S&L – Issue 22
Salt and Light
Issue Twenty Two (October 2011)
Five Leaf Church Greening Initiative Newsletter
“We believe that Creation Care is a core Christian responsibility”
The aim of this newsletter is to provide a supportive and informative link between individuals and groups that share a care and Christian responsibility for our environment. You are on this newsletter list because you have expressed an interest in the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program or have communicated with the National Coordinator – Jessica Morthorpe.
Contents
l Letter from the Editor
l Church Greening News – Synod a Success, Future Presentations
l Events
l Reading – Christ, Creation Stewardship, and Missions
l Monthly Action Tip – Green Liturgies
l Resources – Theological Perspectives on the Environment, Australian Christian Environmental Group.
l Inspirational Quotes
Letter from the Editor:
Hi everyone and a warm welcome to the new members of our community,
There is a lot on this month, see the events section for more details. In particular:
Don’t forget that it is Ride to Worship week this week (7th – 13th), and it is less than a month until the National Day of Prayer on Climate Change (Nov 6th).
For those in Canberra, Canberra City Uniting Church is holding a range of events around Caring for Creation this month. See attachments and below. The closest event is Climate Change “Denial” Twisting Language? on the 13th.
Also, I will be presenting an award to Kippax Uniting Church during the 10:30am service tomorrow (Sunday 9th of October) for any who would like to come.
For those in Melbourne, Port Melbourne Uniting Church’s annual SkillsFest will be held on the 5th of November. Port Melbourne were the first church in Australia to win a Five Leaf Eco-Award so make sure you go along to support them and have lots of fun learning and sharing your skills.
Finally, on a personal note, I am pleased to announce that my application to attend the Youth for Eco-Justice training organised by the World Council of Churches and Lutheran World Federation has been accepted. This means that I will be travelling to Durban, South Africa on the 26th of November to attend the two week change-maker training and to participate in civil society activities around the UNFCCC international climate change negotiations (COP17) being held at the same time in Durban. I am hoping to meet lots of other young Christians who are passionate about the environment and to learn from what they know about the church greening movements and eco-justice work in their own countries.
If you would like to help me travel to South Africa and capitalise on this incredible opportunity please visit my blog, Crown of Thorns (http://fiveleaf-crownofthorns.blogspot.com/), and click on the ‘Donate’ button in the top right hand corner. Thanks!
Yours Sincerely,
Jessica
—
Church Greening News
Synod a Success
Jessica Morthorpe’s visit to the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW.ACT meeting last proved quite valuable, allowing her to spread the word about the Five Leaf Eco-Awards to a wide range of people from churches all around the Synod. This included presentations at the ‘Faith. On Earth’ event organised by Uniting Earthweb and an Information Session of the Awards at lunchtime on Monday 26th of September which was well attended by a range of congregations. Jessica also hung out at the Uniting Earthweb stall encouraging people to sign up for more information about the awards, leading to several people becoming new members of our Salt and Light community, despite the tent almost being washed away a few times!
Presentation of Three Five Leaf Eco-Awards to be made this month.
Some of the dates for these presentations are still under negotiation so we can’t announce these yet, but full announcements of the churches and their awards will be made in the next issue of Salt and Light.
Events
NATIONAL
Get on your bikes and ride during Ride to Worship Week 2011
The second annual Ride to Worship Week runs from Friday 7th to Thursday 13th October 2011. To join in the fun, all you need to do is to cycle, walk, or use another form of environmentally friendly transport to get and from church. You can join in as an individual, a family, or as a whole church or faith community. Check out the brand new Ride to Worship Week clip, read more about Ride to Worship Week, and register your participation at http://www.arrcc.org.au/ride-to-worship-week-2011. Ride to Worship Week is an initiative of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC).
We invite you to join with us for a Day of Prayer on climate change
Sunday 6th November
Hope for Creation will be a day for Christians to unite in prayer to God for the world in a changing climate.
Churches across Australia will join with Christians around the world to prayerfully seek guidance as to how we are to respond to the changes that are happening in God’s creation.
