and not wasting God’s gifts just because it is easier. Here are some common examples, but I am sure there are plenty others to come up with. If you have other ideas of practices or ways of making the practices habits, please post them as comments on this post.

Water Bottle/Cups/Coffee Mugs: Carry a water bottle or cup with you, even when you go to get fast food. Most fast food places these days will let you use your cup for water or soft drinks once you explain what you’re doing and that you are saving them money on cups. You can still find water for free nearly everywhere you go, too, and most city water standards are the same or even better than bottled water company standards.

Silverware: Just like with cups, you can carry a fork or even spork with you and never have to use the disposables. You can do this with chopsticks as well.

Reusable shopping bags: Next time you are in line at Wal-Mart, look at how many plastic bags get used by the people checking out. One family doing a week of shopping uses many. Multiply that by everyone that day, then by all the Wal-Marts in the world, then by each day in the year and think about how much plastic that is. And, that’s just Wal-Mart. The toughest thing about the reusable bags is remembering to bring them with you.

Plates: I have noticed that churches have gotten into the habit of using paper or Styrofoam plates much more with meals. I remember going to the Men’s Breakfast with my dad every first Sunday of the month when I was a teenager. We had a great breakfast from scratch, a speaker, and then we cleaned up. One of the most vivid images in my mind, is washing and drying dishes with the men of the church—all ages—and I wonder how much of my memories of those men would be lost if we had simply thrown away the paper plates, because it was so much easier than washing the church's dishes.

Paper: So many people waste paper on a consistent basis. Be sure to save paper you print on and use the other side if your document is not something official. Recycle the paper you finish using. You can use it to stuff packages. If you are really industrious, you can turn it back into new paper yourself.

Diapers: Of all the ones we looked at, this is clearly the most difficult and requires the greatest sacrifice. Not being a father, I cannot say that I would be enthusiastic to wash diapers, but I do know it would save a great deal of resources and landfill space. And disposable diapers take a very long time to decompose (if ever).

Doggie Bag: Keep some Tupperware in your vehicle, so you don’t have to use the typically Styrofoam take-out containers restaurants offer.

Sandwich Bags etc.: My wife and I have not bought plastic, zipping sandwich bags in the entire time we’ve been married, because we simply wash them after we use them.

These are just a few practices you can carry on. Basically, anytime you throw sometime away, ask yourself if there is a better way to use that resource. You will have to remember to keep these reusable items with you. You will deal with huffs and puffs from people thrown off their routine. You will have to explain yourself to more people than you care to. But like many lifestyle changes we choose to make, we don’t choose it because it is easy, but because we feel convicted. To me, this is a way of praising God for his gifts—to use them to their utmost. For me these lifestyle changes have been an act of praise.

August Focus: Reuse

2010-08-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Some people make "going green" or "living green" into a herculean challenge. But this month, we want to highlight the fact that one of the most effective things to do involves simply doing more of what you do already and with greater intentionality.

You probably don't go out and buy new bath towels every week. Instead of throwing towels away after every use, you clean them and reuse them. I'm also guessing you eat on dishes that you reuse, use utensils that you clean, and drink from cups that get washed and put back in the cabinet for another use. In fact, most of our daily routine consists of lots of reusing.

We're suggesting you turn what you already practice in your daily living into an intentional mission - reuse as much as possible. Use your towel several times before cleaning it. Even hotels are now asking people to do this. It saves them water and energy, but also money, and it will do the same for you. Take your favorite coffee mug to work with you. Use it for coffee and water throughout the day. Then bring it home, rinse, and repeat. If you really feel courageous, start taking your own cup to restaurants (especially those that use styrofoam) and ask them to let you use your own rather than using theirs. If they balk, remind them that you are saving them money because they aren't losing a cup on you.

The outcome is fairly simple: less waste. When you reuse, you automatically reduce.

Watch for more updates in the days to come about ways to reuse and motives for taking this green step.

Annual Conference Message

2010-06-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Memphis Annual Conference, Go Green for God!

Weekly Green Practice: Volunteer in Some Sort of Outreach

2010-05-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

We have concentrated, so far, on animals and plants in nature, but we cannot forget helping in the growth of humans as well. I have spent a good bit of my life helping children, youth, and adults to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through this, I have learned as much as I have taught. There are so many possibilities to be involved in the growth of people around you that we will only throw out some ideas. What you have available specifically will, of course, depend on where you live.

Volunteer to help with young people. Churches are constantly searching for people to help with children and youth ministries. In many cases they aren’t looking for a director, but simply someone to be a mentor and help lead. In addition to the church, in larger cities, there are many youth organizations such as sports leagues, scout societies, service organizations, and many others. You can basically help with just about anything you have an interest in.
Volunteer to help the marginalized. This is another type of ministry where there is no lack for need of help. You can find ways to help the poor, hungry, refugees, homeless, sick, abused. There are programs in the church and in cities throughout our conference. It would be as simple as asking your pastor to get put with the proper people.
Volunteer to visit shut-ins, the elderly, or the imprisoned. Companionship can sometimes be a greater gift than money or food. There are many people who need more people in their life. By going and using a resource which so many of us seem to be short on: time, you can change lives, one of which will probably be your own.

Finding the Spiritual in this Practice: This, for anyone religious, is a no-brainer. To reach out to those in need is one of the most important things we are called to do as Christians. There are many verses that resonate with these actions that you can repeat to yourself each time you begin this type of work. This type of work calls you to prayer for the people you are helping. The more you develop ways to help other people, the more you tend to learn something about yourself. I believe that we become better by helping others to be better. It is the nature of God to cause things to grow. When we can take part in that, it is a truly holy thing.

Weekly Green Practice - Get to know the other animals around you

2010-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

In addition to the birds, there are many, many other animals around you that you may not even know about. There are plenty of those animals that you probably want to continue not to know about, but there are some that could benefit you practically and spiritually.

Communing with the wild animals around you. You have to be very careful with which animals you interact with and what you do, but appropriate actions can be very beneficial. You don’t want to begin feeding animals and having them come to depend on your food. On top of making them less able to survive in the wild, it can become quite a nuisance around the house. So, you can’t exactly go feeding the raccoons, snakes, coyotes, mice and other wild animals around you as you would the bird. You can put out a salt lick for the deer, though. Putting up a bat house, while not supporting the most beautiful of animals, will help control your mosquito population.
Adopting a pet. With so many domesticated animals being abused or just left out, it is very generous to give one of these animals a home. This is yet another chance to care for something God has created, but with these animals it goes a little deeper. You are caring for one of God’s creatures that has been hurt or cast aside. This is not only an act for the benefit of having a pet—it is an act of charity.

Finding the Spiritual in this Practice: I’ve had many spiritual experiences with animals that I can’t really describe. They are a source of comfort. They can be challenging. They can be wonderful representatives of the nature of God. Whether you are just observing animals or taking responsibility for an animal’s well-being, you are coming into contact with a life besides yours. I recommend seeing this time as a Sabbath time. Clear your schedule and your responsibilities and us this time to connect to God and part of his creation. Take a time of prayer. Read scripture that references animals. Notice those qualities in the animal you are observing. I find that these planned or chance encounters with animals can be very spiritual.

Weekly Green Practice - Grow plants around you

2010-05-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I, by no means, am gifted at growing plants, but the more I try, the more I get right. I have gone from being a plant killer to an occasional plant rescuer. I like to dig up plants and move them near me. I enjoy growing plants from seeds. I am still not always successful in these endeavors, but there is something nice about getting it to work and figuring out what a plant needs. Here are some of my amateur suggestions and ways these practices have become spiritual for me.

