Showing posts with label Presbyterians for Earth Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Presbyterians for Earth Care. Show all posts

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Join us for a discussion with the General Assembly Co-Moderator Candidates!

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Presbyterians for Earth Care - GA Update and July Webinar Series

Presbyterians for Earth Care members are heartbroken that the General Assembly voted by a 2 to 1 margin for the ENV-02 overture, “On Removal of Investments In and Subsidies for Fossil Fuels,” https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001144 on Tuesday morning and then voted it down later in the day.  We have come closer than ever to our goal and will continue to work towards it.  The church may be silent, but Hurricane Beryl, supersized by the climate crisis, loudly shows that we need to do more.  

We encourage church members to support divestment efforts personally, as well as in their churches, governing bodies, and educational institutions now.  We will share fossil free options from the Presbyterian Foundation and Pensions’ retirement savings.


We celebrate the GA passing other actions:  ENV-01 Adoption of the One Billion for Peace Pledge https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001128; ENV-03 On Becoming Free from Plastic Pollution https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001145; ENV-04 Lithium Mining Paper https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001146; ENV-07 Docket Time for Treasury Department to Educate About Inflation Reduction Act https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001381 and DOE-08 On Adopting "Protecting Utah's National Monuments & Wildlands for Ecology and Justice" https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001292


Our work continues with three webinars in July that will review GA actions, explore solar for churches and their communities, and highlight someone from the Treasury Department to educate about the Inflation Reduction Act that benefits our churches, members and God’s creation.  

We will continue to care for God’s creation and welcome others to join this needed, faithful work.


Grace and Peace.

Bruce Gillette

Moderator, Presbyterians for Earth Care


NEW!  PEC July Webinar Series!


226th General Assembly Recap and Green Energy Projects with Funding for Your Congregation



July Webinar I: Review of GA 226 Biennial Meeting and Impacts on PCUSA Earth Care

The national meeting of our Presbyterian Church (USA) that met June 25 – July 4, 2024, discussed a number of important environmental concerns.  First was an overture by PEC members that was approved by 13 presbyteries, asking the church to divest from fossil fuels.  Another PEC-sponsored overture dealt with reducing plastic pollution.  A third overture dealt with protecting Utah Wilderness. Other environmental overtures we also supported by PEC.  Those who were involved in developing these overtures and testifying at the General Assembly included Fred Milligan (co-chair of PEC Advocacy committee), Mark Eakin (PEC Steering Committee), Bruce Gillette (PEC Moderator), Jenny Holmes (co-chair of PEC Advocacy Committee), and Pam Mc Vety (PEC Advocacy Committee), amongst many others.  Please join us for discussion of how to interpret and implement these actions and an opportunity for questions and answers. 


Webinar Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024

Time: 7:30 pm EDT (6:30 CDT, 5:30 MDT, 4:30 PDT)

Presenters: Mark Eakin, Bruce Gillette, Pam McVety, Fred Milligan




July Webinar II: Developing Community Solar Projects 

In 2024, Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church won the Interfaith Power & Light Cool Congregations Renewable Role Model Award for developing a Community Solar project with newly installed solar on the roof of their facility whose output exceeded their needs. How did they do that? What are some of the incentives and options for getting solar on your property?  Mark and June Eakin will present their church’s story and offer resources for other congregations interested in adding to our nation’s renewable energy portfolio.


Webinar Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Time: 7:30 pm EDT (6:30 CDT, 5:30 MDT, 4:30 PDT)

Presenters: Mark and June Eakin, Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church




July Webinar III: IRA Funds for Church Green Energy Projects

Ronald Newman, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury for Inflation Reduction Act Implementation, has spent the past several months engaging faith-based organizations and intermediaries such as Interfaith Power & Light regarding the Inflation Reduction Act framework, explaining concepts ranging from Direct Pay to the Investment Tax Credit. I have taken steps to better ensure that faith-based organizations can access the support they need with project planning, project management, financial analysis, financing, tax preparation and filing, and more.  Mr. Newman will explain how Presbyterians can lead within the faith-based community in the clean energy transition. Join us to learn more about how congregations can access this critical funding to make the installation of green energy projects possible.



