Earthkeepers at Third

History / Vision / Mission

Current Projects

Links to Environmental Related Web Sites

Conserving Energy Lighten Up

 

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 God¹s 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:

1. Equip our congregation with a theological grounding for stewardship of all creation.
2. Analyze our current congregational, family and personal practices of creation stewardship.
3. Inspire our congregation to live respectfully in balance with all creation.
4. 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