As Christians, we believe that prayer is vital for bringing about change in our world and ourselves, and that it is a testimony and reminder to ourselves and others of the hope we have in God’s love for creation and his desire to redeem all of it.
Changes in the environment are already harming our neighbours in poor countries and threaten our children’s futures. In seeking God in prayer, we draw on our united faith and hope in a God who loves and sustains the world.
Who’s behind it?
Key churches and organisations: TEAR Australia; Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Justice and International Mission Unit; World Vision Australia; ETHOS: EA (Evangelical Alliance) Centre for Christianity and Society; Micah Challenge Australia, and the Baptist Union of Victoria.
Other supporters of the Day of Prayer are listed at: http://www.hopeforcreation.com.au
Resources
This isn’t a prescriptive day. We don’t have to all respond the same way, or have the exact same ideas and beliefs about climate change for us to pray together.
Adaptable Hope for Creation resources for the Day of Prayer will include:
A website with information, prayers, resources and a place for churches and individuals
http://hopeforcreation.com.au/
ACT
Canberra City Uniting Church Caring for God’s Creation Events: October 2011
7.30 pm Wednesday 13 October: Climate Change “Denial” Twisting Language?
Dr Haydn Washington, an Investigations Scientist for the CSIRO and a councillor of the Australian Conservation Foundation explores how it is that that belief has waned as science has firmed? Hosted by Christians for an Ethical Society at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
7.00 pm Monday 17 October: Addressing climate change in our own homes and church.
Mingles will host a dinner with Prof. Bob Douglas from SEE-change, a community organisation founded to encourage people to take action at the grassroots level on climate change.
7.30 pm Monday 24 October: Forum for finding the road forward to a clean energy future.
Roger Beale, an economist and public policy expert, will explain various response options open to Australia – an ETS, direct action, or a composite of both – in terms of implications for our nation’s economy and our standing as a responsible global citizen. Roger is a member of the federal Climate Commission, former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Heritage, a lead author for the UN’s Inter- Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report, and an active member of the Anglican Church.
Bible Studies: Genesis – foundations of a creation theology
Basil Rebera will explore the relationship between creation and redemption theology in the two creation stories in the beginning of Genesis. They will be studied in two sessions offered Sunday mornings (30 Oct & 6 Nov) and Thursday mornings (3 & 10 Nov).
10.00 am Sunday 30 October: Longing for wisdom on our changing climate
We draw the strands of care for creation together in worship inspired by the music and song of the Chorus of Women.
Flyers attached.
CES October Forum
The topic is :Climate Change “Denial” Twisting Language?
Speaker: Dr Haydn Washington, co-author with John Cook of “’Climate Change Denial: Heads in the Sand “. Haydn has worked as an Investigations Scientist for the CSIRO and as an environmental consultant. He has been Director of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and as a councillor of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Haydn asks
- Is denial just sceptisicm by another name?
- How is it that belief has waned as science has firmed?
- How common is denial? Do we let it prosper?
- What role has manipulation of language played in the new denial
Chair: Rev’d Rebecca Newland who is rector of St Philip’s O’Connor, ACT
When: 7.30 pm Thursday 13 October
Where: Australian centre for Christianity and Culture. Blackall St Braddon
CES November Forum
Topic: “Sustainable Cities”
Speaker: Professor Peter Newman, Director of the Curtin University Sustainability Institute
Chair: Rev Gregor Henderson; CES President and Minister at Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest
When: 7:30 pm Friday, 25 November 2011
Where: Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Corner Blackall St and Kings Av, Barton
NSW
October 7th – 9th
Love Food Hate Waste is a sponsor of MasterChef Live at Moore Park
See contestant Jay Huxley make tasty meals from leftovers using
common ingredients found in your fridge.
Sign up to become a Food Lover at www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/about/become-a-food-lover.aspx
for more tips on avoiding food waste.Save $10 on your MasterChef Live tickets at:http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MASTERCH11
by entering your promotional code MCL03 or call Ticketek on 132 849 and quote the code.