Webinar Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Time: 7:30 pm EDT (6:30 CDT, 5:30 MDT, 4:30 PDT)

Presenters: Ronald Newman, U.S. Dept. of Treasury



How can we help you care for God’s creation?  Drop us an email and let us know at presbyearthcare@gmail.com


Help us grow! Please let us know if there is anyone we should add to our list!  Just reply to this email.  Thank you!

Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC through our website by CLICKING HERE.  Thank you!

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Presbyterians for Earth Care - Earth Care Resources for Holy Week & Save the Date for the 2023 PEC Conference


Holy Ground: The Earth as Participant in Holy Week


Originally presented on March 9, 2023, Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath provided an insightful and informative webinar, offering a theological orientation to the importance of the earth in Scripture and worship and providing practical commentary on planning worship that recognizes the importance of the earth in worship services from Palm Sunday to 1st Sunday of Easter.


The recoding of the webinar and access the accompanying resources are now available on the PEC website and can be accessed by CLICKING HERE. Please share this presentation and resources with your congregation, family, and friends.


Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC . Thank you!


Upcoming Webinar:


Urgent climate action can secure a livable future for all — The latest report from the IPCC


Webinar Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023


Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm EDT (6:30 CDT, 5:30 MDT, 4:30 PDT)


Presenter: Dr. C. Mark Eakin


In March, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first parts of the Synthesis Report covering the 6th Assessment Report. The IPCC has now spoken even more clearly that we must act urgently to address the climate crisis to stabilize the climate we leave our children. Despite such urgent pleas, most governments continue to move slowly.


This webinar will provide a summary and insights into the latest report and the need for us all to act now to address the climate crisis.

Dr. C. Mark Eakin is a retired oceanographer, having spent over 30 years with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He was a contributing author or reviewer of multiple IPCC reports, was Chief Science Advisor for the Sundance- and Emmy- winning film Chasing Coral, and has testified before the US Congress. He is a ruling elder serving at Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington, MD, in the National Capital Presbytery, and the Presbyterians for Earth Care.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How does your congregation celebrate Earth Day Sunday? We’d love to know! If you have ideas for worship, activities, or anything else for Earth Day Sunday, please email them to pec@presbyearthcare.org and we will share them!



The Climate Crisis & Empowering Hope


PEC Conference 2023



Dates: September 20-23, 2023


Location: Massanetta Springs Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA (in-person) and Virtual Options


Some Featured Presenters: Patricia Tull, Diane Moffett, Mark Eakin, Faith Harris (Virginia IP&L)


More information and registration coming soon!

Help us grow! Please let us know if there is anyone we should add to our list!
Just reply to this email. Thank you!

Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC through our website by CLICKING HERE. Thank you!

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Presbyterians for Earth Care - Holy Week Webinar, Bookkeeper Wanted, Cool Congregations Awards, Eco Palms, Earth Care Resource from Santa Fe

Holy Ground: The Earth as Participant in Holy Week


PEC WEBINAR


Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023


Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST (6:00 CST, 5:00 MST, 4:00 PST)


Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath


This informative and insightful webinar will:


1) Offer a theological orientation to the importance of the earth in Scripture and worship;


2) Provide practical commentary on planning worship that recognizes the importance of the earth in worship services from Palm Sunday to 1st Sunday of Easter.


Paul Galbreath is Professor of Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He is the author of six books including a new Lenten devotional resource: Elemental: A Journey through Lent with the Earth.


The host for this webinar will be Bruce Gillette, PEC Moderator and Pastor of the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego New York.

CLICK HERE FOR INFO & REGISTRATION

Presbyterians for Earth Care is hiring!

