Ecumenical Workshops Offered on Creation Care in Duluth

An ecumenical creation care educational workshop will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Duluth, Minnesota on February 21st, 2009 from 9-noon. Cost of $10 includes the workshop, a resource disk, and a mini-concert by the Northfield Youth Choir. Patricia Benson, Creation Care Coordinator for the Lutheran Coalition of Public Policy in Minnesota (LCPPM), will facilitate the event. Later in the afternoon the Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission (MEESC) will host presentations and discussion about "greening our church buildings" beginning at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake Episcopal. Speakers will touch on concerns in all buildings, and discuss examples of new construction as well as remodeled churches in the Duluth area where environmentally friendly design was incorporated.
Faith communities have been deeply engaged in action and advocacy relative to refugee, hunger, and poverty issues. This workshop is designed to develop further understanding of how climate change is an underlying contributor to each of these social justice issues and how global warming will impact core church ministries. A menu of responses provides a variety of personal and group actions designed to contribute to lasting solutions.
A segment from the DVD Sisters on the Planet (Oxfam) will be shown, demonstrating how people around the world are experiencing the consequences of climate change today. Information provided will assist you in becoming an advocate on current Minnesota legislative issues to protect our rivers, lakes and streams, to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency, and to make our stewardship of the earth a legacy to our children.
There will also be breakout sessions to attend within a smaller group setting. Topics to be covered include Climate Change Impact on Hunger and Poverty Issues, Personal Action Plan, and Congregational Action Plan.
The purpose of the workshop is to inform people of the scriptural basis for environmental stewardship, to provide a network of connections and resources to people and communities, and to provide the opportunity to engage with others to make a difference in the world.
A contribution for the local food shelf is the admission request to a short concert at 11:30, following the morning workshop. Since 1986, the Northfield Youth Choirs have helped more than a thousand young singers "find their voice." The group's mission is to provide the finest choral education possible in an environment that challenges and affirms children and young adults in grades one through twelve. The Chorale, a mixed ensemble for grades 10 – 12, is directed by Karen Lutgen and accompanied by Mary Davis.
The Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in response to God’s love, seeks to engage all people of faith in the promotion of public policy that supports peace, justice, and care for all of God’s creation. The Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission is a dynamic pace setter for understanding, reflection, and action in the Diocese of Minnesota and the Episcopal Church in America. As public awareness of concerns about the environment has grown, both organizations have taken on a new energy to mentor churches, set process and policy and develop liturgical and educational materials in our faith communities.

Creation Care Workshop at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
219 North 6th Avenue East, Duluth, Minnesota 218.722.3381
February 21st, 9-11:30 Cost: $10 & a food shelf item
“Green Building” Experience in Local Churches at St Andrew's by-the-Lake Episcopal Church
2802 Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota
February 21st, 3:00 p.m. Supper at 5:00 – main dish and beverage provided; bring a side dish, bread, or dessert to share. All are welcome.


Barbara H. Holt, Marketing Communications Specialist