Concert for the Climate and Highlights of the Kennedy and McKibben Talks

The rain may have dampened attendance at last Saturday’s Concert for the Climate, but not the enthusiasm of those present. Environmental author Bill McKibben and activist and river-keeper Robert Kennedy, Jr., gave rousing and informative talks I wish everyone could have heard. I found both talks very exciting, compelling, and informative. Here are a few of…

Steps to Keep Your Debris From Ending Up in the Ocean

Three trillion pieces of plastic are estimated to be floating in the Pacific Ocean. As it breaks down into smaller pieces fish ingest it and are killed. The plastic also interferes with the photosynthesis going on in the ocean and contributes to global warming. We may be miles from the ocean, but our trash can…

Don’t Underestimate Mother Nature! In a Fight, She Always Wins.

Don’t underestimate Mother Nature. She may invoke images of a goddess-like maiden with flowers in her  golden hair dancing in the fields, which seems harmless enough. But what if she’s really more like a determined matriarch, with her children behind her, wielding her broom, fire in her eyes, daring anyone to harm her brood? We’d…

Tips for a Green Vacation

Want to use the time you spend relaxing and having fun on vacation to also help the Earth with very little effort? We have some great tips for you from lodging choices to modes of transportation. Planning: Not sure what you want to do for your trip? Look into organizations that have volunteer opportunities. This…

Belief in Climate Change: A Matter of Choice or Survival? by Rev. Helen Nelson

It may be difficult for some of us to believe, but many persons of faith continue to argue over the role of human behavior in climate change, even as mounting evidence – and sea levels – rise.  And, if you think climate change denial is a phenomenon limited to the United States of America, you…

Countering Objections to Environmentalism in Congregations

It would be heavenly if everyone in our congregations saw Earth care as integral to faith and mission. But, alas, it is not so. Sincere people of faith can see the issue differently and have various objections to it—it could alienate people, it’s too political, too “new age,” not part of our spiritual mission, too…

The Inspiring Story of Plymouth Congregational Church’s Green Transformation

The Plymouth Congregational Green Team has been around long enough to experience many of the challenges and transitions a green team faces. The church is now receptive to earth care but it hasn’t always been that way.

The Connection between Earth Care and Caring for Neighbors

In reflecting on her desire for earth care and her motivation to work with SSC, Colleen Simon makes a profound connection between caring for the poor and caring for the earth – are they one in the same? Read her reflections.

SSC partners with inner-city congregations: When sustainable practices make a difference

Colleen Simon, a leader at St. Mark’s Hope and Peace Lutheran Church located in the inner city, reached out to SSC a few months ago to ask for help incorporating sustainability into their social justice mission. Since then, an exciting new collaboration has begun.

Sustainable Sanctuary Featured in KC Star Article

We were delighted to have the following article in the Kansas City Star on April 20, 2013. We hope you will read it. ENVIRONMENT | ‘The luxury of time is not with us’ EARTH DAY  DEVOTION                                                                                                                                                There’s no better sermon topic than preservation of the world that God made, congregation leaders say. By Maria Cote,…