Recycle Sunday
Every last Sunday of the month is the time to bring your CRV recyclables to church to help us continue in our green efforts. We can accept glass beverage bottles, plastic beverage bottles (milk and some juices excepted-check label for CRV or CA Cash Refund or Redemption), and aluminum cans. Please sort your recyclables as it is very helpful to those who do the great work of delivery to the recycling center. Thanks for your ongoing support!
Battery Recycling
Bring in your household batteries (car batteries excluded) anytime the office is open, or on Sunday mornings. The county picks them up when our bin gets full and properly disposes of them. This recycling is open to anyone in the community, so pass on the news to your friends and neighbors.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Stepping out
Florida Presbytery promotes simple actions that can make big environmental difference
by Bethany Furkin
Presbyterian News Service
Editor's note: This is the 19th in a series of stories about congregations engaged in significant outreach and evangelism ministries, reflecting the General Assembly's commitment to "Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide." - Jerry L. Van Marter
LOUISVILLE - Because climate change and global warming are such big issues, many people feel powerless to take action against them.
Pam McVety, stewardship of creation enabler at the Presbytery of Florida, wants to stop that attitude.
"Don't get overwhelmed. Do something," she says.
And McVety, the Presbytery of Florida and her church, First Presbyterian in Tallahassee, FL, have done something. Several things, actually.
In the fall, the presbytery began the Lifestyle Integrity Challenge - issued to each of the 46 churches in the presbytery. The challenge encourages participants to live intentionally, being mindful that the actions of one individual or group can have a global impact. It reminds people to live with Psalm 24:1 in mind: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
The challenge has seven focus areas - energy efficiency, food and health, purchasing, water usage, transportation, financial stewardship and recycling. Each month, the challenge focuses on a different area.
"It deals with being kinder to the earth - reducing your impact on it in everything that you do," McVety says.
The presbytery has provided bulletin inserts and minute for mission sheets about the challenge and has encouraged church leaders to get involved.
Suggested actions include simple things like turning off the water while shaving or brushing teeth as well as lesser-known tips like buying items in larger containers to cut down on the packaging used in several smaller containers. Participants are also challenged to adjust their ways of thinking, like assessing the amount of water they use in a day and then imagining what it would be like to carry it from a well as millions of people in the world must do every day.
The challenge is a way for Presbyterians to make a real difference without a huge commitment. The goal was to provide simple ways that people could help the environment by making changes to their everyday lives, especially because some people have trouble making financial contributions in this economy.
"People feel like that need to do something - maybe not giving - but they can certainly do this," says Jean Silva, associate executive presbyter and hunger action enabler for the presbytery.
"We've tried to extend outreach to everyone in the presbytery," McVety says, adding that it's important for people to realize that they really can make a difference. "It's the first step in reaching out and providing information to people."
A redefined mission
McVety's Tallahassee church, First Presbyterian, completed a stewardship campaign called "Light from Light," with part of the money raised going toward installing a new roof and solar panels on the church's education building.
The roof now has 25.5 kilowatts of solar power on the roof, making it the largest solar array of any church building in Florida, McVety says.
That distinction reflects the congregation's commitment to the environment and a redefined mission to care for the earth. The church conducted a five-week series educating members about climate change and other environmental issues.
"The church is extremely familiar with the seriousness of climate change," McVety says. "It's not just lowering carbon emissions ... it's changing the entire mission of your church."
In addition to the solar panels, First Presbyterian has taken other steps to lowering carbon emissions. It recently started a partnership with another local church to make area homes more energy efficient. Families can sign up for improvements like low-flow showerheads, insulation and compact florescent light bulbs.
"We're doing all the standard stuff that you can do - and that's what everyone should do," McVety says.
Personal passion
McVety has long been involved in environmental work. She has a master's degree in zoology and spent her professional career at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She is also a founding member of the Big Bend Climate Action Team, a Tallahassee citizen activist group dedicated to reducing fossil fuel use and finding alternative energy sources.
In addition to her work at the presbytery, McVety is active in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in several other ways. She authored a 2006 General Assembly commissioners' resolution calling all Presbyterians to go carbon neutral.
There are three steps to going carbon neutral, McVety says.
