(Hyatt - Discovery Room)
Scripture tells us God called creation "good." Yet just as we are beginning to understand just how amazing this creation is, some are warning of ecological collapse. We face rising carbon emissions, diminishing water supplies and unreliable weather patterns. As Disciples claim our newly stated identity as "a Movement for Wholeness in a Fragmented World" we ask: How might we better fulfill our responsibility as Earth's stewards? This Learning Track engages participants in hands-on strategies and practices for greening your home, church and community. Perhaps this is a start. This Track opens with a 30-minute plenary presentation, led by Matthew Sleeth, evangelical environmentalist and author of Serve God. Save the Planet. (2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Hyatt - Discovery)
Options for Friday, July 31
(Locations listed with descriptions)
Offered twice, from 2:50 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. or 3:40 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.
Ecumenical Response to Climate Change
led by Xiaoling Zhu, Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ. Xiaoling will address the theological crisis climate change is having on our world as well as examining the kind of church leadership necessary for this time of changing climate and ministries. (Hyatt - Studio One)
Borderland
led by David Bell, co-director, Yakama Christian Mission. Addressing our disconnect with the land, David leads participants on a journey to reconnection and how the land might inspire our voice, stories, and church culture. (Hyatt - Studio Two)
Living the Earth Charter
led by John Gibson, an active retired United Methodist Church pastor, John brought the Earth Charter to Indiana. He is well-known as a civic leader, a community organizer, and a 1999 candidate for mayor of Indianapolis. (Hyatt - Studio Three)
The Table: A look at our relationship to food
led by Aloma Dew, First Christian Church, Owensboro, Ky. and founder of the Healthy Food, Local Farm conference in Louisville which celebrates 10 years and draws such visionaries as Wendell Berry and Barbara Kingsolver. (Hyatt - Studio Four)
Green Building: Overview and hands-on practices
led by John Davidson, Church Extension, and Megan Ammann, Brite Divinity School. John is leading efforts to promote green church buildings through Church Extension and Megan is founder and student leader of Brite Green, an organization involved with the Green Seminary Initiative. (Hyatt - Studio Five)
Small Farmers Greening the Planet
led by Anna Utech, director of Interfaith Program, Equal Exchange. Learn how your decisions impact farmers around the world. (Hyatt - Studio Six)
Day 1 - Wrap Up - 4:30 to 5 p.m., Hyatt - Discovery Room
Options for Saturday, August 1
(Locations listed with descriptions)
Offered twice, from 2:15 to 3 p.m. or 3:05 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Environmental Racism
led by Josephine Rogers, executive director, Martindale-Brightwood CDC. Josephine is leading environmental justice efforts through the Martindale-Brightwood Environmental Justice Collaborative in a community where 35 percent of households are considered low income and the median income is below $25,000. Find out how you can identify and prioritize environmental health threats in vulnerable neighborhoods in your community. (Hyatt - Studio One)
Churches and Urban Food Initiatives -
led by Matt Jose, urban farmer, and Eric C. Himelick, co-owner, Victory Acres Farm and CSA. Matt and Eric are Indianapolis-area urban farmers working to increase food security in central Indiana. (Hyatt - Studio Two)
And God saw that it was good. Is it still?
led by Judy Row, International Disciples Women Ministries. Get tips on how to use the Disciples Women's environmental resource, which was co-produced by Judy. (Hyatt - Studio Three)
Planting with a Purpose
led by Andrew Hart, director of Urban Forestry Initiatives, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Drawing from Andrew's efforts in Indianapolis, find out what you can do to green your community. (Hyatt - Studio Four)
Kids & Environmental Health
led by Janet McCabe, executive director, Improving Kids Environment. Janet will provide tips and hands-on ideas on how to recognize and reduce common environmental health threats to children at home and at church, including lead poisoning and asthma. (Hyatt - Studio Five)
Climate change: mitigating your ecological footprint
led by Vy Nguyen, Assistant Director, Church World Service, Northern California/Nevada region, and Disciples pastor. Vy will draw from his studies on climate change and his experiences in California to provide hands on ideas on simple things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment, specifically as it relates to climate change emissions. (Hyatt - Studio Six)
Day 2 wrap up Hyatt - Discovery 3:55 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.