October 12th
National Ride to Work Day
http://www.ride2work.com.au/
Free vegan breakfast for Ride To Work Day, Enmore
8am – 10am Wednesday 12 October 2011
Jivamukti Yoga Centre garden
76 Wilford St
Enmore
Alfalfa House Food Coop is teaming up with Earth Cafe at Jivamukti Yoga Centre to put on a free organic vegan breakfast for Ride To Work Day. Open to riders and non-riders.
Breakfast is by donation, no one turned away.
October 16th – 22nd
National Water Week
Australian Water Association
http://www.nationalwaterweek.org.au/
October 28th
Banksia Awards Presentation
National Institute of Dramatic Art
http://www.greencapital.org.au/events/4-events/100-mediacommsevent.html
Inquiries Wayne Slattery phone: 03 9684 4667 or fax: 9684 4699
November 3rd
Green Capital Breakfast: Media, Marketing and the Green Message
http://www.greencapital.org.au/events/4-events/100-mediacommsevent.html
November 4th – 6th
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW
Tidy Towns Awards Weekend
http://www.kabnsw.org.au/programs/TidyTowns.aspx
November 7th – 13th
National Recycling Week
Planet Ark
http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/
November10th – 11th
Behaviour Change for Sustainability National Congress
http://www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au/p3_Events-Resources.html?&event=74
November 21st
World Fisheries Day
http://www.gdrc.org/doyourbit/21_11-fisheries-day.html
Queensland
Date: Wednesday 26 October 2011, 1:00 pm
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Presenter: Energetics’
Synopsis:
A fun way to learn about carbon trading – The trading workshop is designed to be a fun and enjoyable insight into the world of carbon trading. It helps people to understand firsthand what carbon trading is, and isn’t, how the market will work and what it is likely to achieve.
Energy and Emissions determination for a Regional Council
Date: Tuesday 22 November 2011, 6:30 pm
Venue: Engineering House, 447 Upper Edward Street, Brisbane
Presenter: Matt Kluck, Arup
Qld Environmental Student Awards Night
Date: Monday 31 October 2011, 6:00 pm
Venue: Hawken Auditorium, 447 Upper Edward Street, Brisbane
Presenter: SEQ university thesis students
Synopsis:
The 12th Annual Environmental Student Awards Night is being held at Engineering House in Brisbane this year on Monday 31st October 2011.
Victoria
God’s Earth, Our Care: Faith for a planet in peril
Saturday 22 October
Centre for Theology and Ministry,
29 College Cres Parkville Melway ref: 2B:D4
Cost: $30 / $20
RSVP and more info: Cath James
An opportunity to explore our understanding of the ecological crisis from a faith perspective and how we as the Uniting Church can meaningfully respond.
Environmental Film Festival
11-16 Oct
The Environmental Film Festival Melbourne aims to increase awareness of key environmental issues by bringing together film-makers, experts, policy makers, politicians and the wider community in an open conversation about the world we live in.
Prepare to be confronted, prepare to have to think, but most importantly of all, prepare to take action. These films present serious problems, but often provide simple answers. Sometimes all it takes is a change in mind-set and a bit of political will.
The festival runs from 11 -16 October at the Kino Cinema, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Adults: $18
Concession: $14
SkillsFest 2011
Connecting with my Neighbourhood
SkillsFest 2011 will be held on Saturday 5th November, 11am – 3pm, at the Port Melbourne Uniting Church and Simply Living Community Garden, cnr Nott and Bridge Sts, Port Melbourne.
SkillsFest is a day to share and celebrate skills for living more sustainably in the inner city. It is an opportunity to learn something new or share your skills through a range of free, hands-on activities for all ages. Mini-workshops, chat and try demonstrations and home grown entertainment will be provided for local people by local people.
A sample of the skills to be shared: bicycle maintenance, worm farming, composting, windowsill gardening, knitting, recycled art, story-telling, ball skills, vegetable gardening, music, dance, computer skills, and much more. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the local community and make your mark on what’s important to you in Port Melbourne.
