Communities of Faith

EARTHKEEPING NEWS
A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY

Volume Five, Number Five
May/June 1996

COMMUNITIES OF FAITH ENGAGE IN EARTHKEEPING

Restoring the Minnesota River is Focus of Earth Sabbath Celebration

The Minnesota is that state's most polluted river. Traveling 335 miles through three different ecosystems, it carries tons of eroded top soil, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, oil and grease, toxic chemicals, manure and septic system waste into the Mississippi River at Fort Snelling.

The ecumenical Minnesota Interfaith Ecology Coalition (MIEC) formed the Earth Sabbath Team to engage communities of faith along the length of the river in restoring the health and beauty of the Minnesota. In September 1995 a "Blessing of the River" service at the Minnesota River Rally launched the group's effort. In May, many churches are participating in the first annual ecumenical Earth Sabbath celebration in four locations on the river - Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, Mankato and Bloomington.

In conjunction with the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, the Earth Sabbath team has held educational seminars for faith communities in Granite Falls, Mankato, and Burnsville.

Seventy five participants from 25 different congregations participated in the three seminars during February and March. In each seminar, a pastor gave the religious context for churches' involvement in caring for the river. In each, a hydrologist from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) explained how the river was constantly polluted by run off from farm lands emptying directly into the streams via drainage ditches. These ditches were built in the 19th century to drain the wetlands on farms for more crop acreage. And a biologist discussed the significance of the high incidence of deformed frogs in the river basin. Over 200 frogs with multiple deformities, exposed to a variety of toxins in wetlands adjacent to the river, are being studied by the MPCA.

Suggestions from participants for congregational involvement included theological proclamation (e.g, redefining dominion and subdue), dialogue on moral issues regarding land, greening the church facility and grounds, interchurch hands-on activities, environmental education, and political action.

Activities at the Earth Sabbath Celebrations, in addition to the worship services, include storm drain stenciling, tree planting and riverbank clean up.

For more information and a sample of the Earth Sabbath packet write Sr. Gladys Schmitz, SSND, 170 Good Counsel Dr., Mankato MN 56001; 507/ 389-4200.

Oregon's Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns (INEC) Repairs Stream Bank Erosion

On March 2, ninety people from 11 churches and 3 organizations participated in INEC's Caring for Creation project on Fanno Creek. Following a meditation on protecting the ark, they energetically replaced invasive ivy and blackberry bushes with 500 plantings of native species to curb erosion and improve habitat for several species of native migratory and resident songbirds. Restoration experts say it will take five years for native species to take hold and triumph over ivy and blackberries. Other congregations will be recruited for the ongoing project.

From Eco-Ministry News v. I, n.1; Newsletter of Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns, Program of the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, 0245 SW Bancroft, Suite B, Portland OR 97201.

Boise Interfaith Earthkeepers Create Water Conservation Strategies

People living in the desert climate of Idaho are among the highest consumers of water in the USA. Boise citizens are experiencing sewer and water problems in a growing urban population. Faith communities (Jewish, Catholic, Episcopalian, Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Unitarian) belonging to the Boise Interfaith Earthkeepers organization are challenging each other to save God's water. The Earthkeepers figure that 100 participating families, using water saving shower heads and toilet dams in their houses, would save the Boise Valley upward of 3-4 million gallons over a year's time. In April, 15 people from participating congregations gathered at the Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship to discuss water issues in relation to faith. Their mission is also to promote broader discussion of Boise's future water policies.