Newsletter / Bulletin Blurbs!

Help us spread the word about Earth Hour by placing an item in your congregation's newlsetter, bulletin, or website:

• Lights Out, Y'all! On March 29 from 8-9 pm, cities around the world will turn out their lights in a powerful demonstration of the need for strong action on climate change. Everyone can take part! Turn out your lights. Ask your congregation and your workplace to participate. Learn more about Earth Hour and get some ideas for fun things to do in the dark by visiting www.earthhourus.org.

Any time is a good time to get folks thinking about how care of creation connects to their faith. You can remind folks of the importance of creation stewardship by placing an item in your congregation's newsletter or bulletin. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started. You can also compose your own that include information about your congregation's worship space or an aspect of creation care that's near and dear to your heart.

• "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it." - Psalm 24:1 - As people of faith, we are called to be good stewards of all of God's blessings, including our natural resources.  Did you know that the mining of coal involves the removal of entire mountaintops?  And that burning that coal to generate electricity pollutes the air with carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), mercury (a dangerous neurotoxin) and other smog and acid-rain producing pollutants?  Honor God and God's creation by becoming more energy efficient!  Switch out those old energy hogging incandescent lightbulbs with efficient compact fluorescent bulbs!  Use a programmable thermostat to keep your home comfortable while not wasting energy heating and cooling when you're not home!  Turn off your computer and electronic equipment when you aren't using it!  Using less energy is not only easy and a good way to save money, it's also a great way to show your care and stewardship of God's handiwork!

• "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." - Genesis 1:31 - God blesses us through God's wonderful creation.  We can honor God by honoring that creation and being good stewards of those blessings.  Take some time during this week to enjoy God's creation.  Take a walk or ride your bicycle instead of driving.  Plant a tree.  Eat fruits and vegetables grown in a local garden.  Go outside and play.  As you enjoy the blessings God has given us, remember that we are called to care for one another and for this earth so that the blessings of fresh air, clean water, green trees, and healthy food can be available to all.