Wanted: Part-time Bookkeeper



Job Description

The Bookkeeper will be responsible for recording and tracking income and payments for PEC, and preparing reports. This is a paid contract position, reviewed annually. Pay is $30-$40 per hour, 5 to 6 hours per month.


· Prepare financial reports for meetings and as requested.

· Pay all vouchered expenses and bills.

· Prepare the monthly direct deposit payroll for the Coordinator.

· Provide documentation for audits when needed.


Qualifications

The Bookkeeper will have a minimum of 5 years experience in maintaining finances and preparing reports, preferably in a non-profit setting. The Bookkeeper will have familiarity and experience with Quickbooks online. The Bookkeeper will devote a minimum of 5-6 hours each month to maintain PEC’s finances and be available to communicate with the Treasurer and Coordinator on a regular basis.


To apply, email your resume to pec@presbyearthcare.com


NEW! EarthCare Resource Packet

Created by Presbytery of Santa Fe



The resource includes information about:

  • Assessing the current state of climate change in New Mexico and the Southwest;

  • Educating via resources (print and video) that tell pieces of the story, about hard realities but also about realistic hope;

  • Connecting groups of climate change actors in the church, in the nation, in our state-- not all of them, but the ones we are comfortable suggesting. Many of these will also provide help as you build connections locally--e.g. hosting an Earth Day event at your church.

  • Advocating through the legislative process, knowing what stands before our governing bodies, where to find information, and how to invite our elected leaders to do the best for our space-traveling home.

  • Action involving first-step actions you and your congregation can take to further your journey in caring for the Earth and addressing Climate Change.

  • Other Resources include scripture and worship suggestions, significant quotes about climate change, and six recommended children’s books.


To download the EarthCare Resource Packet, go to:

https://santafepresbytery.org/resources-2/earth-care


5 Presbyterian congregations won an award in Interfaith Power and Light's annual Cool Congregations Challenge!


The annual contest accepts applications from religious congregations around the United States who are doing work to address global warming by reducing their carbon footprint as they create models of sustainability within their communities.


2023 Runner-ups receiving $500 each:


New Providence Presbyterian Church, Maryville, TN - Cool Planner

Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR - Electric Vehicle Leader

First Presbyterian Church, Conway, AR - Electric Vehicle Leader

Mid Kentucky Presbytery, Louisville, KY - Electric Vehicle Leader

First Presbyterian Church, Haddonfield, NJ - Renewable Role Model


The Cool Congregations Challenge shows that people of faith are united by concerns about climate change and are taking action. The winners provide strong moral role models for their communities, and their activities have a ripple effect with people in their own homes. Interfaith Power & Light is mobilizing a religious response to global warming in congregations through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.


Learn more about these awards recipients on the Cool Congregations website HERE.

Eco Palms for Your Congregation


Eco-Palms and your church: your role in supporting social and environmental justice


More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for U.S. consumption alone — most of them for Palm Sunday, but also for floral displays for church-related events. Your congregation’s commitment to purchase eco-palms plays an important role in protecting forests, local jobs, and sustainable livelihoods in the harvesting communities.


Why order Eco-Palms?

  • Approximately 300 million palm fronds are consumed in the United States annually.

  • A congregation of 1,250 members orders approximately 700 fronds for Palm Sunday services.

  • Eco-palms are purchased directly from harvesters at five to six times the normal payment per frond.

  • Your purchase of eco-palms helps improve standards of living and protect forests.


Learn more about Eco Palms, and place an order by March 10th, by visiting the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Enough for Everyone web page HERE.

Can we help you and/or your church care for creation?
Help us grow! Please let us know if there is anyone we should add to our list!
Email us at 
presbyearthcare@gmail.com.


Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC on our secure website for donations.


Presbyterians for Earth Care is a national eco-justice network that cares for God’s creation by connecting, equipping, and inspiring Presbyterians to make creation care a central concern of the church.