Earthkeepers at Third
Our History:
The Earthkeepers
was born out of a recognition of the underlying spiritual and moral roots
of the environmental crisis, and the desire to help our congregation see
more clearly the connection between our faith, our daily life, and ecological
concerns.
Earthkeepers
recognizes that Western Christendom has, at times, been blamed for contributing
to the environmental crisis. We believe, however, that our Judeo-Christian
tradition has much to offer in helping our culture live respectfully: in
balance with all creation; grateful
for its inherent God-given worth and integrity: and nourished by its beauty.
This is the foundation of the stewardship of creation.
Our Vision:
Earthkeepers
helps individuals and our congregation to connect Christian faith with the
care for the earth. We work
with individuals and with our congregation to know God more fully through
deepening relationships with all of Godıs creation. We
believe that through this experience our personal lives and our culture will
be transformed. These transformations
include: simplified living, environmental stewardship, justice for all creation,
and a worldview that sees creation as a revelation of God. Together these lead to a rediscovery
of the vitality of Christian faith.
Our Mission:
- Equip our congregation with a theological grounding for stewardship of
all creation.
- Analyze our current congregational, family and personal practices
of creation stewardship.
- Inspire our congregation to live respectfully in balance with all creation.
- Involve our congregation as advocates for transformation of policies and
practices of creation justice.
This Year's Focus
In 2007, the Earthkeeper committee will be focusing on chemicals.
- Increase the amount of environmentally friendly cleaners used around the
church.
- Educate the congregation on harmful chemicals used in our households and
suggest environmentally friendly alternatives.
Current Projects:
- Provide the congregation with a biblical basis for environmentalism
- Work
with the church staff to find alternatives to using caustic chemical cleaners.
- Co-sponsor
the Earth Day Symposium for All People of Faith, April 22,
2007.
- Offer information to the congregation on
- The 3 ‘R’s of environmental
stewardship (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
- Reducing junk mail
- Recycling using Monroe County Blue Boxes (note:
only #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jars are recycled - the other plastic
is thrown in
with the regular trash.)
- Recycling electronics in Monroe
County
- Conserving energy – Lighten
Up Suggestions
- Buying green
- Green Cleaning
- Water Conservation
- Provide real cups for coffee hour, Sunday school,
and Qabats (under consideration)
- Set up a battery collection station
(under consideration)
- Lobby NYS legislators to provide a central registry
to opt out of receiving junk mail.
www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/newdream/campaign/?campaign_KEY=6758&t=default.dwt
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for more information call 585.271.6513
Or e-mail us! |
Third Presbyterian Church 4 Meigs Street Rochester, NY 14607
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www.thirdpresbyterian.org