A front page article of the Indianapolis Star newspaper featured
congregations focusing on environmental issues. Sadly, no Disciples church was mentioned.
What can we do to help each other get an environmental emphasis (from God’s
point of view) in our congregational programming and on into the homes of our members? One way of starting
is to share with this web page what you are already doing and what you dream of doing.
Please
send me your ideas and suggestions for use
in our congregations as we work together to be good stewards of God’s creation. The information in the categories below is for your information
and to be incorporated into worship, preaching, and studies.
Niehs Kid’s Pages (lots of activities, games, stories, and songs to
supplement Bible verses and lessons from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/home.htm
A Rocha (study resources for caring for creation) www.arocha.org
The Earth Charter Initiative (ideas, etc. for implementing
the Earth Charter, which expresses values and visions to care for God’s universe) www.earthcharter.org
Quotes:
“I listen to my heart and live from there.” (Geery Howe, adapted)
“It is important to honor our beginnings, to remember that we matter and that we have a place in
this world that no one else has.” (inspired by Native American Indiana)
“If you are unfaithfully with us you are causing terrible damage.” (Rumi, the poet)
“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.” (Abraham Joshua Heschel)
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal
and give strength to body and soul.” (John Muir)
Scriptures:
Job 38-39
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all thy wonderful deeds. (Psalm 24:1)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. (Psalm 24:1)
The earth has yielded its increases; God, our God, has blessed us . . . let all the ends
of the earth fear God. (Psalm 67:6-7)
The heavens are telling the glory of God. (Psalm 19:1)
Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist
in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Bible Studies:
Footprint Files Ideas to help congregations care for Creation and information for bible studies for adults, youth, and
children. This is an excellent resource! www.woodlakebooks.com
Caring for God’s Creation 4 – 6 sessions; uses scriptures to deal with environmental problems through the understanding of worldviews,
perceptions of reality, paradigms and moving to new paradigms. Print or DVD $10.00 (plus shipping & handling). Email Jay for more information.
National Council of Churches The National Council of Churches
has excellent studies on various environmental topics. Visit
www.nccecojustice.org/resourcepage.htm, and click on the Resources for Congregational Bible studies link.
Earth Trek Bible studies centered around the Genesis 1 creation
story; each “day” features two to six sessions centered around four sections: earth connection, faith connection, meditation,
and action. Call 1-800-759-4447; or go to website: http://www.heraldpress.com.
Books, videos, DVDs:
The September issue of National Geographic features good articles, charts, and photos
related to global warming. Check your local bookstore or library. Information of this kind can be incorporated into sermons,
studies, and discussion groups.
Don’t forget that the Congregational
Resource Center at Christian Theological Seminary has many resources (print, VHS, DVD) for all ages.
For youth and adults:
Global Warming: The Signs and the Science.
60 mins. $29.95, DVD; $24.95, VHS; Available from
www.pbs.org.
Mountain Mourning. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, a coal-mining process known as
“mountaintop removal” is devastating God’s creation. With stunning images, powerful narration and traditional music, scenes of
nature’s beauty are starkly contrasted with sources of ruin to tell a story of tragedy and hope. 78 minutes; $15.00,
DVD. To order: call 1-304-645-4998 OR visit http://www.PatchworkFilms.com
For children:
Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children is
a sensitive, interdisciplinary guide of hands-on activities. $19.95.
www.acornnaturalists.com
Earthways: Simple Environmental Activities for Young Children, Carol Petrash and
Donald Cook. $13.57 from Target or Amazon.com.
Activities:
For part of an adult, youth, or children’s Sunday School Class: Before
class, copy various creation scriptures on 3 x 5 cards, find an explanation of how leaves change their colors (Internet or library),
and collect colored leaves from various trees. Bring to class. Lead a discussion around God’s handiwork as seen in the fall
leaf colors.
For children: if possible take them outside and collect the leaves; if not possible, let them handle
the leaves in class.
Join a “freecycling” email listserve for your area. These are email sites where people post items they no longer want and you can do the same with your items.
www.freecycle.org.
Create a butterfly or bird friendly garden in your yard, on your balcony,
or on your congregation’s property.
Think about starting a flower or vegetable garden (on your own or
with others) and then share the results with local food pantries.
Success Stories:
In 2000 Marian College (Indianapolis) restored the 55 acre wetland area on its campus and established
an EcoLab. Home to more than 260 species of native plants, 160 types of birds, and numerous mammals, the EcoLab is open to everyone.
Open from dawn to dusk, bird walks are offered every Thursday and Saturday. Take a class or group from your congregation on a field
trip or bird walk. www.wetland.marian.edu
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In Texas studies showed that diesel pollution gets trapped inside school buses, making the air inside
five to ten times dirtier than outside air. The Texas state legislature recently provided $7.5 million to place filters on older,
highly polluting diesel school buses.
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Forty years after Environmental Defense led the effort to ban the use of the pesticide DDT, which
damaged the eggs of the American eagle, America’s symbol was officially removed from the Endangered Species List.
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Contact
Jay Southwick is available for leading Bible studies, preaching, and consultation in the area
of eco-theology/environmental issues. Email Jay at j_southwick@sbcglobal.net
