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Earth and Social Justice Commission
To help us appreciate how wide-ranging is the mission of the Presbyterian Church, USA, we will include a note in the bulletin each Sunday, each time featuring a different example of the church’s work in the world. You might choose to add the project to your prayers this week.
PC(USA) is part of the Reformed tradition of Protestantism. In Hungary the Reformed Church family is bringing together sisters and brothers from Slovakia, Carpath-Ukraine, and Romania in search of a more perfect union in Christ. In addition, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council will unite in 2010 to form the World Reformed Communion.
From the 2010 PCUSA Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study
On a hot, humid day in a village in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, the children were delighted to taste their first drink of clean water. It came from the purification system their new friends from the Presbytery of Transylvania (Kentucky) had helped their own Presbyterian church build. Now there will be enough clean water for drinking and cooking to share with their whole community.
From the 2010 PCUSA Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study
Johnson C. Smith Theological in Atlanta, Georgia, prepares leadership for the Presbyterian church out of the African-American heritage and PC(USA) membership. Seminarians are educated through the resources of the Interdenominational Theological Center, a consortium of six historically black Protestant seminaries, of which Johnson C. Smith is the PC(USA) component.
From the 2010 PCUSA Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study
Auburn Theological Seminary shares a campus with Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Recently, Auburn launched a pilot program bringing together sixteen Christian and Jewish seminary students from the area for classroom study and a trip to Israel and the West Bank. The program’s purpose is to prepare emerging religious leaders with an understanding of what Israel/Palestine means to Christians, Jews and Muslims; to experience the complex and multiple perspectives of each group; and to strengthen their relationships to each other as committed Christians and Jews. Auburn is supported by the Presbyterian Church (USA) by Covenant Agreement.
From the 2010 PCUSA Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study
Background: Super Bowl of Caring
Last year, our youth and the Earth and Social Justice Commission teamed up to host our first "Souper Bowl of Caring" on Super Bowl Sunday. It was a huge success, with our congregation collecting over $250 in cash donations and over 100 cans of food which were donated to Community Sharing. We joined two other congregations in Cottage Grove (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the Church of Christ) in transforming Super Bowl Weekend into the nation's largest youth-led weekend. Last year, the Souper Bowl of Caring raised $10.3 million in cash and food.
The first ever Souper Bowl of Caring was started in 1990. Twenty-two churches raised $5,700 in Columbia, South Carolina. This simple prayer from a single youth group began this event, "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat." Since that day, more than $60 million has been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl of Caring.
Through this mission, young people learn what it's like to make a positive difference in the world -- as they collect food, raise money, and volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter for the homeless, food to the hungry an compassion to those in need.
Submitted by Tracy Durfee, for
the Earth and Social Justice Commission
Results!
Thanks to everyone who helped make "Souper Bowl of Caring" a huge success by contributing food and/or money. The youth collected $178.35 and 116 food items (cans and boxes). Our youth toured Community Sharing and got a hands-on look at how our local food bank works.
From our Youth,
Earth and Social Justice Commission,
and Christian Ed Commission!
To everyone who participated, many thanks for collecting, counting, and delivering. A special thanks to Kadie and Tristan for getting up in front of the congregation and giving the “Minute for Mission.”
Ongoing Activities
PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos de Noroeste), the members of Mujeres Luchadores Progresistas (Women Struggling for Progress): Did you know that our congregation is one of the biggest customers of these holiday wreaths? If you didn't get a chance to order one this year, watch for the announcement next year!
Green Gifts! Click here to see some great ideas for gifting green throughout the year.
For more information about the many ongoing projects of this active commission, please contact Tracy Durfee.
The Earth and Social Justice commission has submitted many conservation and recycling tips and opinion pieces over the years, which have appeared in our newsletter. Those items that are still current will soon be copied to this site -- for now, you can find additional conservation tips here.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 17 from 8 am to 12 pm for the Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council River Clean-up. To start out, meet at the South Lane Fire Station at 233 E. Harrison. This is part of the Statewide Beach and River Cleanup day.
This is a community effort to remove ivy by girdling the ivy on the trees near the newly renovated historic Chambers Bridge. Ivy engulfs trees all along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River in Cottage Grove which provide important Shade. A Block Party and Wine & Nature Tour will follow in the afternoon.
For more information see the posters in the narthex, visit www.coastfork.org, or call 541-767-9717. Facebook users please "Like" Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council Group.
Mental Health Messages
This was submitted by Loralee Jensen for the Earth and Social Justice commission for our May 2006 newsletter (May is mental health month) — but it is as timely now as ever. The information is extracted from an information pamphlet, copies of which may still be available in our church narthex.
Caring for your mental health is key to your overall health. Caring for your mind as well as your body will keep you healthier, happier and more productive. Most mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety disorders, are as treatable as physical illnesses. Mental illnesses are real, common and treatable.
Workplace
Good mental health is good for workers and the bottom line. A good work/life balance will keep you healthier and more productive in all aspects of life. A positive work environment can decrease stress, improve overall health and boost productivity.
Mental Health Consumers
Seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength — not a weakness. Recovery is possible with proper treatment and support. You are more than just a diagnosis — you can lead an enjoyable, full and productive life.
Children and Families
Mental health is crucial to a child’s development and overall health. Children whose parents talk with them every day make better decisions and choose healthier activities. Early diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems allow children to reach their full potential.
Faith Communities
Spiritual support and leadership from clergy can be an important part of recovery for congregants with mental health problems. Tapping into your faith or spirituality can help keep you strong, focused and connected to a healing force.
College Students
Managing stress will keep your mind and body healthy,and enhance your productivity and well-being. Caring for your mental health is essential to your academic and social success.
Older Adults
Depression and hopelessness are not a normal part of growing older. By caring for your mental health and getting help when you need it,you can grow and enjoy life at any age.
Policymakers
Mental health and well-being is equally important as physical health for our citizens and communities. Investing in effective mental health programs saves money and lives; not investing leads to unnecessary costs, disability and premature death.
