In light of the headlines, the changing weather patterns and signs that our earth is in distress, you may ask: What can a preacher do to tackle the problem of climate change?
First and foremost, we do not need to take on this challenge alone. Environmental organizations, faith groups, communities within schools, businesses and cities are taking action. We need to all come together to help combat climate change because our future depends on it!
As Katharine Hayhoe, director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, has observed: “For Christians, doing something about climate change is about living out our faith—caring for those who need help, our neighbors here at home or on the other side of the world, and taking responsibility for this planet that God created and entrusted to us.”
The 2020 Festival of Homiletics invites preachers to imagine their own role in God’s creative work, to be courageous in preaching about God’s creative activity, and to claim boldly our role in caring for God’s creation, when God’s very creation is at stake.
Here are five ways you can make a positive difference at the Festival of Homiletics this year in Atlanta:
- Start a climate conversation.
If we are going to solve the problem of climate change, we need to start by finding a common ground with those who might not share our share perspective. Peers, family members and loved ones are more likely to open minds and find ways to talk about climate change, when so many distrust what they hear coming from the experts. - Make your travel to the festival more “green.”
We all need to get around in our day-to-day lives. There are however, many ways to reduce your impact, save a few bucks and make yourself happier and healthier.
• Share a ride, from the airport or to dinner.
• Walk the extra couple blocks instead of using a car service
• Take public transit
• Ride a bike – check out Relay Bike Share - Reduce, reuse, recycle—Put your best foot forward.
• We have eliminated printing bulletins for the worship services and have replaced them with screens in the sanctuary. Also, check out the Festival App where we post PDF’s of all of the bulletins for the week!
• We have collaborated with Thrivent to provide insulated glasses for all of the participants – use them for your morning coffee and then throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Our caterer, Panera Bread Co., uses only recyclable or compostable products. Be sure to look for the proper receptacle when getting rid of your trash! - Use energy wisely – even-small changes can make a difference!
• Unplug your computers and phones when they are fully charged and you are not using them
• Turn off lights and TVs when you leave a room
• Take shorter showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth! - Eat for a more climate-friendly planet.
The decisions we make about what to eat don’t just affect our bodies, they can have a profound effect on the environment. Simple ways to stabilize the earth…
• Try a meat-free meal during the week
• Buy local, or try organic whenever possible – check out Best Locally Sourced Restaurants
• Don’t waste food!
We can make a bigger impact when we come together to meet a challenge!
See you in Atlanta!
