Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2009
Present: Janis Albright, Louise Davis, Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven.
The meeting started with the group checking in with each other.
The meeting was devoted to preparations for the worship service on April 19 which the Green Action Group will be conducting:
•Ed will be delivering the message. He will write an article for the Beacon and a brief message for The Bulletin regarding the program at 11:30 a.m. in Davidson Lounge. At that time a lobsterman from Falmouth will be the speaker regarding Community Supported Agriculture. Members of the congregation, children, and the youth group will be encouraged to attend the presentation.
•Ed has been in touch with Shirley Curry regarding music for the service. Hymns include For the Beauty of the Earth, Draw the Circle Wide, In Water We Grow (for the Baptism), and The Garden Song. Shirley has been asked about the possibility of Morning Has Broken for the anthem.
•Louise shared her preparation and materials for the Children’s Time. The focus will be on seeds. Each child will receive a seed packet, organic dirt, two pots, and a soil testing kit.
•Sarah received permission for the use of David Mallett’s “The Garden Song”. Sarah will be worship leader. Sarah has collected a variety of relevant materials that will be on an information table. There will be a list of Maine organizations and their web-sites for people to reach out, make connections, and take action regarding our stewardship of the earth. The book list compiled by Janis will be available as well.
•Leslie will do a hymn of promise.
There was discussion around the possibility of follow-up programs after Earth Day:
•Sarah mentioned Kris Dunn, an Amercorp volunteer, who does a presentation on Back Cove Yardscaping. He could be invited to do a presentation in May.
•Ed knows of the possibility of a well-known gardener coming to do a presentation. There will be a sign-up sheet on the information table on April19 for people to express interest in such a program.
•Since there will not be a rummage sale this spring, the possibility of asking for donations of books to be recycled was discussed. Books could then be sold in Wright Pavilion after worship some Sunday. The funds could go to energy saving items for our church.
•It was mentioned that a Disney movie “Earth” is due out for Earth Day. Ed reported on two federal government bills and one state bill relative to energy and to the environment.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Showing posts with label Green Action Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Action Group. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Green Action Group
Minutes of January 29, 2009
Present: Sarah Ellsworth, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed opened our meeting with a discussion of our group accepting John McCall’s invitation to work with him or with Elsa to plan the worship service for April 19, 2009, Green Sunday, and to host a conversation in Davidson Lounge after the 10 a.m. service. We decided we would like to do that and Ed Saxby and Sarah Ellsworth will help plan the day. Ed will contact John. Ideas shared included a celebration of Earth Day with Food, Fun, and Fellowship; inclusion of thoughts around food, i.e. Community Supported Agriculture, families growing their own food; and possibly for a later time sharing information about environmental bills before the legislature and how individuals could become involved.
There was discussion around offering a book group this spring. Ed is interested in offering one. Sarah and Jim will work on initiating a group where people could meet for a period of time in each other’s homes during April/May to enjoy fellowship while discussing a selected book.
Jim presented each of us with copies of “Our Defining Moment: A Call to Create the Future We Truly Want” by Jacqueline McMakin, published in January, 2009. Jim may write a Beacon article relative to this article.
As a follow-up to our December meeting, Jim contacted Roger Addor to learn if the Eskimos might be interested in working with us on a project to offer to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Roger was supportive of this effort and thought others would be as well. Jim will check back with Roger to help this move forward.
Ed shared a thank you note from Ray Sirois regarding the honorarium and thank you card our group sent him in appreciation for the program he presented on Climate Change in October. Ray was moved by our response, returned the check with a note asking that we “apply $50 to your church’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and educate your community on how important it is to live more sustain-ably. Let me know if I can help you in 2009. There is so much public education that is needed. “Pray with your feet moving!” (African proverb). The voided check has been returned to our church. When we decide how we want to use the $50, we can request the money from the Social Witness Ministries budget. We plan to advise Ray of how we used his gift.
We plan to invite Guy Gledhill of the House Committee to speak to our group regarding the work being done at our church to help the environment.
There is considerable interest in our group in doing something with our congregation regarding community supported food efforts such as buying shares in agriculture of in fisheries. A Master Gardener could explain that program and encourage people to consume healthier foods grown locally and cut back on the transportation of foods.
Ed reported that on February 8 from 1-4 pm and the First Parish Church on Congress Street there will be a program on Community Supported Food. Information will be shared and there will be opportunity to buy shares from farmers and fishermen.
On February 15 from 1-4 at First Parish there is a program on The Irreplaceable Wild—Climate Change effect on species becoming extinct.
Ed recommended the book “Blessed Unrest” by Paul Hawkins.
Sarah attended the workshop at Woodfords on January 10 titled “Saving Money, Energy and the Environment”. She shared information and materials from the conference which focused on what congregations can do in churches to conserve energy.