The first is to calculate your energy usage. This can be done with an online calculator, such as ones found at Native Energy, co2 or SafeClimate.
The second step is to reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy use. This can be done by driving less, unplugging electronics when not in use and using compact florescent light bulbs. A good goal for carbon emissions is the world average of four tons per person per year. The U.S. average is much higher, McVety says.
The third step is to purchase carbon offsets. Many carbon offset companies, such as Native Energy, Climate Care and Climate Friendly, sell carbon offsets by the ton. The money goes toward alternative energy projects like windmills. McVety's family has contributed to the purchase of a methane digester on a dairy farm, which will turn cattle waste into an energy source.
"If every person in the United States took these steps - wow," she says. "Presbyterians have always been leaders and religious groups have always been leaders. It's a step that Christians, that Presbyterians, can do that makes a difference."
These three steps are real, simple and efficient ways to reduce carbon emissions, McVety says, adding that people don't have to take big action like installing solar panels to make a difference. Bigger institutions like churches and schools can be a huge help by doing small things like turning off lights and fixing dripping faucets.
McVety says she always knew that being environmentally conscious was the morally right thing to do, but that she was not very familiar with the theological basis for caring for the earth. But with the 2008 publication of The Green Bible, that's changing.
The Green Bible is the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, with all the passages that speak to God's care for creation highlighted in green. The book is made with recycled paper and soy-based ink and also includes practical steps and tips for getting involved.
"I really did not have a handle on how much was in the Bible that guided us and directed us to do these things," McVety says. "This is a Christian response to what's going on. It all relates to caring for creation."
For more information about the environment and climate change visit the PC(USA)'s Environmental Ministries Web site.
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09385
by Bethany Furkin
Presbyterian News Service
Editor's note: This is the 19th in a series of stories about congregations engaged in significant outreach and evangelism ministries, reflecting the General Assembly's commitment to "Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide." - Jerry L. Van Marter
LOUISVILLE - Because climate change and global warming are such big issues, many people feel powerless to take action against them.
Pam McVety, stewardship of creation enabler at the Presbytery of Florida, wants to stop that attitude.
"Don't get overwhelmed. Do something," she says.
And McVety, the Presbytery of Florida and her church, First Presbyterian in Tallahassee, FL, have done something. Several things, actually.
In the fall, the presbytery began the Lifestyle Integrity Challenge - issued to each of the 46 churches in the presbytery. The challenge encourages participants to live intentionally, being mindful that the actions of one individual or group can have a global impact. It reminds people to live with Psalm 24:1 in mind: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
The challenge has seven focus areas - energy efficiency, food and health, purchasing, water usage, transportation, financial stewardship and recycling. Each month, the challenge focuses on a different area.
"It deals with being kinder to the earth - reducing your impact on it in everything that you do," McVety says.
The presbytery has provided bulletin inserts and minute for mission sheets about the challenge and has encouraged church leaders to get involved.
Suggested actions include simple things like turning off the water while shaving or brushing teeth as well as lesser-known tips like buying items in larger containers to cut down on the packaging used in several smaller containers. Participants are also challenged to adjust their ways of thinking, like assessing the amount of water they use in a day and then imagining what it would be like to carry it from a well as millions of people in the world must do every day.
The challenge is a way for Presbyterians to make a real difference without a huge commitment. The goal was to provide simple ways that people could help the environment by making changes to their everyday lives, especially because some people have trouble making financial contributions in this economy.
"People feel like that need to do something - maybe not giving - but they can certainly do this," says Jean Silva, associate executive presbyter and hunger action enabler for the presbytery.
"We've tried to extend outreach to everyone in the presbytery," McVety says, adding that it's important for people to realize that they really can make a difference. "It's the first step in reaching out and providing information to people."
A redefined mission
McVety's Tallahassee church, First Presbyterian, completed a stewardship campaign called "Light from Light," with part of the money raised going toward installing a new roof and solar panels on the church's education building.
The roof now has 25.5 kilowatts of solar power on the roof, making it the largest solar array of any church building in Florida, McVety says.
That distinction reflects the congregation's commitment to the environment and a redefined mission to care for the earth. The church conducted a five-week series educating members about climate change and other environmental issues.
