The First Congregational
Church of Sonoma
EARTH STEWARDS CONFERENCE 10•28•2006
"That
They May All Be One"
By Veda Lewis
Over 70 people gathered at the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, UCC for the Northern California Nevada Conference’s Earth Steward’s gathering held on October 28th. A very full day of events included worship, music, workshops, sharing of ideas, and inspiring keynotes from UCC and beyond. A small eco-fair highlighting a wealth of faith-based environmental resources was the backdrop for the event. A youth group spent the day creating a worm compost and a banner showing God’s love for the Earth.
Randy Hayes, founder of the Rainforest Action Network, and long-time San Francisco Bay Area environmental activist, challenged the participants to support moving beyond what he called “cheater economics”. In a cheater economy, prices are kept artificially low and the environment pays the price differential. In an eco-economy, the most Earth-friendly resources would be the cheapest, thus providing an opportunity to save the planet’s dwindling resources for future generations.
Carlos Correa, UCC’s minister of Environmental Justice, explained how in his youth, his father’s fight to save their local forest in Puerto Rico inspired him to get involved in justice issues. “We need to be intentional in protecting what we have.” he told the group. Correa emphasized that everything we do here affects our sisters and brothers around the world. “Issues of global warming in California are a matter of life and death for Pacific Islanders that are already losing their land.” he stated.
Dr. Carol Manahan, Chair of the NCNC Earth Stewards Committee had the significant challenge of bringing participants back from morning and afternoon workshops where ideas and discussion were flowing freely. Reporting back to the full session, some speakers emphasized the importance of finding advocacy for the implementation of ideas. Others explained that starting small paves the road to success.
Marijke Fakasiieiki, represented Church World Service, a cooperative ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations organized to fight poverty and provide disaster relief. She and Norm Lougee, from Pilgrim Congregational Church in Redding talked about water pollution and water rights. They explained that water is second only to oil as a focus of conflicts across the globe.
As the day wound down, spirits were lifted by a hearty meal prepared by the Sonoma congregation, followed by a gracious lecture by historian and Episcopal layperson Dr. James Rawls. He provided special insight on the life of John Muir as one strongly shaped by the distinctive features of Celtic spirituality.
The NCNC Earth Stewards Committee is actively seeking volunteers to join in the long journey to an eco-economy and justice for all.
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West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476 • 707.996.1328
E-mail: contact@sonomacongregational.org Website: http://www.sonomacongregational.org
E-mail: contact@sonomacongregational.org Website: http://www.sonomacongregational.org