Sarah has joined the U.S. Green Build Chapter and is committed to green action.
Sarah is developing a time and talent survey for us based on one used in Farmington. We could use the information to learn who in our church might have time and talents to contribute to environmental programs and efforts. Some church members might be interested in helping people make their homes more energy efficient, for example. This could be helpful in getting the program with the Eskimos underway. Workshops could be offered to help people develop particular skills—for example, raised bed gardening.
Members will share responsibility for writing articles for The Green Spot in the Beacon. Ed will write an article for the next Beacon. He may also write about the Environmental Coalition and current legislative bills for the second March Beacon. The First April article will relate to the April 19 service of worship. Janis offered to write an article about planting for wildlife in your backyard and another article about the work she is doing to establish environmental resources in our library. The first Beacon in March and the second one in April are possible dates for those articles.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Sarah Ellsworth, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed opened our meeting with a discussion of our group accepting John McCall’s invitation to work with him or with Elsa to plan the worship service for April 19, 2009, Green Sunday, and to host a conversation in Davidson Lounge after the 10 a.m. service. We decided we would like to do that and Ed Saxby and Sarah Ellsworth will help plan the day. Ed will contact John. Ideas shared included a celebration of Earth Day with Food, Fun, and Fellowship; inclusion of thoughts around food, i.e. Community Supported Agriculture, families growing their own food; and possibly for a later time sharing information about environmental bills before the legislature and how individuals could become involved.
There was discussion around offering a book group this spring. Ed is interested in offering one. Sarah and Jim will work on initiating a group where people could meet for a period of time in each other’s homes during April/May to enjoy fellowship while discussing a selected book.
Jim presented each of us with copies of “Our Defining Moment: A Call to Create the Future We Truly Want” by Jacqueline McMakin, published in January, 2009. Jim may write a Beacon article relative to this article.
As a follow-up to our December meeting, Jim contacted Roger Addor to learn if the Eskimos might be interested in working with us on a project to offer to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Roger was supportive of this effort and thought others would be as well. Jim will check back with Roger to help this move forward.
Ed shared a thank you note from Ray Sirois regarding the honorarium and thank you card our group sent him in appreciation for the program he presented on Climate Change in October. Ray was moved by our response, returned the check with a note asking that we “apply $50 to your church’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and educate your community on how important it is to live more sustain-ably. Let me know if I can help you in 2009. There is so much public education that is needed. “Pray with your feet moving!” (African proverb). The voided check has been returned to our church. When we decide how we want to use the $50, we can request the money from the Social Witness Ministries budget. We plan to advise Ray of how we used his gift.
We plan to invite Guy Gledhill of the House Committee to speak to our group regarding the work being done at our church to help the environment.
There is considerable interest in our group in doing something with our congregation regarding community supported food efforts such as buying shares in agriculture of in fisheries. A Master Gardener could explain that program and encourage people to consume healthier foods grown locally and cut back on the transportation of foods.
Ed reported that on February 8 from 1-4 pm and the First Parish Church on Congress Street there will be a program on Community Supported Food. Information will be shared and there will be opportunity to buy shares from farmers and fishermen.
On February 15 from 1-4 at First Parish there is a program on The Irreplaceable Wild—Climate Change effect on species becoming extinct.
Ed recommended the book “Blessed Unrest” by Paul Hawkins.
Sarah attended the workshop at Woodfords on January 10 titled “Saving Money, Energy and the Environment”. She shared information and materials from the conference which focused on what congregations can do in churches to conserve energy.
Sarah has joined the U.S. Green Build Chapter and is committed to green action.
Sarah is developing a time and talent survey for us based on one used in Farmington. We could use the information to learn who in our church might have time and talents to contribute to environmental programs and efforts. Some church members might be interested in helping people make their homes more energy efficient, for example. This could be helpful in getting the program with the Eskimos underway. Workshops could be offered to help people develop particular skills—for example, raised bed gardening.
Members will share responsibility for writing articles for The Green Spot in the Beacon. Ed will write an article for the next Beacon. He may also write about the Environmental Coalition and current legislative bills for the second March Beacon. The First April article will relate to the April 19 service of worship. Janis offered to write an article about planting for wildlife in your backyard and another article about the work she is doing to establish environmental resources in our library. The first Beacon in March and the second one in April are possible dates for those articles.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Green Action Group
December 4, 2008
Present: Janis Albright, Louise Davis, Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Elsa Peters, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed Saxby led our meeting and each person had an opportunity to share particular concerns.
The Mission Board approved a $50 honorarium for our October speaker Ray Sirois. Leslie provided a card which we all signed and expressed our appreciation to Ray.
