Eco-Journey
About this blog
Eco-Journey is the blog of the Environmental Ministries Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It will include a wide array of environmental topics: upcoming environmental events, links to interesting articles and studies, information on environmental advocacy, eco-theology topics, and success stories from churches that are going “green.”
Author Rebecca Barnes-Davies is the Associate for Environmental Ministries at the PC(USA). She recently graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a M.Div. and Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) dual degree.
Recent posts
- St. Andrews Presbyterian Church wins GIPL award
- PCUSA Environmental Ministries and GreenFaith collaboration: webinar now available online!
- First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethtown, KY loves mountains!
- Sunday Morning Sustainability: Earth Day Sunday 2013
- Earth Care church spotlight: Bayfield Presbyterian Church
Categories
- Eco-Justice (236)
- Congregations (182)
- Advocacy (135)
- Events (131)
- Climate Change (119)
- View all categories →
Archives
Posts with tag: climate change
February 7, 2013This weekend congregations will host preach-ins on climate change
Presbyterian congregations as well as many others are participating this weekend in a national "preach-in" on global warming. In addition to raising the issue of climate change in worship and preaching, churches may send postcards or petitions to President Obama to "love" God's earth (this close to Valentine's Day). My home church is participating in this preach-in and our Earth Care Team is looking forward to good biblical exegesis, wonderful Reformed worship, and fellowship over a soup and bread lunch as we hear more about climate change after worship.
To learn more, go to: http://www.preachin.org/
November 27, 2012
United Nations Conference of Parties meeting now in Qatar
Right now, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is meeting in Doha, Qatar for the 18th Conference of the Parties.
As Christians and as global citizens, we are invited to follow along.
During these two weeks, will you:
- learn more, by reading about the conversations at the UNFCCC web site and through partner resources (such as Stakeholder Forum)?
- support PCUSA and ecumenical presence at this gathering, by reading their posts (starting next week) on our Facebook page?
- surround this gathering with prayer?
- share with others in your congregation and community?
I look forward to traveling this journey ...
July 12, 2012
Final Reflection on Rio+20 UN Conference
Scriptural calls to confession and active repentance/turning
Isaiah 5:8
Ah, you who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is room for no one but you, and you are left to live alone in the midst of the land!
Job 28:9-12
They put their hand to the flinty rock, and overturn mountains by the roots. They cut channels in the rocks, and their eyes see every precious thing. The sources of the rivers they probe; hidden things they bring to light. But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of ...
June 21, 2012
Rio Reflection: Human Vocation
Scripture
Gen 2:5-15
In the day that the Holy God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Holy God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground—then the Holy God formed the human one (adam) from the dust of the ground (adamah), and breathed into human nostrils the breath of ...
June 20, 2012
Rio Reflection: Gifts of Creation
Scripture:
Genesis 1:31a
God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good.
Psalm 104: 1-4
Bless the Holy One, O my soul….you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers…
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that God gave us the only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order ...
June 20, 2012
Perspectives on Rio+20
News and perspectives from diverse conversation partners at the People’s Summit:
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (official web site)
Clic here to read the Rio+20 Outcome Document being discussed for adoption by heads of states.
Video of NGOS speaking at the United Nations, feeling that Rio+20 is not the future we want.
UN multi-media web site with Rio+20 photos
World Council of Churches eco-justice programs
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance and concern for food security
Via Campesina (includes current photos)
Stakeholders Forum includes articles, analysis, links, and live tweets from Rio+20
June 19, 2012
Rio Reflection: Community
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 3:19
For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their toil. For if they fail, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Acts ...
May 21, 2012
Continued preparations for the Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Next month at this time, the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development will be in full swing (June 20-22, 2012). I will be posting blog (and/or facebook) updates "from the field" as we learn more about what governments, NGOs, and the religious community will commit to doing around eco-justice and sustainability. I will be part of the World Council of Churches' delegation to this global gathering and look forward to sharing with you from Rio.
In advance of that, I wanted to share with you how the preparations are proceeding in advance of the actual conference. I ...
May 18, 2012
Reflection on Women's Stories from the MTR and Climate Change Tribunal last week
The Central Appalachian Women’s Tribunal on Climate Justice on May 10, 2012 was a powerful and meaningful event of local women lifting up their voices and engaging in action to protect the health and integrity of their families, their communities, and their land. I was honored and energized to be in this gathering of powerful grassroots advocates who are working hard to take care of the things they love. The speakers and leaders of this event were local residents who shared their personal stories of witnessing to the devastating effects of Mountaintop Removal (MTR) Coal Mining in their homeland of Appalachia. Some of these local women have won prestigious awards, gained national recognition, and/or been interviewed in documentaries for their great efforts. They come from a four state area: TN, WV, VA, and KY.
These women’s lives have been drastically impacted by MTR and I was convicted and inspired by their stories. Hearing their testimonies, I am ever more committed to continue to pray and work for an end to the destructive practice of MTR that is damaging this part of God’s creation. I hope you will join me in these efforts, both from reading these glimpses of local residents’ stories and from knowing our biblical, theological, and denomination mandate to care for God’s creation.
April 13, 2012
Creation Care Conference
The National Religious Coalition on Creation Care is gathering in Washington D.C. on April 23rd to explore, inform, and inspire people of faith to take action global climate change.
March 5, 2012
Gender and Climate Change resource available
Having lived through tornado, sun, and snow within the last four days, climate change is not terribly far from my mind. Not that these particular weather incidents are directly connected as far as we know, but they certainly are the kinds of fluctuations that have been expected to increase with climate change.
So, when someone sent me this link on Gender and Climate Change, I thought it might be worth sharing with you. While all people are profoundly shaped by climate change, what particular way are women and girls impacted? Check out this resource and see what you think.
ISIS ...
January 20, 2012
Calling Young Adults!
Applications are now posted for summer 2012 Eco-Stewards! This program, located in Boston and Vermont this year, is a great place for young adults with a heart for eco-justice ministry to learn practical skills, to accompany one another, and to inspire others for action. Learn more here.