"The church is extremely familiar with the seriousness of climate change," McVety says. "It's not just lowering carbon emissions ... it's changing the entire mission of your church."
In addition to the solar panels, First Presbyterian has taken other steps to lowering carbon emissions. It recently started a partnership with another local church to make area homes more energy efficient. Families can sign up for improvements like low-flow showerheads, insulation and compact florescent light bulbs.
"We're doing all the standard stuff that you can do - and that's what everyone should do," McVety says.
Personal passion
McVety has long been involved in environmental work. She has a master's degree in zoology and spent her professional career at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She is also a founding member of the Big Bend Climate Action Team, a Tallahassee citizen activist group dedicated to reducing fossil fuel use and finding alternative energy sources.
In addition to her work at the presbytery, McVety is active in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in several other ways. She authored a 2006 General Assembly commissioners' resolution calling all Presbyterians to go carbon neutral.
There are three steps to going carbon neutral, McVety says.
The first is to calculate your energy usage. This can be done with an online calculator, such as ones found at Native Energy, co2 or SafeClimate.
The second step is to reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy use. This can be done by driving less, unplugging electronics when not in use and using compact florescent light bulbs. A good goal for carbon emissions is the world average of four tons per person per year. The U.S. average is much higher, McVety says.
The third step is to purchase carbon offsets. Many carbon offset companies, such as Native Energy, Climate Care and Climate Friendly, sell carbon offsets by the ton. The money goes toward alternative energy projects like windmills. McVety's family has contributed to the purchase of a methane digester on a dairy farm, which will turn cattle waste into an energy source.
"If every person in the United States took these steps - wow," she says. "Presbyterians have always been leaders and religious groups have always been leaders. It's a step that Christians, that Presbyterians, can do that makes a difference."
These three steps are real, simple and efficient ways to reduce carbon emissions, McVety says, adding that people don't have to take big action like installing solar panels to make a difference. Bigger institutions like churches and schools can be a huge help by doing small things like turning off lights and fixing dripping faucets.
McVety says she always knew that being environmentally conscious was the morally right thing to do, but that she was not very familiar with the theological basis for caring for the earth. But with the 2008 publication of The Green Bible, that's changing.
The Green Bible is the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, with all the passages that speak to God's care for creation highlighted in green. The book is made with recycled paper and soy-based ink and also includes practical steps and tips for getting involved.
"I really did not have a handle on how much was in the Bible that guided us and directed us to do these things," McVety says. "This is a Christian response to what's going on. It all relates to caring for creation."
For more information about the environment and climate change visit the PC(USA)'s Environmental Ministries Web site.
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09385
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Recycling
Recycle Sunday
Every last Sunday of the month is the time to bring your CRV recyclables to church to help us continue in our green efforts. We can accept glass beverage bottles, plastic beverage bottles (milk and some juices excepted-check label for CRV or CA Cash Refund or Redemption), and aluminum cans. Please sort your recyclables as it is very helpful to those who do the great work of delivery to the recycling center. Thanks for your ongoing support!
Battery Recycling
Bring in your household batteries (car batteries excluded) anytime the office is open, or on Sunday mornings. The county picks them up when our bin gets full and properly disposes of them. This recycling is open to anyone in the community, so pass on the news to your friends and neighbors.
Toner and Printer Cartridge Recycling
The office collects used toner and printer cartridges which then are sent to a recycling company. You may bring in used cartridges when anytime during office hours.
Every last Sunday of the month is the time to bring your CRV recyclables to church to help us continue in our green efforts. We can accept glass beverage bottles, plastic beverage bottles (milk and some juices excepted-check label for CRV or CA Cash Refund or Redemption), and aluminum cans. Please sort your recyclables as it is very helpful to those who do the great work of delivery to the recycling center. Thanks for your ongoing support!
Battery Recycling
Bring in your household batteries (car batteries excluded) anytime the office is open, or on Sunday mornings. The county picks them up when our bin gets full and properly disposes of them. This recycling is open to anyone in the community, so pass on the news to your friends and neighbors.
Toner and Printer Cartridge Recycling
The office collects used toner and printer cartridges which then are sent to a recycling company. You may bring in used cartridges when anytime during office hours.