The Mission Outreach Team will be including in their budget request an item for the Social Witness Ministries Fund. This will provide a source for expenses like an honorarium. Greg Wyman will keep us informed.
Barbara spoke with Guy Gledhill, a member of the House Committee of the Administration Team and invited him (or a Committee member) to come to one of our meetings and educate us about the work his group is doing regarding greening our church.
Barbara suggested we consider the possibility of working with the Eskimos, the Hilltop Guild, and the church school in suggesting programs relating to our stewardship of the earth. This would give us an existing group with whom to work in our educational efforts.
Jim donated the book “Redeeming The Creation” by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson to the Green Action Group’s section of our church library. Louise added more articles to the reference notebooks she is creating for the library.
Elsa Peters met with us for a discussion on Communication.
We agreed to write articles relating to Earth stewardship for The Beacon on a regular basis. Articles for the Beacon should “educate the community and further their faith with this community”. The articles might be part of the Green Corner or they might fill up to a half page. Dick will do an article for the next Beacon.
Our minutes are posted on meetinghousehillminutes.blogspot.com. Elsa has an article in the current Beacon that includes information about blogs.
We are able to put announcements in the bulletin and just need to contact the Church Office.
Elsa encourages us to think about personal invitations (i.e. a telephone call) to encourage people “to participate in the things we care about”.
Ed suggested generating a list of people who would like to have access to a computer site where information about caring for our earth could be shared.
Ed would like to have a meeting in January or February where we generate ideas of what people can do themselves relative to greening their homes. Leslie talked about the Green South Portland group that is offering to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Jim will contact Roger Addor to see if the Eskimos might be interested in joining us in this effort. Sarah suggested presenting very practical ideas based on what people might benefit from right now—such as how you could prepare a meal for 6 people on $3. She also mentioned the concept of Eco Angels wherein we could help each other and share our skills and knowledge.
Janis reported on the work to complete our Mission statement and on some suggested additions to the book list she generated for our Green Space in the library. We will work on these at our next meeting.
Louise shared information about a 90 movie that she highly recommends for a program that we would arrange. Ed will look into this possibility.
Dick reported on a program he attended at Maine Audubon. Rick Renner, Portland architect and designer of 2 LEED Platinum-rated green building homes was the presenter.
Ed shared with us several relevant items of interest including work by the Maine Council of Churches and its Environmental Council and some thoughts about the new administration in Washington in January and possible impact on the environment.
We decided to continue meeting on the last Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 29, at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge. This arrangement has been cleared with Cyndi Alden.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Janis Albright, Louise Davis, Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Elsa Peters, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed Saxby led our meeting and each person had an opportunity to share particular concerns.
The Mission Board approved a $50 honorarium for our October speaker Ray Sirois. Leslie provided a card which we all signed and expressed our appreciation to Ray.
The Mission Outreach Team will be including in their budget request an item for the Social Witness Ministries Fund. This will provide a source for expenses like an honorarium. Greg Wyman will keep us informed.
Barbara spoke with Guy Gledhill, a member of the House Committee of the Administration Team and invited him (or a Committee member) to come to one of our meetings and educate us about the work his group is doing regarding greening our church.
Barbara suggested we consider the possibility of working with the Eskimos, the Hilltop Guild, and the church school in suggesting programs relating to our stewardship of the earth. This would give us an existing group with whom to work in our educational efforts.
Jim donated the book “Redeeming The Creation” by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson to the Green Action Group’s section of our church library. Louise added more articles to the reference notebooks she is creating for the library.
Elsa Peters met with us for a discussion on Communication.
We agreed to write articles relating to Earth stewardship for The Beacon on a regular basis. Articles for the Beacon should “educate the community and further their faith with this community”. The articles might be part of the Green Corner or they might fill up to a half page. Dick will do an article for the next Beacon.
Our minutes are posted on meetinghousehillminutes.blogspot.com. Elsa has an article in the current Beacon that includes information about blogs.
We are able to put announcements in the bulletin and just need to contact the Church Office.
Elsa encourages us to think about personal invitations (i.e. a telephone call) to encourage people “to participate in the things we care about”.
Ed suggested generating a list of people who would like to have access to a computer site where information about caring for our earth could be shared.
Ed would like to have a meeting in January or February where we generate ideas of what people can do themselves relative to greening their homes. Leslie talked about the Green South Portland group that is offering to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Jim will contact Roger Addor to see if the Eskimos might be interested in joining us in this effort. Sarah suggested presenting very practical ideas based on what people might benefit from right now—such as how you could prepare a meal for 6 people on $3. She also mentioned the concept of Eco Angels wherein we could help each other and share our skills and knowledge.
Janis reported on the work to complete our Mission statement and on some suggested additions to the book list she generated for our Green Space in the library. We will work on these at our next meeting.
