Finding the Way Forward

Summary of “Faithfully Green” meetings - the Environmental Stewardship aspect of Finding the Way Forward

There have been 3 meetings thus far, drawing heavily on PowerPoint presentations by Tom Dorsey. The 3rd meeting included some opportunity to silently reflect on what God’s Spirit may wish us to be about regarding care of God’s good earth.

Following the silent reflection these items were listed:

1. Possibility of a kitchen renovation

2. Evaluation of our lighting

3. Ask for an energy evaluation from Duke Energy

4. Each of us could examine our old habits (such as letting the water run while we brush our teeth)

5. Recycling Education

(and Bill Rhyne offered to see about placing a container for plastic bags and film. He would see that it is taken to Harris Teeter)

6. Obtain highly portable, reusable shopping bags (maybe with congregation’s logo!). Use funds from their sale to help with kitchen renovation.

7. Participate in gleaning

8. Establish an Environmental Stewardship group in the congregation


A Reminder

Our overall mission is responsible care of God’s good earth - responsible environmental stewardship.

Overall vision is to lower congregation’s carbon footprint. Kitchen renovation is a strategy toward that vision.


An idea not on the original list -

Congregation’s use of solar energy - panels which could include chargers for electric vehicles - our slogan could be, “come to Cross and Crown and get recharged!” If panels would not fit on the building, then perhaps over portions of the parking lot (as Google does)

We are asked to be aware that our responses can include several levels:

  1. Individual - what am I and/or my family willing to do to care for the earth?
  2. Congregational - what might we as a congregation do?

Possibilities include study,

  1. Community, state and nation - what influences might we have at these levels?

Various handouts were shared at the meeting.

What follow up might be helpful re: Megan’s greenhouse project?

How might we engage other members of the congregation?

Write actions on “leaves” and add to “tree” in narthex.

Further study - ELCA statements, NWEI materials, etc.

Follow up meeting in March, date TBD

To follow up this email, you are asked to look over the list above. If you feel called to engage with a particular aspect listed above let us know which one(s). If you feel called to add something let us know that as well. (You may email Robert Hughes at hughbesbj4339@gmail.com)