The Green Challenge Before Us:
A statement of intention and a challenge presented by the Board of Deacons to each Chairperson of a Committee of the Central Congregational Church
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims [God’s] handiwork.” Psalm 19:1-6
We all know that “Going Green” refers to a worthy endeavor intended to save fuel, save money and “save the earth”. For Christians it is also — an act of faith.
For generations Christians held a view of the earth as God’s gift of an inexhaustible natural resource provided to sustain us. But that view has changed dramatically within our lifetime. Conservation of our precious resources is now an act of good stewardship that expresses our gratitude to God for providing the earth. It is also a humble acknowledgement that the gift of the earth is ours to manage and preserve for our children.
“Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the rest of your pasture? When you drink of clear water, must you foul the rest with your feet?” Ezekiel 34:18
As you may know, we are actively engaged in the process of reviewing the “carbon foot print” of our Church. Insulating, lighting, heating and water use are all a part of that ongoing effort. But good stewardship of the earth requires that we do all that – and more.
The Board of Deacons asks that you consider how your committee goes about the many ordinary and extraordinary acts that comprise the life of our church. Moreover,
We challenge your committee to find at least three ways of further conserving the earth’s resources that are devoted to sustaining our church, our church families, and our community.
We ask you to lead your committee in a journey of deliberate reflection on the topic in order to challenge our assumptions about how we do everything in the life of our church.
Your committee’s deacon representative will guide you and look forward to reporting back to the Board of Deacons as you progress through this challenge.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; …” Psalm 24:1-2
To be good stewards of God’s earthly realm we must lead the way within our community of faith on Angell Street – and beyond.