Grow a plant. It’s as easy as going to the store and buying some seeds, then getting soil and a container that will let excess water get out. You can grow flowers, herbs, or just a plant that you like. Many people talk about having plants in offices and other rooms that bring life into that place. Anytime you are responsible for the life of something (parents and pet owners understand this) it changes you. If you care for your plants, this can have the same effect.
Transplant a plant. I really enjoy rescuing plants that might not make it. For example, I like to dig up young cedar trees that grow up on roadsides. I know eventually road crews will come in and mow them down, so I find a place to plant the tree where it might be useful. At camp, I’ve been able to save some trees, plant a tree in a spot Lakeshore needs one, and saved the camp the cost of buying a tree (which can get pricy). I also love to think about the possibility of one day being next to a tall tree that I put in the ground as a sapling.

Finding the Spiritual in this Practice: For me, there is just something deeply spiritual about helping something to grow. In the routine I make for myself of watering my plants, pruning limbs and dead leaves, and adding mulch and compost, I feel like I am part of something God is doing. To see my plants bloom, sprout leaves, and bear fruit is a satisfying feeling—a call for thanks and praise. Pray as you carry yourself through these routines. Find the metaphors between tending a garden or house plant and God taking care of you. Read verses that have to do with plants growing (there are so many). Growing plants is a major theme throughout the Bible. These practices will help you to identify with the stories and parables throughout the Bible. You may begin to see yourself in your plants.

Scripture: Read Jonah 4:6-11. This is one of my favorite passages. God is asking Jonah to see things from God's perspective. Jonah is whining about a plant he had nothing to do with, and God is saying, "Imagine what it's like for me the Creator to see my creation destroyed." When we take part in helping something grow, we re-connect with creation and with the Creator.

Weekly Green Practice - Get to know the birds around your house

2010-05-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

No matter where you live, there are birds of some sort around. We go through life, often, not even noticing them. It can be a wonderful thing to simply watch them and listen to them chirp and sing. Here are ways you can help the chances of seeing them and ways to make it spiritual.

Put out a bird feeder: You can make a bird feeder or buy one pretty cheap. They are easy to put up or hang, and you can watch birds from your porch or window. You may want to keep it out of reach of squirrels and cats, but otherwise set back and enjoy the different types of birds that come to visit.
Put out a bird bath: Having any kind of consistent water will draw birds. It can be the fountain type that circulates water, but a simple bowl will also draw the birds in. This is another item, when properly placed, you can watch even from a window.
Erect bird houses. There are many types of bird houses out there. Bluebird houses are popular. Martin houses are popular and, I’ve heard, help keep the mosquito population at bay. What is also neat about putting up bird houses is that you know birds are raising their young there. I love knowing that these life cycles are going on right under my nose.
Try to get to know these birds as you watch them and become more familiar with them. You will notice certain birds move in different ways. You will recognize songs and calls. If you have a bird book or knowledgeable family member you can start picking out what types of bird are visiting you. You can read up on them and know their behaviors and what they do.

Finding the Spiritual in this Practice: It is said that Saint Francis of Assisi preached to the birds. Here is something attributed to him:

My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you... you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore... always seek to praise God.

I like to imagine this image of sharing God’s love even to the animals. I also think this is a great opportunity for Sabbath time. This is a time to rest the mind and body, simply being in God’s creation with his creatures. I recommend taking this time daily and putting everything on hold for whatever amount of time you decide. Sit outside or by your window. When you begin this time, spend some time in prayer. Take time to look up scripture on the birds of the air. There are plenty in the Psalms, or the creation story in Genesis can get you started. Let those words resonate in your head as you watch the birds. Feel the connection you have there by providing something for them. If your experience is anything like mine has been, you will begin to notice birds everywhere you go where you did not before. You may also feel more urges to praise God each time you notice them.

Scripture: "Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them." Luke 12:24

Creation Care Team May Focus - Taking Part in the Growth of Something Living

2010-05-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

This blog will be taking on a new focus. My friend, Troy Taylor, and I are members of the Memphis Annual Conference's Creation Care Team. So, we are going to be adding material related to our mission of helping our conference better care for God's creation. We will continue to have other material here as well, so check early and often.

Taking Part in the Growth of Something Living

I find few things as fulfilling as helping something living to grow. I realized this first while working at camp. I was involved in the lives of so many young people, and I got to watch them grow up over the years. I’ve been here long enough to see Elementary campers grow up and become staff members in their college years. It is a blessing to watch these young adults work at camp and see how brave they are. I watch them during the summers. They comfort crying children like a parent. They sing with the energy of a brand new Christian. They work until they have no energy left to give. And, I remember when they were just over four feet tall. I remember talking to them as they got out of their cars on the first day. I remember how they shied away, not sure what to make of all these people and all this excitement. I remember a few years down the road when they got out for Junior High and Senior High camp. It was a highlight to their year. I remember how they jumped out of the vehicle and ran to all their favorite people. And now, they are doing the work of this place.

I am so happy that I get to play some part in this growth—that I have had chances to talk to these guests and share their joys and their pain. I have been able to give advice and to offer comfort. I have rejoiced in their successes and continued to enjoying playing with them through all of this. To know that some of my presence in these years might have helped these young people become what they have makes my life seem so much more worth while. This is not always evident to me—it is a thing that is realized when you step back after days, months, or even years and see how something or someone has grown.

I think everyone needs to be involved in helping something grow. It can be a plant or an animal, even a person. Something in it, I feel, brings you closer to God. You are brought closer to the miracle that things are living at all. This helps you look at your life and how you have grown over the years. You see how God can work through so many things, including you.

This month, we ask you to involve yourself in the growth of something. Take on a new project or take more time with those things you already do. Grow a plant. Feed the birds. Take time to involve yourself in the lives or others. You probably already do at least some of this daily. In the upcoming weeks, though, I would like for us all to think more about how God is at work. We are providing verses, devotions, and activities to help you along with this.

Check out our monthly video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSLCutcOtkY

Green Speech

2010-04-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wanted to kick off "Earth Week" in a big way. Here's a letter Joel Allen (Minister of Discipleship at FUMC) and I sent to the editor of The Jackson Sun. Not quite nailing 95 theses to a church door in Wittenburg, but it's something.

Caring for creation is primarily a theological issue, and people of faith who see creation as a gift from God have a deep responsibility to lead the way in an overall “greening” of Jackson. Given the number of faith communities in Jackson, the city should be one of the “greenest” in the nation. Unfortunately this is not the case. Perhaps this is because caring for creation is often confused for a political issue in which there are polarized sides. Of course this is a mistake because people of all political stripes (as well as other definitions by which we divide ourselves) are dependent on creation for life in the same way. It is one of the great levelers in life. We all share this planet, and its health is vital for ours and all other creatures. “The environment” is not something separate from us. We are all part of the environment - intricately woven into it and inseparable from it. This should be evident to all humans, but people of faith have a further responsibility. We who profess to love God must love what God made. Certainly this applies to our loving one another, but we are called to show great care for all that God brought into being. It is wonderful to see curbside recycling and other movements in our community, and we pray people of faith who call upon the God of all creation will recommit themselves this Earth Day to loving the Creator by caring for creation.

Rev. David Brent Hollis

Rev. Dr. Joel Allen

Turning Over A New Leaf

2010-03-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty nonexistent on here lately. It's certainly not due to a lack of passion about this issue, but lately I have struggled with "the next steps." I think for a while I have felt a stirring to pursue something "big." For whatever reason, I've been putting it off. Well, a couple of things have happened.