Photos: SkillsFest 2010
SkillsFest is supported by South Port Uniting Church, South Port UnitingCare and Port Melbourne Connect, with funding from the City of Port Phillip community grants.
Flyer attached.
Reading
Christ, creation stewardship, and missions: how discipleship into a biblical worldview on environmental stewardship can transform people and their land.
Caring for Creation is spreading all across the world, and finally becoming recognized as an important part of mission work and promoting eco-justice and survival for the poor.
Some quotes:
“In places like Africa, farming is often perceived as being the lowest possible occupation to pursue. The discouragement of farmers in the face of declining crop yields is passed on to the next generation. Parents urge their children to get a good education so that they do not have to be “a poor farmer like me!” The poverty of poor production from the land leads to poverty of the heart and mind, and hope grows faint if farming is increasingly seen as a futile and fruitless way of life.
A worldview that belittles farming as a way of life is decidedly not biblical. Neither is it helpful as Christian leaders, local farmers, or other segments of society consider the challenging task of feeding growing populations and future generations. Much is at stake here. How farmers care for (or do not care for) their land will have enormous repercussions for future food supplies. As Christians, we are in a position to restore to farming the dignity and respect that it deserves. “
“The basic premise of FGW is that we can glorify God by pursuing excellence in agricultural stewardship. Biblical training is combined with the practice of conservation agriculture to reverse the effects of land degradation. “
“These Kenyan farmers’ hope for eternity is being complemented by a corresponding hope for today. Their lives are demonstrating how the Gospel can change both people and their land. “
“Of all people on earth, we have absolutely the best reasons to become actively involved and to demonstrate the fullness of Christ’s love through a holistic approach that embraces environmental stewardship as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.”
To read it free online see:
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Christ,+creation+stewardship,+and+missions%3A+how+discipleship+into+a…-a0261080604
Montly Action Tip
A reminder that the Season of Creation resources can be used all year round!
While attending a service at Canberra City Uniting Church last week Jessica noted in particular that the alternative wording for the Great Thanksgiving from the Season of Creation Liturgies that they used were nice ways of integrating creation into our traditional liturgy.
In particular, phrases like:
“L The Creator be with you and all creation.
P And also with you.
L Open your hearts.
P We open them to our Creator.
L Let us give thanks to the Maker of heaven and earth.
P It is right to join creation in thanking God.”
(Season of Creation, 2011)
The traditional phrases of “The Lord be with you, and also with you. Lift up your hearts to the Lord etc” are used in many different traditions, making the inclusion of some version of the above a potential way to spice things up by regularly bringing creation into the liturgy we use. To see an example of the full liturgy suggested by the Season of Creation please visit http://seasonofcreation.com/worship-resources/liturgies/series-a-the-spirit-series-2011/forest-sunday/
Resources
List of Resources: Theological Perspectives on the Environment
http://www.earthcareonline.org/theolpersp.html
Australian Christian Environmental Group
If you are on Facebook and would like to keep up with the very latest international news in the faith and environment sphere, sign up for this group to receive regular updates and links to things of interest. http://www.facebook.com/groups/178566048829117/
2011 Calendar Dates:
– October – 17th – 23rd – National Water Week
– November 6th – National Day of Prayer for Climate Change
– November 26th – International Buy Nothing Day
Inspirational Quotes
“Every good movement passes through five stages, indifference, ridicule, abuse, repression, and respect.” Mahatma Gandhi, All Men are Brothers, Autobiographical Reflections
| “[When you get into a] tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe |
Reverend Alistair Macrae, National President of the Uniting Church in Australia
“As Christians, we believe that God’s will for the earth is for renewal and reconciliation, not destruction by human beings. Decisive action on climate change is one of the great challenges of our time and should be front and centre in the prayer, thought and action of all who worship the Creator and sustainer of all. The command of Jesus to ‘love our neighbour’ needs to be understood to include our neighbours who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change (the poor), those who come after us (succeeding generations) as well as our non-human neighbours who share life on this planet.”
Five Leaf Eco-Awards 