Friday, August 8, 2008
“Green” Paper & a Carbon Free Website
-Peg Nickl, Office Administrator
There is something unique about this month’s issue of the Messenger. It’s been printed on 100% post– consumer content recycled paper. The white paper is Green.
As the Office Administrator of a Certified Green Business, I have personally made a pledge to the County of Santa Clara to make Green a priority in all purchasing decisions. I made this pledge in writing as part of Foothill’s Green Business re-certification, no kidding. Purchasing only recycled paper and limiting our use of color paper is one way I’m upholding my pledge. So next Sunday, when you pick up your white bulletin, remember it’s also Green.
Foothill’s website has also gone through some Greening this summer. The site was moved from the Gatzke’s house to a carbon neutral web hosting company, and Greg Gatzke was able to shut down two servers. At first glance the site looks about the same, but the eGreen communication potential is endless.
This month the eMessenger debuted on the website along with a new interactive calendar and birthday list. The picture page has been linked to a photo-sharing site to more easily share photos with out printing. We have five blogs! The church office, ECT, knitting group, music ministry, and preschool are all blogging. And that’s just what we already have.
How about an online directory that only Foothill friends and family can access? We can have one. Would you like to see the weekly bulletin on the website? I can do that. Want a blog for your group? You can have that too!
Thanks to Greg Gatzke for setting up the website, transferring it to the new host, and helping me get started. I know how to edit pages now, and I’m working towards getting all the information updated. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out with the website should contact me. I’d love to have some company and support.
This Green Business pledge is a big part of Foothill’s commitment to practice active stewardship of God’s Creation. Not everyone can go paperless. Not everyone wants to go paperless. Those who can and are willing, please sign up for eMessenger. I will gladly see to it that this month’s Messenger is the last paper Messenger you will ever receive.
To be added to the e-Messenger list, send an email to foothillpc@gmail.com. I look forward to being Green with all of you.
There is something unique about this month’s issue of the Messenger. It’s been printed on 100% post– consumer content recycled paper. The white paper is Green.
As the Office Administrator of a Certified Green Business, I have personally made a pledge to the County of Santa Clara to make Green a priority in all purchasing decisions. I made this pledge in writing as part of Foothill’s Green Business re-certification, no kidding. Purchasing only recycled paper and limiting our use of color paper is one way I’m upholding my pledge. So next Sunday, when you pick up your white bulletin, remember it’s also Green.
Foothill’s website has also gone through some Greening this summer. The site was moved from the Gatzke’s house to a carbon neutral web hosting company, and Greg Gatzke was able to shut down two servers. At first glance the site looks about the same, but the eGreen communication potential is endless.
This month the eMessenger debuted on the website along with a new interactive calendar and birthday list. The picture page has been linked to a photo-sharing site to more easily share photos with out printing. We have five blogs! The church office, ECT, knitting group, music ministry, and preschool are all blogging. And that’s just what we already have.
How about an online directory that only Foothill friends and family can access? We can have one. Would you like to see the weekly bulletin on the website? I can do that. Want a blog for your group? You can have that too!
Thanks to Greg Gatzke for setting up the website, transferring it to the new host, and helping me get started. I know how to edit pages now, and I’m working towards getting all the information updated. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out with the website should contact me. I’d love to have some company and support.
This Green Business pledge is a big part of Foothill’s commitment to practice active stewardship of God’s Creation. Not everyone can go paperless. Not everyone wants to go paperless. Those who can and are willing, please sign up for eMessenger. I will gladly see to it that this month’s Messenger is the last paper Messenger you will ever receive.
To be added to the e-Messenger list, send an email to foothillpc@gmail.com. I look forward to being Green with all of you.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Moringa Tree
The Moringa Tree project for 2008 is in full swing. I invite all church members and friends to support this project by buying at least one tree ($1) to plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If you are interested in helping offset the church's carbon footprint, or your own household carbon footprint, you can donate even more: we are suggesting 3 trees ($3) for each ton of carbon produced. FPC produces about 90 tons of carbon each year. The Daniel family, as an example of household output, produces about 25 tons. Let's keep up the good work to help our earth and our brothers and sisters in the DRC.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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