First, the church I serve (www.jacksonfumc.org) committed to host the "Hope for Creation" Simulcast on April 21st at 6:30 p.m. (CST). This was even accomplished without my cajoling, and I'm very excited about it. You can see more about the simulcast here: www.blessedearth.org

Second, the conference in which I serve has a creation care team that I have been a member of but on which I have done very little. The other day, one of my closest friends shared with me that at the last meeting (which I didn't attend - a cautionary tale) we were nominated to have more responsibilities. He's pumped about it, and so am I. This blog may become a larger forum for this work, and he might even become a co-contributor.

So, the big thing is I want to help bring curbside recycling to my community. I have really no idea how to accomplish this. We have some recycling, but honestly it's pretty meager especially considering our size and resources. All I really know is we generally live in a society where if enough people want something badly enough it tends to happen. So I hope I can be a catalyst for this. If anyone reading this has accomplished such a goal, please tell me how.

I also hope to post each day during Holy Week to make up (slightly) for my dismal record lately.

Weekly Green Thought

"I do not worship matter. I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter, who worked out my salvation through matter...Because of this I salute all remaining matter with reverence, because God has filled it with his grace and power. Through it my salvation has come to me." John of Damascus, On the Divine Images 1:16

Weekly Green Thought

2010-02-17T21:47:00.000-08:00

"The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God." John of Damascus (675-749), Treatise

Combine and reduce

2010-01-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

My calendar post the other day had a great suggestion I hadn't considered. I constantly look for ways to cut my lifestyle and live simpler. This post suggested combining as many hygiene products as possible. If everyone in the house can use the same shampoo, body wash, etc. you can buy in bulk and use refillable containers. Cuts down on waste and expenses. Of course, I'm single so there's no one to share with except my dog, and I'm not sure I should use her shampoo. But hopefully I'll have a larger family someday to share with.

Weekly Green Thought

"Poor innocent little creatures, if you were reasoning beings and could speak, you would curse us. For we are the cause of your death, and what have you done to deserve it?" Isaac the Syrian (late seventh century)

Happy Green Year!

2010-01-06T09:39:00.001-08:00

For Christmas I got a "Living Green: 365 Ways to Make a Difference" desk calendar. I'm quite excited about it, and I will use its wisdom to supplement the "Weekly Green Thoughts" (which will hopefully be more weekly than they were in 2009 ;) from The Green Bible.

I like this one a lot since I recently bought a new house. It is on the calendar's box rather than an actual page I've seen yet - but I think it works anyway. "What is the good of having a nice house without a decent planet to put it on?" - Henry David Thoreau

What if we start to think about the virtue of a house not in terms of square footage or amenities, but in terms of its impact (or hopefully lack thereof) on the earth which is home to all creatures?

Weekly Green Thought

2009-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

"See my works, how fine and excellent they are! All that I created, I created for you. Reflect on this, and do not corrupt or desolate my world; for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you." Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13 (sixth-eighth centuries)

Weekly Green Thought

2009-12-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

"How can a person of flesh and blood follow God?...God, from the very beginning of creation, was occupied before all else with planting, as it is written, 'And first of all, the Eternal God planted a Garden in Eden.' Therefore...occupy yourselves first and foremost with planting." Leviticus Rabbah 25:3 (fifth-seventh centuries)

Weekly Green Thought

2009-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

"If a dead man is raised to life, all men spring up in astonishment. Yet every day one that had no being is born, and no man wonders, though it is plain to all, without doubt, that it is a greater thing for that to be created which was without being than for that which had being restored. Because the dry rod of Aaron budded, all men were in astonishment; every day a tree is produced from the dry earth...and no man wonders...Five thousand men were filled with five loaves;...every day the grains of seed that are sown are multiplied in a fullness of ears, and no man wonders. All...wondered to see water once turned into wine. Every day the earth's moisture, being drawn into the root of the vine, is turned by the grape into wine, and no man wonders. Full of wonder then are all the things which men never think to wonder at, because...they are by habit become dull to the consideration of them." Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)

A Little Busy Lately

2009-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have seriously been slacking on this blog lately - but at least I have a somewhat decent excuse: I bought a house! It's been an exciting/terrifying thing, but most of the "new" is beginning to wear off as I actually make payments, put holes in walls, and start to fix things that are broken. With the homeownership deal comes tons of "creation care questions." The house is fairly new, and it seems to be energy efficient overall. I bought a very efficient refrigerator - although, there were admittedly models that were better than the one I got. I suppose I am making some sacrifices and compromises involving the size and price of things. Generally I am a zealot about things, but lately I find myself trying to find peace in doing the best I can with what I have. Guess that's really what stewarship is fundamentally all about. We'll see.

Weekly Green Thought

"We should remain within the limits imposed by our basic needs and strive with all our power not to exceed them. Once we are carried beyond these limits in our desire for the pleasures of life, there is no criterion to check our onward movement, since no bounds can be set to that which exceeds the necessary." Nilus of Ancyra (407-94), Ascetic Discourses, vol. 1, Philokalia

Should Christians Be Vegetarians?

2009-09-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today I led a Bible study on Genesis 3, and an issue came up that occurred to me for the first time in college. There is a reading of the first few chapters of Genesis that sees the eating of animals by humans as a consequence of "The Fall" (human disobedience of God). See Genesis 1:29-30 - "God said, 'See I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.' And it was so." (NRSV) This seems to be saying that plants were given to ALL animals for food as the initial setup of creation. So, should Christians seek to live in a way that reflects this by being vegetarians?

If not, and to be fair I am not a vegetarian, I think there is at least a responsibility for Christians to offer a response for the way they come by the meat they eat. We are for the most part not a society that hunts our food the way Native Americans did - and there is consequently much less reverence for the animals we eat. Some might claim the way many of our food animals are treated borders on abuse. If we are to eat animals, shouldn't we at least see that they are treated from pasture to plate as humanely as possible?

I have enjoyed reading The Omnivore's Dilemma immensely. The chapter that probably had the most effect on me was the one where the author participates in slaughtering the chickens on a sustainable farm. He argues that every meat-eater should have to do this at some point, and I wondered to myself if I could bring myself to kill my food - at least if not doing so was still an option. I think this will no doubt have some lasting impact on what I eat. And I'll share with you an Emerson quote mentioned in the aforementioned chapter that struck me: You have just dined, and however scrupulously the slaughterhouse is concealed in the graceful distance of miles, there is complicity.

"Weekly Green Thought"

"We should remain within the limits imposed on our basic needs and strive with all our power not to exceed them. Once we are carried beyond these limits in our desire for the pleasures of life, there is no criterion to check our onward movement, since no bounds can be set to that which exceeds the necessary." Nilus of Ancyra (407-94), Ascetic Discourses, vol. 1, Philokalia

What's Eating Us?

2009-09-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm finally reading a book I've been meaning to read for a while. It's called The Omnivore's Dilemma. Essentially, the omnivore's dilemma is "What shall I eat?" For many animals this is not a problem. They eat generally the same thing all the time. My dog, for instance, gets dog food twice a day and after two and a half years, she has yet to complain or go on a hunger strike. She seems content to eat the same thing every day.

Well, not me. As an omnivore I desire variety. And the question of what to eat or what I want to eat plagues me. Even with unlimited options, sometimes it takes me what seems like an eternity to decide. But even when I decide what to eat there's an underlying problem of getting the food. The problem stems from the fact that I am not a farmer or a hunter. I am at best a gatherer, but my gathering takes the form of picking up things and putting them in a grocery basket. But where did the grocery get the food that I'm buying and eating?

This is the ultimate question of the book: "Where does our food come from?" I've never read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. I like both Chicago and meat too much to read it, but from what I've heard the awakening it brought about in our consciousness seems to be the desired effect of The Omnivore's Dilemma. That I would know the difference between beef from a cow that was fed corn and one that was fed grass and why the difference matters. That I would understand what "organic" actually means - if it means anything.

