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Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
8505 Church Street (in Ridgefield) Crystal Lake, IL 60012 * 815-459-1132 |
"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it."
Psalm 24: 1
RCLPC is an Earth Care Congregation
and members of
Presbyterians for Earth Care
Earth Care Team: Environmental Ministries
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/environment/
Faith in Place: Faithful People Caring for the Earth
Green Living Tips
These tips brought to you by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. Find them at www.MCDEF.ORG.
Renewable Energy
All the energy we use comes from the earth. Electricity is made using the earth's resources like coal, oil or natural gas, which we know are finite and cause pollution. But some energy comes from wind and solar. Renewable energy doesn't pollute the air or the water and is a super choice for homes and offices. However, unlike natural gas and coal, we can't store up wind and sunshine to use whenever we need to make more electricity. What we can do is create the demand for more renewable energy when possible. In Illinois choose an energy supplier that produces wind power, or install solar panels on your home. It costs more, but if we increase the demand, eventually the costs will come down. Pair that with strong conservation habits, and consumer costs can be managed. Like everything in life, all the pieces working together can make a beautiful picture and a positive impact.
Nature Is for Refuge and Retreat
Or so preached Theodore Roosevelt, famous for his conservation efforts as president. Under his authority, five national parks were created, as well as 51 wildlife refuges, 18 national monuments and 150 new national forests. Go, Teddy! On a smaller scale, we can regularly recharge by immersing ourselves in nature. Studies show that disconnecting from electronic devices - even for a short time - can boost our creativity and improve well-being. Kids especially reap physical, mental and emotional rewards from spending free time outdoors. So thank Teddy Roosevelt for preserving our country's wide-open green spaces ... then get out with your family and enjoy it!
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Former President Obama's $80 million stimulus earmarked for clean and green energy solutions was unprecedented. And while it hasn't worked out perfectly, the action underscored the goal of moving the country toward renewable resources. We can show our kids where our values lie by taking action in any number of ways. Giving money to church and charities we support. Buying locally made or nontoxic products. Not buying products. Investing in socially conscious companies. Voting for leaders who focus on education or the environment. Participating in neighborhood clean-ups. The list is endless.
McHenry County Green Drinks Networking
Green Wednesdays
In McHenry County, the first Wednesday of each month is Green Wednesday! Time to gather to discuss environmental topics, plus reconnect with eco-friends and make new ones. Join us at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake. The event is upstairs at Duke's from 5-7pm. Head upstairs for info and inspiration, business and pleasure.
Come talk about "greening" the future with others. Additional parking is available at the train station.
2017 SCHEDULE - Tentative
June 7, 2017 - David Christensen, Director of MC Emergency Management Agency, will be speaking on Climate Disruption Preparedness based on the brand-new McHenry County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. He'll focus on such things as protection of our watersheds in order to mitigate problems associated with droughts and flooding.
Upcoming Green Drinks Topics:
Check the weblink at http://www.greendrinks.org/ for additional information about upcoming green topics.
The McHenry County Green Drinks is apart of an international network of over 600 Green Drinks groups throughout the world.These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, and had moments of serendipity.
News from the Board of Pensions of the PC(USA)
In March 2017 the Board of Pensions announced that $100 million in investments would go into environmentally responsible markets. Rev. Frank Spencer, President of the Board, noted that this direction supports church investment in companies that are responding to climate change by averting 13,400 tons of CO2 emissions each year, all while generating positive investment returns.
Rev. Spencer stated the importance of this action: "It is urgent that we collectively address climate change, which has already brought great suffering to the world's less fortunate. We do that through engagement, advocacy, and supporting innovation. We cannot shy away from this challenge. It is a matter of social justice."
Prayer for the Earth
God, we thank you that in the vastness of your creation, there is something special about the beauty of this earth. Breathe your Holy Spirit into us so that we may grow in a sense of wonder and proclaim to be good all that you have made. Amen.
~ source unknown