EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Seven, Number One November/December 1997 GREENING THE CHURCH IS GROWING IN IMPORTANCE Placitas NM All it takes is one or two ecologically astute lay persons within a congregation to influence their pastor. Once a pastor is made aware of a growing consciousness regarding the earth and creation, all theological reflection is accomplished within that context. Something rather unexplainable occurs. References to earth, creation, nature, cosmos, water, air, breath, life, sun, stars, moon, trees begin creeping into liturgical responses. That's what happened at Las Placitas Presbyterian Church. Over the past year, study opportunities for creation and eco-theology have been scheduled. Earth vesper services are held. Children have created "earth T-shirts." An eco-justice task force within the congregation has received the blessing of the church's ruling body. So far, it has been rather easy "being green." Reprinted from The Greening of Las Placitas Church, by Rev. Jane Harmes, in New Mexico Eco-Justice, newsletter of the Eco-Justice Working Group, New Mexico Conference of Churches, Fall 1997. For more, write Rev. Jane Harmes, Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, PO Box 768, Placitas NM 87043; 505/867-5718. Sheboygan Falls WI The ruling body of the Saron United Church of Christ in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, recently endorsed the proposal of a congregational group to work for the preservation of the Created World of God. Group members include a veterinarian, an environmental scientist, two high school students, a farmer and a science teacher. Plans include celebrating Eco-Justice Sabbath April 19, and a Hawaii Day, to bring the plight of the tropical rain forests to the attention of the 550-member congregation. Advocacy on federal, state and local environmental issues will be on-going. For more write Tom Herschelman,W3238 Woodland Rd., Sheboygan Falls WI 53085; 920/467-8311; email: tombwca@mail.tcbi.com Home     Table of Contents