I'm loving the book, but at the same time wondering if there's a way to go on eating the same way after I finish reading it. I feel like what we eat is a tremendously important thing, for our health but also the health of the planet. And yet I think most of us are completely ignorant about our food. I am hopeful that this book and other movements will bring about momentum to steer us back to a time when people knew exactly what they ate, primarily because it was in their backyard.

Weekly Green Thought

"Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?" Augustine (354-430), De Civitate Dei, Book 16

When Nature Fights Back

2009-08-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure if I've talked about "species arrogance" before or not, but basically it's the concept of a certain species thinking they are supreme above all others. Trouble is, I guess it can only be theoretical because we don't really know if a walrus ever actually thinks it is superior to a penguin or a seal. Sometimes we sense it in animal behavior; but confirming "species arrogance" is dicey.

I think a special consideration must be made for humans though. It seems humans routinely think they are somehow on a different plane from other creatures. To a degree this may be relevant in that humans seems to have cognitive abilities beyond most other animals. We can certainly hatch plans and do taxes (for the most part) that our fellow creatures don't bother to do. However, does this necessarily mean we are the most advanced? The more we observe family units in other species and fascinating behavior that seems written in the DNA of other animals, the less I think our claims of supremacy stand up to the test of reason.

Leaving some of these questions aside, it became abundantly clear to me recently that while I consider humans a "strong" species - we are by no means the mightiest, and in truth are quite vulnerable. We of course know this for the most part. We generally don't swim with powerful sharks or get too close to lions. We are aware that even smaller creatures like spiders and snakes can kill us with a bite. But that even plants can inflict severe pain on us should give us pause and perspective of our place in nature.

I point this out because a couple weeks ago I was playing disc golf (a great "nature game" that I wrote about a few posts ago), and I found myself looking for a disc in a patch of poison ivy. I washed thoroughly when I got home. No matter - it took over my leg anyway. What followedwas several WEEKS of severe itching and discomfort - all from a few leaves.

So when we get the arrogance to think that we are the biggest, baddest, and best on the planet - I hope something makes us itch really, really badly.

Weekly Green Thought

"Even if you are old, you must plant. Just as you found trees planted by others, you must plant them for your children." Midrash Tanchuma, Kodashim 8 (fourth-fifth centuries)

A Limited Perspective

2009-08-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I was visiting with an amazing church member who has been battling cancer for some time. Throughout it all she has maintained her sense of humor and an amazing perspective on life - realizing how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

We were talking about caring for creation and sharing some dismay at how so many people (especially Christians) don't seem to "get it." She asked me what I thought was the biggest problem, and in that moment I said "I think we humans have such a limited perspective." For the most part, we are not very good at looking at the bigger picture and considering the long-time ramifications of our decisions and use of technology. We are great at taking a good idea and expanding it to the point that it does damage.

Take, for example, sidewalks. Some cities may have great sidewalks and may be very walker friendly. But for the most part, cities are built for cars and have been for some time. In the city I live in sidewalks on main roads are almost non-existent. In neighborhoods, they start and stop with no rhyme or reason. Part of my block on the side opposite me (not the whole block - part of it) has a sidewalk, but nothing on my side of the street. It's pretty ludicrous. Why isn't the whole town laid out with sidewalks first so we know everyone can get around on foot (which we learn to do long before we drive mind you) before we worry about cars?

Walking more would help decrease smog and harmful emissions. Walking is cheaper - free to be precise. Walking is safer. Walking is very healthy. Walking is the transportation we were naturally created to utilize. Why can't we see this? Let's expand our perspective.

Weekly Green Thought

"Without earth, there is no rain, and without the rain, the earth cannot endure, and without either, humans cannot exist." Genesis Rabbah 13:3 (third-fifth centuries)

Confession

2009-07-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, pretty unbelieveable that it's taken me this long to post since the move. Of course, I didn't even move until mid-June, so how that month ended up being a wash is anyone's guess. It is a big change though. This was my third move in as many years and each to a different state (although, now I'm back in my home state - and actually town).

In addition to my slackness in blogging, I have found that the move has brought challenges to my ability to practice care for creation to the extent that I had been. Of course, I was practically living on a farm before, and it's pretty easy to be sustainable on a farm if you put forth any effort. Things can be slightly more difficult in the city.

It seems like most things have been a trade off. I'm much closer to the church I serve, and there will be considerably less driving in my life. But the house I'm living in (renting for now) is not really eco-friendly at all. My first WEEK's power usage here was equivalent to a MONTH's where I was before. Of course I hope to adjust now that I'm learning some things, but it is difficult. I'm hoping I can help bring more recycling options and other creation care practices to the city. But I guess working on myself in my new place is the first goal.

Weekly Green Thought
"Even though you may think them superfluous in this world, creatures such as flies, bugs, and gnats have their allotted task in the scheme of creation." Genesis Rabbah 10:7 (third-fifth centuries)

Community Gardens Catching On

2009-05-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote not too long ago about Anathoth Community Garden in North Carolina and celebrated the concept of dedicating an empty plot of land to God so that it might be a flourishing garden: http://www.anathothgarden.org/

I hope this concept catches on in more communities, but I am overjoyed to report that my hometown of Jackson, TN has started such a project: http://jacksonfumc.org/home/communitygardens.php In a few weeks, I will be moving back to Jackson to serve as associate pastor at the church helping to initiate Jackson Community Gardens (First United Methodist Church). I cannot wait to see this take off, and I promise to write more about it. But for now, here's a wonderful article written by one of the church members who has been instrumental in this mission: http://memphissite.brickriver.com/news_detail.asp?pkvalue=355

Weekly Green Thought

"There is nothing that has been created without some reason, even if human nature is incapable of knowing precisely the reason for them all." John Chrysostom (ca. 354-407), Homilies on Genesis 7.14

Weekly Green Thought

2009-05-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

"The world has been created for everyone's use, but you few rich are trying to keep it for yourselves. For not merely the possession of the earth, but the very sky, the air, and the sea are claimed for the use of the rich few...The earth belongs to all, not just to the rich." Ambrose of Milan (340-97), De Nabuthe 3.

If people in industrialized nations (the rich - speaking generally as the world is concerned) lived like people in non-industrialized nations, imagine the lack of pollution in the seas, air, and earth. And yet rich nations continue to make life even worse for the poor who live more closely in dependence on the land. Many rich nations build large, mass-polluting factories in poor nations where they can obfuscate environmental laws and employ cheaper labor. These are central issues of justice about which the Church cannot remain silent.

Weekly Green Thought

2009-05-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

"I want creation to penetrate you with so much admiration that wherever you go, the least plant may bring you the clear remembrance of the Creator...One blade of grass or one speck of dust is enough to occupy your entire mind in beholding the art with which it has been made." Basil the Great (329-79), Hexameron, Homily V, "The Germination of the Earth"

As I've mentioned before, a couple of the churches I serve have been going through the Green Bible Trail Guide as a Bible study. At the end of each study there is a practice to re-connect someone with creation. The practice last week involved planting something - a tree, a flower, perhaps a garden. Most of the church members chuckled as this is a rural area with farms all around, and many of them are indeed farmers. However, it did occur to me that there are places in the world in which people have essentially no positive connection with plants and animals on a regular basis. I think one of the worst realities I can imagine is that of a child in a huge city who is kept indoors all the time and even when outdoors enjoys no connection with creation. I recognize the ways camping and hiking when I was a child shaped me to love and enjoy creation, and I pray that churches will pursue initiatives to connect people in all places with the marvels of the world around us.

