Some years ago at Emmanuel Church, Mercer Island, there was a priest whose work and ministry led her to see that our dealings with the Earth below us mattered as much as prayer itself and was of the same reality. Today her legacy, Earth Ministry, reaches over oceans and continents to encourage all people to care for the earth. It is a multi-faith group of advocacy, education and action.
She moved on from our community, and the people of Emmanuel were changed in heart but not in habit. Or at least it appeared so.Then about two years ago the process called 'greening' began in earnest.
It wasn't begun by the deliberative body (who wisely declined involvement) or the church leadership (which took a neutral position) ~ but by one person who was so committed to turning global warming around that she was willing to do just about anything to get people to listen and respond ~ even tho' she had no idea how, other than to trust the inner spark of life and light for motivation and guidance.
Seeing this, some of the sage and seasoned parish members said, "we might help", and they began to contribute their own time and ideas.
Soon a program was shown for everyone in the parish that was interested: "The Story of Stuff" (this is still available for free on the internet). The discussion was lively. People commented and made suggestions and asked questions; the questions led to more meetings and programs which led to new projects. Everyone with an idea was given support to put it into practice.
In this way the general process of 'greening' grew unpredictably but more or less steadily. There was no overall agenda but to learn and to use the resources at hand and not waste any good idea. There were good resources, it developed, right in their midst: experts, to some degree, there in the congregation. They came and talked about what they knew.
From one month to the next we hardly knew what would develop after what we had just completed, but predictably-unpredictably, someone would have a suggestion ~ tho' some things worked out better than others. However, with something so large as changing how we live on this Earth so as to start taking real care of it, everyone was able to play their own part and enjoy that as well.
Here are some of the things people thought up, conferred about, and then did:
* Writing "Green Tips" online, that eventually were shared by other parishes as far away as
* The women's Fall retreat focused on living in faith as stewards of creation.
* Recycling in every room of the church (one 'recycle' basket, one for waste.)
* Using real pottery dishes, metal utensils, and real table cloths for coffee hour, receptions and events; no more adding plastics to the landfill.
* The kitchens use mostly earth-friendly soaps and cleaners.
* Collecting food waste for compost is a work in process.
* Vegetarian choices appear increasingly often at church dinners.
* Office staff makes better use of resources: lights off when not in use, printing on both sides of sheets of paper, lowering the thermostat a little.
* Creating a large trifold display board for the entrance, with interesting articles, up to date pictures and notices.
* Joined our local/regional environmental organizations: Earth Ministry, IslandVision, City "Green Ribbon Commission", National Wildlife Federation.
* Adult education classes on a wide range of environmental topics: many, and ongoing - often from members and community members.
* A volt-meter was shared so people could see how much electricity even one appliance draws.
* We did the math to find out how much CO2 we liberate, annually, using the church buildings' heat and light (a couple hundred thousand pounds a year).
* For our travel survey people filled out a form on how much they drive to church, and then we posted a large map of the area so everyone could locate their residence with a colored pin. This will be handy later for developing car pools.
* The ministers are developing a seasonal cycle of four services a year, to center on some aspect of the environment and ministery directly to that area. Dubbed 'carbon, crops, critters, and creation advocacy'.
* Volunteers help out at the MI Farmers Market, as a group, last year and this.
* Church pea-patchers grow veggies and flowers in the 'south 40' lot. A hose provides water there, it's a learning experience.
* "Hey! Let's have a kids' green team". The 6-10 year olds started their own group. With a little help from parental 'advisers' they've a pea patch of their own, and keep thinking of more ways to have fun taking care of the environment.
* Every faith group on MI (over a dozen) got our invitation to meet and discuss greening together; several responded. We met together just once with interest in doing so again.
* "Blessing of the Animals" for St. Francis day on October 4th: every pet brought to the service received a blessing; open to everyone in the community.
* The new Rector was given 'green' gifts at his installation from light bulbs and books to a new toter.
* Purse/pocketsized reusable bags sold by the handfuls, for stocking stuffers and small gifts, to help people cut down on using plastic bags that clutter land and ocean, endangering sea birds and marine life.
* Backyard wildlife habitats: church people are going native and chemical-free with their property, signing up with NWF's program to make urban areas safe for wildlife. Goal is to provide 10% of what MI needs (15 more residences) to become a registered 'wildlife habitat' city with safe flyways, nesting areas and watersheds.
* Monthly meetings for the Green Team: discussion, business, presentations.
* Community advocacy: attending citizens' meetings re: environmental legislation and upcoming candidates for political office, and attending local events to help plan and promote sustainability and a green community city-wide.
* On Earth Day a group carpooled to watch "Earth", the movie.
* What might a "Green Rule of Life" look like? Vigorously discussed at an adult education hour.
* The "bounds" of Emmanuel were "beaten", honoring an old English custom for Rogation Day in the Spring, including prayers and blessings on the fields (grounds) and crops (pea patches and plantings.)
* A conference is in planning: "Communion with Creation". It will be for the MI community and regional faith groups next January 29-31, 2010 to address how we may live on this earth -- spiritually focused, environmental, family friendly, with the ancient wisdom of the First Nations.
This conference became a turning point for many.
In the days to come the people of the community grew more and more determined to live aright, and drawing strength from one another, made many changes in their city and region. Gardens flourished, harmless new sources of power were discovered and shared, and sane laws agreed upon by the governments. The schools taught planetary stewardship and children showed grownups new ways. Civic groups respected one anothers' differences but joined together giving thanks for life, creation, and the Earth.
Sensing friendship above, the very life currents deep in the Earth responded. As rolling waves of change transformed the planet during the 21st century, this region -- sincerity and friendship being universal currency throughout all cosmos-- was spared much damage. In a thousand ways the greater Life (the creatures of all sorts, the elements and the higher powers) bent gently towards this regional community for its own nurture; and a new age began on Earth.
--Elizabeth Hardisty, lay leader of the congregation and Lead Green Team Member
