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.
Current Projects:
- Lake Ontario Cleanup - September 25, 2010
(for more info - click HERE)
- Offer information to the congregation on:
- In the area of Waste Reduction,
- On a weekly schedule, share a simple ‘green’ tip for a green
practice for the congregation in their homes. Each will be printed
in the Messenger, bulletin, weekly e-mail, kiosk, web page and other printed
and electronic media. (Also falls into all other categories)
- In the area of Energy Conservation,
- Coordinate the CSA luncheon with Elizabeth Henderson in Fall 2008. (Also
falls under Social Justice.)
- Support the organizers of the church spring tea party in their use of
cloth napkins and china dishes.
- Research using china coffee cups at every Sunday coffee hour.
- Introduce the congregation to NYS Interfaith Power and Light (NYSIPL),
a statewide eco-justice lobbying group. Follow up in 2009 with advocacy.
- In the area of Toxics Reduction/Management,
- Collaborate with Deacons for healthier coffee hour foods and arrange
for obesity and nutrition presentations.
- In the area of Green Purchasing,
- Research buying coffee from The Coffee Connection for all church uses.
(Also falls under Social Justice)
- Make and sell products at the annual church Alternative Christmas Mart.
- Develop a list of ‘green’ guidelines that church committees
may follow and make presentations to committees on incorporating these
guidelines into their work. (Also falls under Energy Conservation.)
- Coordinate monthly eco-friendly vendor presentations during Sunday coffee
hours. (Also falls under Energy Conservation and Social
Justice.)
- In the area of Social Justice,
- Sign up for a 2008 share of the CSA Peace Work Farm
- Investigate Presbyterian Green Investing Policy both locally and denomination
wide. Follow up in 2009 with making an impact on church investment policy.
(Also falls under Green Purchasing and Energy
Conservation.)
- Renew church membership in Presbyterians Restoring
Creation (PRC)
(Also falls under Energy Conservation.)
For information about meeting dates, times, and places, contact -
Betty Iwan: Bettebi@frontiernet.net or
(585) 442-3655