Weekly Green Thought

2009-04-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

"By the greatness and the beauty of the creatures, proportionately the Maker of them is seen." -Athanasius (297-373), Against the Heathen 45:1-2

Some of the greatest figures in the history of the Church have believed and taught that through "natural theology" (looking at the world and wonder of nature) anyone with the capacity of thought must believe in a Creator - even if that Creator is not the Christian God. But how much more should Christians be amazed at the delicate intricacies of creation and work to care for it by all means possible?! Not only does creation speak about the Creator, but the way we treat the creation of which we are a part speaks about our love for the Creator.

Happy Belated Earth Day

2009-04-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was "Earth Day." I mostly feel about it like I feel about other more made up holidays. You should love your mother every day, not just on Mother's Day. Same thing goes for Mother Earth - but I appreciate the nice sentiment, and certainly the attention can only help.

So to celebrate we launched a new Bible study focused on creation care. We are using the study in The Green Bible called "The Green Bible Trail Guide." It is a six session study that includes several scripture passages with a central theme. The first theme was "And It Was Good" the elaboration of which is "God made all things and declared them good. God continues to show love and care for creation throughout human history and for all eternity."

Probably my favorite part of the study is that I actually learned something (which really happens quite often when I teach, especially the Bible). Although, maybe it is more accurate to say I was reminded of something. One of the scripture passages was Genesis 9:8-17 which details the covenant God made after the Flood. We usually focus on the (rain)bow and God's promise not to destroy the earth again with a flood. However, the study focused our attention on the fact that God made the covenant not only with humans (Noah and his family) but with all the living creatures (the writer repeats this several times for emphasis).

So again, we are reminded that on Earth Day and all days humans are to care for creation for the sake of all creatures of our God and king.

Weekly Green Thought: "While the sage, Honi, was walking along a road, he saw a man planting a carob tree. Honi asked him, "How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?" "Seventy years," replied the man. Honi then asked, "Are you so healthy a man that you expect to live that length of time and eat its fruit?" The man answered, "I found a fruitful world because my ancestors planted it for me. Likewise I am planting for my children." Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 23a (second or third century).

An Easter Message About Creation

2009-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Easter - the day central to the Christian faith. Of course Easter is about Christ's resurrection from the tomb, but a component of this resurrection is central to a theology that leads us to care for creation. This central belief is that Jesus experienced a bodily (physical) resurrection. The gospel testimonies agree that Jesus body was not in the tomb on Easter Sunday. This belief retained importance in the early centuries of the Church and is expressed in creedal statements: "I believe in...the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting."

I harp on this because some branches of Christianity - and even some individual Christians not in those branches - seem to ignore this central belief when they make statements about physical things being bad or wicked or evil and spiritual things being all that God cares about or redeems. We find this particularly in times of death, when people disparage the body and claim that the spirit has already gone on to be with God in heaven. But, with this we are forgetting that God created our bodies and proclaimed them good. Certainly our bodies are flawed in that the ones we are currently given are not fit to enjoy God eternally - but scripture teaches not that bodies are useless in heaven, but that we will be given a heavenly body.

Of course this is essential also in the incarnation. God put on flesh. God took a human body. God honors the physical, the material. This is how God has chosen to create and live among us. And a disembodied, spiritual-only Christianity - one that disparages or dismisses creation and teaches it isn't crucial to care for it because it won't matter in heaven - well that's really not Christianity at all. It's a form of Gnosticism or Manicheanism.

The resurrection of the body which Christians celebrate at Easter makes the powerful claim that God will not simply restore the spiritual - but will re-create from the physical that we are to be stewards of here and now.

Weekly Green Thought: "Whoever destroys anything that could be useful to others breaks the law of bal tashchit, 'Do not waste.'" Babylonian Talmud, Kodashim 32a (second or third century)

More Paperless Possibilities

2009-04-04T17:41:00.001-07:00

Very early on I wrote about ending, or at least extremely reducing, paper use in church services - particularly with bulletins. But it has occurred to me that this act of creation stewardship should extend to all church mailings.

I currently serve three churches. I receive the official mail for all three churches at the same address. Quite often, I receive exactly the same thing from another ministry within the conference or a program entity in three mailings. If these groups would go through their mailing list, they would realize they are mailing three identical things to one address - and they could save on postage, paper, and environmental impact by reducing their mailings to me by two thirds. All it would take would be communication that I will receive only one mailing that I am to share with all three churches. When's the last time your church mailing address was audited?

To go even further - almost everything I receive from these ministries could be sent to me through e-mail. Then I would have the option to print as much or as little as I need. I understand many people feel that sending something through e-mail decreases its chances of being seen because of all the other forwards and useless things users receive - but it simply takes a commitment to operate differently. For that matter - I get just as much useless snail mail.

Many other entities are asking people to go paperless. I do so with banking, credit card, and other bills. So how about we ask people to go paperless with the church newsletter or calendar? What a difference this change could make!

Weekly Green Thought: "Nature is schoolmistress, the soul the pupil; and whatever one has taught or the other has learned has come from God - the Teacher of the teacher." - Tertullian (160-ca. 230), De Testimonio Animae

Weekly Green Thought

2009-03-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

"The sending of rain is an event greater than the giving of the Torah. The Torah was a joy for Israel only, but rain gives joy to the entire world, including animals and birds." Midrash Psalms 117 (second century)

The other night I sat on my front porch and listened to the rain. Occasionally the wind would blow, and the rain would hit me. It was pretty cold, and I would flinch a bit. But all in all, it was wonderful. Sometimes we gripe about the rain, but just consider what a miracle it truly is.

Playing Green

2009-03-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

One of my closest friends is a youth director, and he has really gotten his youth group into playing disc golf. He has "bag tags" with ranking numbers on them, and youth (and some adults) play challenges against each other to try and improve their ranking. Recently, I have joined the group, and I am obsessed! I play at least once a week. It has occurred to me that it's a great sport to get people (especially youth) walking through the woods and experiencing nature. I am not an expert in building courses, but it seems to have a very low impact on changing areas. Trees seem to be kept more than they are cleared in order to increase the challenge involved. I was most excited when I came across some eco-friendly organic discs. These discs, made by Gateway, are made by "combining renewable resources with recycled rubber." I got two (a midrange and a putter), and they are my favorite discs. I can only hope there will be more discs like this as the concept fits perfectly with such a great, green game.

Weekly Green Thought: "The initial step for a soul to come to knowledge of God is contemplation of nature." - Irenaeus (120-202)

Green Teaching

2009-03-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

"Let us turn our eyes to the Father and Creator of the universe, and consider...the total absence of any friction that marks the ordering of His whole creation." Clement of Rome (ca. 37-101), Letter to the Corinthians 1:19

Green Words and Thoughts

2009-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

I keep trying to come up with ways to be more disciplined about writing on this site, and I think I may have something. I was going through the resources in my new Green Bible (see previous post), and I found the section "Teachings on Creation through the Ages" to be very inspiring. One of the contributors, J. Matthew Sleeth, compiled a collection of sayings about care for creation. So, regardless of whether or not I have a new post, I am going to attempt to offer one of these sayings each week. Perhaps it can shape your prayer and meditation for the day or week.

Here's the first one: "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth." -The Apostles' Creed (first century)

The Green Bible

2009-02-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

Not long ago Harper Collins released The Green Bible. This version puts a spin on "red letter" Bibles which have the words attributed to Christ in red. In The Green Bible passages that speak of God's care for creation or include material about the human mandate to care for creation are printed in green. But that's not all The Green Bible offers.

