February 9, 2015
Review of 2014
2014 theme was advocacy. Advocacy activities included signing postcards to Senators re: Obama’s Clean Power Plan, signing a faith letter to EPA supporting carbon limits, and asking for comments on new state fracking rules. Educational activities included a summer Faith Development series by Cam Murchison, and a Wednesday night program about EPA carbon rules. A Creation Care Sunday worship service was held on April 27 with a wildflower walk that afternoon.
Earth Care Congregation Recertification
The above mentioned activities as well as energy efficiency improvements made as part of the sanctuary and kitchen renovations and more earned enough points for FPC to be recertified for a fifth year as an Earth Care Congregation.
Divestment Faith Development Series
The faith development series we had planned to do in the fall was postponed to the winter. Upon reviewing the series, it was decide that it could be done in 2-3 sessions instead of four by combining sessions 1 and 2 and possibly sessions 3 and 4. Jane will check with Nancy for a time to schedule it.
Global Day of Divestment
Fossil Free PCUSA is suggesting that churches launch their petition and letter signing drive this weekend, Feb 13 & 14, in observance of the Global Day of Divestment. We will have letters and petitions available for church members to sign on Sunday, Feb 15. Ann, Julie, Esther, Len and Cam agreed to ask for signatures. The Creation Care Team will wear orange for easy identification.
Earth Day Observance
Earth Day is Wed April 22 and both April 19 and 26 are available as Creation Care Sunday. Cam Murchison could be the guest preacher. We could have a bird walk this year instead of a wildflower walk. A children’s craft activity was also discussed. Julie will check with Warren Wilson students to lead one.
Wednesday Night Program/Table Sunday
Due to the switch from Wednesday night dinners to Table Sunday, program time is no longer available. Jane will check with Valorie Vliek about the possibility of doing a local foods lunch or dinner in the fall.
Earth Hour is March 28
Earth Hour is an international time of darkness to contemplate our use of energy. Participants are asked to turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances and lights from 8:30 – 9:30 PM on Saturday, March 28. We will have a Minute for Mission on March 22, an article in the March First Chronicle, an announcement in the e-Chronicle, and will explore sharing experiences on Facebook. The Creation Care Team will plan to get together to observe Earth Hour as a group.
Moral March on Raleigh
The Moral March is in Raleigh on Sat, Feb 14. Buses leave from Asheville at 4:30 AM. Buy tickets at https://mountainmoralmonday.wordpress.com. Ann and Jane are going.
Voluntary Gas Tax Money
Several people donated a self-determined amount of money for each gallon of gas they purchased to a fund that was intended to be used for an earth care project. No suitable project was identified, so the $1300 has been passed to the Creation Care Team. The Team decided to use the funds for three purposes:
- Join Presbyterians for Earth Care as a committee/group for $75
- Pay registration for a young adult <25 yrs old to attend the Presbyterians for Earth Care conference in Montreat, Sept 15-18
- Install a solar-powered electric car-charging station. Julie will research this.
Bulletin Board
Ann volunteered to maintain our bulletin board on the children’s wing and will start with the March 28 Earth Hour and the two faith development classes that Creation Care will offer.
Next get together is March 28, 8:30 – 9:30 PM.
Earth Care 