First, it is printed in an eco-friendly way with recycled paper, soy-based inks, and has a natural, cotton/linen cover. Second, there are additional resources about creation care throughout the Bible including a green subject index, The Green Bible Trail Guide - a series of studies based on God's care for creation to be used for personal devotion or group study, and a resource guide to offer advice for one's next steps in caring for creation. Finally, the best feature might be the various essays from contributors such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Brian McLaren, Ellen Davis, N. T. Wright, and Barbara Brown Taylor (to name a few). These contributors approach the issue of creation care from their particular disciplines. One sees a sample of the many different angles from which environmental stewardship can be pursued.

I'll admit I have wondered about some of the passages that are green and equally some that are not. For instance, Jonah is my favorite book in the Old Testament, and I would argue the last line should certainly be green as it conveys God's care even for the animals in Nineveh. But no resource is perfect, and a rationale is given for the selection of the passages which makes pretty good sense. I was pleased that the cover page has the quotation of Genesis 1:31, which I selected as my profile quotation for this page.

If you want to find out more about The Green Bible, go to http://greenletterbible.com/

Resolve to be Green(er)

2009-01-03T18:31:00.001-08:00

If you aren't practicing "green" habits, I think the new year would be a great time to start trying. If you are already, it would be great to deepen your commitment and intensity. It's so satisfying to set a goal and accomplish it. So resolve to set a green goal, and tell others so they can keep you focused and committed.

Several months ago, I worked with one of my church's youth groups to come up with ten habits that care for God's creation to share with the congregation. So I'll share them now and hope that one (or all) of them might appeal to you as you seek to be green(er) this year and in the years to come.

1. Pick up trash and litter
2. Reuse/recycle as much as possible
3. Turn off lights/t.v. when you leave a room ~ unplug appliances when they aren't being used
4. Use your own bags at the supermarket/recycle plastic bags
5. Take a "Car Sabbath" - don't drive at least one day a week and carpool regularly
6. Give alms to the poor/donate to charities
7. Plant a tree
8. Buy recycled and recyclable items
9. Donate to ASPCA/Humane Society ~ if possible adopt a pet
10. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products

A Green Christmas

2008-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

I remember as a child Christmas being primarily about presents. I wondered what I would get. I tried to guess what a present was by the shape of the packaging. Sometimes I would get really sneaky and try to unwrap just a little of the gift and then put it back before being caught. But then in a flash, it was time to open presents - and there was a hurricane of paper everywhere, which typically went in two trash bags. So imagine roughly two trash bags full of paper for every household in America. That's a tremendous amount of waste. Not exactly an eco-friendly way to celebrate.

So how can we be greener this Christmas? I believe it takes thinking about all the ways you'll celebrate and considering forms with the least impact. If you are going to send cards, try to find recycled cards or even send e-cards. Use gift bags instead of boxes and wrapping paper, and don't be too shy to ask for the bag back - or suggest that the person use it again (I had a party the other night, and I'm going to reuse all the bags I got!).

Of course, decorating a Christmas tree with impressive ornaments is usually key for the season. Last year I was given an ornament from Aurora Glass. Their ornaments are 100% recycled glass and all the profits from their sales go to "assist homeless and low-income people through emergency services, housing, jobs, training, and other charitable endeavors" through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Oregon. I highly recommend them and can say honestly that the ornament I was given is my favorite one on the tree. You can see for yourself at www.auroraglass.org

Merry Christmas!

A Simple Step

2008-11-23T21:09:00.002-08:00

One of the simplest overall practices in caring for creation is what I'm calling "eco-stretching" (because I can't right now think of a better term that already exists). Basically this means getting the most out of what you have in order to keep from using more resources. Obviously we want to get as many miles per gallon as possible - so this means driving slower, keeping our tires properly inflated, and regularly maintaining our vehicles.

I think extending this practice to our paper use would make a big difference. I now try to use every millimeter of a piece of paper (BOTH SIDES!) before I recycle it. Rather than grab a blank sheet, I write notes on a piece that has already been somewhat (but not completely) used - or I make a shopping list or notes on an envelope junk mail came in.

It's pretty amazing to realize that if a person or company went from one-sided printing for all their documents to two-sided printing they would cut their paper use in half (as well as the money spent on paper).

I heard something as a child that has always stuck with me about the tribes of Native Americans that hunted buffalo using every part of the animal and not wasting anything. We would do well to treat all we have as they treated a buffalo; to do so with a piece of paper is so simple, but so important.

Movie Review: The 11th Hour

2008-11-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

The 11th Hour is a documentary produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. At first I was suspicious about the guy from Titanic being a respected advocate regarding climate change. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this film.

First, it employs the expertise from a diverse panel of independent experts. Scientists sharing their research in the film include Stuart Pimm and Stephen Schneider (from Duke and Stanford respectively) and, most notably perhaps, Stephen Hawking. In addition to these experts are leaders in the fields of ecological architecture, product development, and planning. Even James Woolsey, former director of the CIA, contributes. For the purposes of this blog, the most impressive element of the film was its inclusion of religious perspectives. There is even a special section of the film devoted to several faith communities including Native American spirituality which is frequently identified with its deep connection to nature.

One of the fundamental messages of the film is the reminder that humans are not separate or distinct from nature. We are part of nature - as the story from Genesis puts it: we are part of God's Creation. So any talk of "the environment" or "nature" as being separate from humanity is inherently flawed. We are one with nature. We are one among millions of species sharing life on this planet.

Really the issue then, as the film presents it, is not whether humans will destroy the earth - because that isn't as much what is at stake. The earth has existed for billions of years, and it will likely continue to exist for billions more. The only real question is whether or not humans will render the earth unlivable - at least for our species. The earth provides the perfect conditions for life to exist in a way we have not found in any other place. But will we destroy this delicate balance so that human life (or other life) ceases to exist? The earth will go on, but will we?

The final thing I enjoyed about this film was its price and packaging. It was $5 which indicates to me these people were not trying to make a film to make money but rather increase awareness about this crucial issue. Also, it was packaged completely in recycled materials. Way to practice what you preach Leo!

I hope you will check it out and share it with others.

In the Garden

2008-09-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to write a post about Anathoth Community Garden for some time. I found out about this garden during my last year of seminary, and while I have never been there, I know many people who have and have been changed by it. I wanted to tell the story well, but such a marvelous story deserves great attention. Then, the other night in preparing to write about it, I stumbled onto this online article which wonderfully tells the full story of Anathoth.

http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/312

The story about Anathoth displays so much I believe to be necessary for churches and individuals to practice habits of good environmental stewardship. Perhaps foremost is having the imagination of God and attempting to see things the way God does. The name Anathoth refers to a field Jeremiah was told to buy. This act no doubt represented lunacy to everyone around as Israel was being conquered by the Babylonians at the time, and exile was imminent. Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel, compared the senselessness of this act (to most at least) to buying property in New Orleans the day before Katrina was to hit. And yet this act was one of prophecy - to bear witness to God's faithfulness to Israel. The exile would not last forever and "houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15).

So I love the God-given imagination displayed by Scenobia Taylor and Rev. Grace Hackney to turn a fallow plot of land into a garden that shows the reconciling grace of God. Certainly this is a protest against "the way things are" and will be misunderstood by many. But I believe God smiles at the simple holiness of this community garden.

I've thought recently of trying to start a flower garden at one of my churches. The flowers could adorn the sanctuary during worship, but also be given to neighbors or people in assisted living homes. Many people in my churches know agriculture and farming, but I (having lived almost completely in cities) do not. So God could use this as a chance for us to share in the gift of life that happens when a seed is planted.

The Church Bus

2008-08-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Several posts ago I wrote about the obvious environmental impact of driving to church and suggested walking if at all possible, both as a spiritual discipline and a practice of environmental stewardship. Now I'd like to explore the issue of churches using vans or buses.

Oddly enough, it seems that I have often been at a church during a time when it was considering the purchase of a van/bus. Usually churches choose to acquire these vehicles so that different groups (youth, choir, etc.) can take trips. Some churches use buses to pick up members of the congregation that can/should no longer drive and bring them to services. Obviously both of these purposes are unimpeachable. I suppose the only question is whether or not the use of a van/bus actually pollutes less than using carpooling to achieve the same goals.

The virtue of a van/bus is that it holds more people than a car. So even though most of these vehicles get lousy gas mileage, they can conceivably do the work it would take twenty cars to do. It's obviously hard to compare emissions without knowing the condition of the cars, but generally speaking, the more cars taken off the road, the better.

I suppose the "X" factor might be the size and type of van/bus. Are we talking about a fifteen passenger van (which lately have been less popular due to safety concerns) or a much larger bus? The larger the bus, the more cars are off the road. However, most larger buses also run on diesel which, from the resources I have found, pollutes worse than regular gasoline (I welcome any information to the contrary; I simply could not find much comparison).

So, here are a few suggestions (mostly common sense) about vans/buses.

1. If one must be purchased, get one with very strict emission standards.
2. Keep it well maintained.
3. Regular gas seems better than diesel (I think).
4. Make sure the van/bus is always close to full of people - it's pretty wasteful if it's only for two or three people. Carpooling can be arranged for a small number of people.

Does your church have a van/bus? If so, do you think it's adequately used and kept green? How bout sharing between churches?

The (Natural) Light of the World

2008-08-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to an awesome wedding in Houston (yay Seann and Elizabeth!). While I was there I saw several churches. One took my breath away. It had just been remodeled, and the windows were unbelievable. I don't even know what you'd call this type of design, but there were pieces of brightly colored glass in different shapes and sizes. They were usually arranged in images, but sometimes they were just collage-like. The glass pieces were put into a dark sand looking concrete. The contrast between the bright pieces and the dark setting was gorgeous. I was admittedly a little jealous because one of these windows probably cost more than the yearly budget of my three churches combined. But that's Texas!

Then it occurred to me how little natural light actually comes into that sanctuary. Of course, that's likely part of the plan considering they have HD screens which look best with minimal light. But it really reminded me how much I enjoy churches that barely need lights on Sunday morning. So I think churches that are considering a face-lift should definitely scrap the stained or colored glass in favor of natural light.

Obviously a church would want to capture the maximum light without overheating the sanctuary and maxing out the air conditioner. But using clear glass in strategic places would offer much more light while using much less energy. And if you've got a great seat, maybe you get to look at creation while you worship the Creator of it all.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?

2008-07-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

I remember as a child watching this really awesome Earth Day special on television with Robin Williams and Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser, M.D.). Mother Earth (who I think was played by the mom on "Married with Children") was really sick - in the hospital actually. The show focused on all the things we can do to help Mother Earth recover. Well, that had to have been ten years ago, and sadly I haven't seen another special like that. What's worse is that the planet seems sicker than ever. So I really wonder if "reduce, reuse, recycle" is going to go down as just another doomed (though great) slogan.

Everyone can reduce and reuse things, but I wonder more and more about the availability of recycling opportunities. It seems like plenty of items are recyclable, but are people actually able to recycle them? I've lived several places in the past few years, and I have yet to find a recycling center that accepts everything that's recyclable. There was a good facility in Auburn, AL - but as plastics go it still only took #1 and #2. Why not the rest? I dropped some plastics off in Birmingham one time, but the facility still didn't accept many items. Even in large cities like New York and Chicago I've witnessed recycling discrimination - or even heard stories of recyclables ending up in the same place as trash. In many rural areas recycling is still almost an alien concept.

So what is a church that wants to be green to do if it exists in an area with few to no recycling opportunities? Should churches try and start their own programs? Should church members pressure local governments to put programs in place and offer the churches as places where people can learn more about recycling? I would love to hear input from anyone who has dealt with this issue as it relates to the church. I'm hoping there are some creative success stories that can teach us all.

Green Book Review

2008-07-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I started reading a book that perfectly addresses the concerns of this blog. The book is A Moral Climate: The Ethics of Global Warming by Michael S. Northcott. In addition to being Professor of Ethics at the University of Edinburgh Northcott is a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church. The book is impressive in so many areas as it's clearly the product of considerable research in both scientific and religious disciplines. Northcott frequently employs passages from Jeremiah to remind readers that care for the environment is inextricably bound with care for all created things, and injustice to the Earth affects all the Earth's inhabitants.

One of the most striking issues addressed is the considerable ethical violation that takes place when developed nations conduct business in ways that produce more pollution in developing nations who end up suffering for our (people who live in developed nations) luxury. Northcott offers this example:

Most products that are sold in Europe and the United States are no longer made there. Instead they are made thousands of miles away in often miserable working conditions in countries which are prepared to sacrifice air quality, forests, rivers, and oceans to toxic pollution in the quest for rapid economic growth. But ironically Western politicians often point to the increases in CO2 emissions which fuel the factories that now make the products on behalf of Western corporations in countries like China and Brazil as a reason for refusing to reduce their own CO2 emissions (35).

These and other lessons in the book have caused me to question the liberal tendencies I have, especially as they relate to the economy. Or perhaps I should say, reading this book has caused me to reassess ideas such as progress in the realm of economics and technology. Unbounded growth clearly has not brought a better life for all; when any suffer for the lifestyles of some, I find it hard to say we are progressing. So, again the Church must reclaim its prophetic role in a world that usually only asks "Can this be done?" and seldom asks "Should this be done?" I thank Michael Northcott for his work of teaching us some of the right questions to ask.

Greensleeves

2008-06-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

T-shirts are pretty much a staple of things "churchy." Whether it's a mission trip, a summer camp, vacation Bible school, or anything to do with a youth group, most churches make and distribute tons of shirts. I even went to a t-ball game tonight to cheer on the team from one of my new churches and said after the game, "I've got to get one of these shirts."

One reason t-shirts are so ubiquitous is because they are fairly cheap. But, as with most cheap things, they have many hidden costs. Fast food is cheap but extraordinarily bad for you if eaten regularly. Plastic dinnerware and disposables are cheap, but they are made in toxic ways and take eons to decompose. We've discovered more and more about cheap clothing (and even some clothing that isn't so cheap) being made in sweatshops in developing countries. Most t-shirts also contain dyes and other chemicals that are quite harmful to the environment.

So, what if all churches and camps and youth groups and t-ball teams committed to having green tees only?! It might cost a few more bucks up front, but all the hidden costs would be eliminated. I received a great gift of a green tee in the mail the other day from my friend The Rev. Cody Schuler. Cody is a UM pastor in the Dakotas Annual Conference, and to raise awareness for environmental stewardship they distributed eco-friendly t-shirts. I've worn the shirt now about four times because it's so comfortable. The label (which looks like a nutrition facts label) guarantees no sweatshop labor, no pesticides, no plastic prints, and no harsh resins. The shirt is made from 100% certified organic cotton and was printed using water based inks. It truly is my new favorite shirt, and I think given the choice people would prefer more shirts like this. Cody's group used www.tsdesigns.com for their shirts. Check them out for your next batch.

Thanks Cody, and here's hoping green tees will catch on with church groups of all sizes!

The Church Bathroom

2008-06-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have been in quite a few church bathrooms in my life. They have ranged from simple water closets to marbled rooms of luxury that put my last apartment to shame. However, most bathrooms function in the same way, and their primary footprint on the environment concerns water and paper usage.

First, let's look at the water usage from toilets and sinks. Last year there was a severe drought in the South. I doubt this year will be different. But the drought got so bad that at one point I heard about what seemed like an extreme measure to conserve water. At a college football game in Georgia, people were stationed in the bathroom who were responsible solely for judging when a flush was necessary! I remember a slogan from camp that likely came into play. Well, again this does seem extreme, but perhaps they were onto something. I suspect that this practice would be seen as too crude to implement in any way in churches. But I think our manners and daintiness often pose problems in the life of discipleship, and I tend to believe God would rather us be a little more messy if that led to more good.

During my time in seminary, my school opened a new addition and one of the main bathrooms contained "waterless" urinals. Soon after (or possibly even before) it became mandatory to use these in new buildings on campus. I thought they were great (once people learned how to clean and treat them), but likely way too expensive to implement in an average church. I did a quick check minutes ago and found that they are only about $100 more than typical urinals. Once you figure in the water savings, they are likely more economical (as most green products are).

Finally, washing and drying hands is at issue. Well, as much as I hate the "spring-loaded, pain in the ass, Alcatraz style faucets" (as Jerry Seinfeld calls them), I must confess they are probably the way to go when water conservation is key. Granted we would like to think people only turn the faucets on briefly, but we have all been there when people leave the water running for much longer than necessary. Sometimes you have to make good decisions for people by limiting their options. Likewise using small amounts of paper towels probably isn't that bad. But some people act like they are going to clean up the Exxon Valdez. I would say hand dryers are definitely the way to go. I have always been a fan. Even though they take longer, there's something about them I like - and my hands truly feel cleaner.

So we've solved it: waterless urinals, spring-loaded faucets, hand dryers, and guards to rule on flushing. If this isn't ministry, nothing is.

The Role of Technology in Greening

2008-06-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

In the last post I discussed the impact of driving to our churches and possible alternatives we might consider. I am a United Methodist, and this week my annual conference is meeting. As the name suggests this happens every year. Clergy and lay delegates from every church in the conference gather for several days in the same location. It's a blessing in many ways. The fellowship and communion are generally a high point for many who may be in struggling churches. But again, I couldn't help but reflect on how many cars were in the parking lot of our meeting place, and how many miles were traveled by those in attendance.

This year the meeting is in Jackson, TN (my hometown!). It is a fairly central location in the conference. The border cities of the conference are Paducah, KY and Memphis, TN. I don't think any part of the conference is farther from Jackson than Paducah, which is roughly 120 miles away. So round trip plus a little in-town driving during conference equals about 300 miles. That's not a terrible distance, but it's easily a tank of gas. Now multiply that by 700-800 people, which I'm estimating by clergy and lay numbers is about the attendance, and you have quite an impact. Now I know this is only once a year, but I'm wondering if there are better ways of accomplishing our objectives without all the travel every year.

I won't get too technical, but one of the main reasons for meeting every year like this (other than it's in our rules) is that in United Methodism pastors are up for appointment (moving to a different church or moving to your first church) every year! Theoretically, everyone is up for a move annually. Now, we generally move less than in past years, but it still can be quite often. There is discussion about making appointments longer by conference action, so that it could be several years before a move was even considered - unless dire circumstances arose. But what about other solutions like using technology such as video conferencing?

This might not work for a gathering like annual conference, but I think lots of travel for church meetings could be eliminated by using conference calls or video. A good friend of mine recently introduced me to Skype, where with the addition of a small computer camera anyone with a decent internet connection can communicate via videophone with anyone else in the world! He and his wife demonstrated by talking with friends who currently live in the Dominican Republic.

Of course, technology is always a tricky friend. It seems that many people are relying on technology to "fix" issues of climate change rather than changing their wasteful habits. Trying to use cleaner fuels and better filters rather than driving less or using less air conditioning is one example of this. I also know that in ministry there is something to be said for a true human connection. God did not send a memo; God sent God's self in fully divine and human form. So there is something about the incarnation that changes the way we do things. I don't really approve of churches watching a sermon being simulcast from another church in their worship, and not only because it threatens my job! But I think this type of technology and others can be used, carefully, in beneficial ways.

Should We Walk to Church?

2008-05-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

For most of us one of the largest contributors to climate change is our automobile. I have cut back tremendously on my driving both due to my commitment to environmental stewardship and the absurd price of gas. But the day I usually do the most driving is Sunday when I make the rounds to all three churches I serve. This got me thinking about the decision to attend churches that may cause us to drive more than necessary. Put bluntly, should we just go to the closest church?

The three churches I serve are relatively close by car. Sometimes it's silly to me that all three still exist separately. After all, we believe the same things and worship in virtually the same way. Once upon a time, the separation was necessary because people did walk and ride horses to church. But those days are over, and now people might commute for a while to go to church - likely passing many other churches (perhaps even churches of one's denominational preference). So does this decision (which is admittedly one of luxury) contradict our good stewardship of creation? I would say so, at least a little. Clearly we are putting our wants ahead of what is best for the planet when we drive further than necessary.

Now, I realize it's extremely important to most people that they attend a church that fits them perfectly. People more or less church shop until they find a great fit. Well, here's a modest proposal: start with the closest churches to your home, and then spiral out. You might also consider that a church is not really a place to meet all your "needs" but rather a place to form you as a disciple, which entails sacrifice. Thus, you could begin the way of discipleship by sacrificing a few things you'd prefer in a church for the health of God's creation.

What to do with Bulletins?

2008-05-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Lately I've pondered the amount of paper churches use with bulletins and the cost/rewards ratio. I serve three churches, and I make roughly eighty bulletins a Sunday. I encourage everyone to leave the bulletins behind to be recycled and most everyone does. Still, the bulletins are used for roughly an hour. So is it really worth the paper used? Keep in mind, I just use single sheets of paper folded. Some churches I know of use multiple sheets and make hundreds of bulletins a Sunday.

I simply think that the use we get out of bulletins is not worth the cost of paper and ink and even power to print them. I guess the problem lies in the fact that we are fairly tied to the structure and order bulletins provide (I speak mostly from my own experience and acknowledge this may also be something to work on).

Many churches are moving to some form of projection when it comes to ordering their worship. I generally think this is a good move. But some churches can't afford the equipment needed. So what is the answer?

I think a good solution for many churches might be establishing a basic order of worship to follow while making it generic enough to use multiple times and to allow for the movement of the Spirit. Imagine a laminated card that has "Scripture Lesson" and "Hymn" but no real specifics. I find that in most churches the pastor or music leader tells the people the scriptures and hymns anyway. Perhaps we could recover the use of boards with hymn numbers that older churches used (I think in many areas of greening returning to older habits will be helpful).

This is just one idea, but I think it deals well with both the issues of wasting paper and needing some (but perhaps not too much) structure. I would love to hear other ideas that might actually be in practice to deal with these or other issues from bulletin use. I hope to try my project soon and share the results.

Statement of Purpose

2008-05-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

What is this blog all about? I'm going to try to keep it very simple. I believe in God, and I believe God somehow created everything that exists. These beliefs have, especially in the past few years, caused me to live a certain way. I try as much as possible to care for God's creation. I try to treat the earth and its resources as gifts. Gifts are to be treasured and received with great care. Few things hurt as much as giving a gift that is unappreciated or even abused. Simply, when we do not care for creation we mistreat both the gift and the Giver. So I hope this blog will serve as a reminder, particularly to others who believe creation is a gift from God (namely the Church), of the precious and delicate environment in which we live and a call to action regarding our treatment of it. Most of the content will involve immediate reflection on how churches can lead the way in the serious theological issues of sustainability and creation care. I welcome all positive contributions to this matter which affects us all.