Louise shared information about a 90 movie that she highly recommends for a program that we would arrange. Ed will look into this possibility.
Dick reported on a program he attended at Maine Audubon. Rick Renner, Portland architect and designer of 2 LEED Platinum-rated green building homes was the presenter.
Ed shared with us several relevant items of interest including work by the Maine Council of Churches and its Environmental Council and some thoughts about the new administration in Washington in January and possible impact on the environment.
We decided to continue meeting on the last Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 29, at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge. This arrangement has been cleared with Cyndi Alden.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Monday, September 29, 2008
Green Action Group
September 25, 2008
Present: Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Jim Van Hoeven
We discussed the program Leslie has arranged for us titled “Global Climate Change—Local Climate Impacts—Discerning One’s Faith-Based Response” presented by Ray Sirois. It will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 7 PM in Wright Pavilion. We decided to provide light refreshments. Leslie has distributed fliers to faith communities in South Portland and in Cape Elizabeth based on a list provided by Elsa. Leslie will contact Tom Conlon regarding chairs and equipment needed in Wright Pavilion for that evening. Barbara will contact Elsa about publicizing the event in The Beacon, on our web-site, in a Bulletin insert, and during announcements on Sundays.
Jim is leading a three part program titled “Tending God’s Garden: The Church and Global Climate Change” on Wednesdays, October 29, November 5 and 12 from 7:00-8:30 PM. Barbara will discuss publicizing this program with Elsa.
Sarah suggested the possibility of surveying the congregation to learn who has expertise that they would be willing to share relative to stewardship of the earth. We could offer a program of 15-20 minute presentations on such topics as how to go about caulking windows and doors. Such opportunities might be offered after coffee hour on Sundays.
Dick presented three papers about projects that he has looked into recently. The first was related to a conversation he had with Bo Savage who is property manager at Maine Audubon. There are three buildings there, each of which was an attempt to be energy conservative. The first had to do with solar heating, the second involved geo-thermal heating, and the third involved the use of photo-voltaic panels to create electrical energy.
The second paper refers to a presentation that he and Barbara attended at the Methodist Church on Ocean Road in Cape. The presenter was a Mr.Greeley who is head of Environmental and Economic Stability at USM. The talk related largely to efficient lighting incorporating compact fluorescent lights which he relates to the consumption of coal.
The third paper relates to his own experience as he and Barbara think over the purchase of a new refrigerator which is expected to be 50 percent more energy conservative than their present model, a concern which they feel may be as much a moral obligation as it is a cost saving.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Jim Van Hoeven
We discussed the program Leslie has arranged for us titled “Global Climate Change—Local Climate Impacts—Discerning One’s Faith-Based Response” presented by Ray Sirois. It will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 7 PM in Wright Pavilion. We decided to provide light refreshments. Leslie has distributed fliers to faith communities in South Portland and in Cape Elizabeth based on a list provided by Elsa. Leslie will contact Tom Conlon regarding chairs and equipment needed in Wright Pavilion for that evening. Barbara will contact Elsa about publicizing the event in The Beacon, on our web-site, in a Bulletin insert, and during announcements on Sundays.
Jim is leading a three part program titled “Tending God’s Garden: The Church and Global Climate Change” on Wednesdays, October 29, November 5 and 12 from 7:00-8:30 PM. Barbara will discuss publicizing this program with Elsa.
Sarah suggested the possibility of surveying the congregation to learn who has expertise that they would be willing to share relative to stewardship of the earth. We could offer a program of 15-20 minute presentations on such topics as how to go about caulking windows and doors. Such opportunities might be offered after coffee hour on Sundays.
Dick presented three papers about projects that he has looked into recently. The first was related to a conversation he had with Bo Savage who is property manager at Maine Audubon. There are three buildings there, each of which was an attempt to be energy conservative. The first had to do with solar heating, the second involved geo-thermal heating, and the third involved the use of photo-voltaic panels to create electrical energy.
The second paper refers to a presentation that he and Barbara attended at the Methodist Church on Ocean Road in Cape. The presenter was a Mr.Greeley who is head of Environmental and Economic Stability at USM. The talk related largely to efficient lighting incorporating compact fluorescent lights which he relates to the consumption of coal.
The third paper relates to his own experience as he and Barbara think over the purchase of a new refrigerator which is expected to be 50 percent more energy conservative than their present model, a concern which they feel may be as much a moral obligation as it is a cost saving.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Green Action Group
July 31, 2008
Present: Louise Davis, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill
Louise offered our opening prayer/meditation.
Louise shared the album she had put together for placement in the Green Action Group’s section of our church library. The album contains pertinent articles about the environment from such sources as Scientific American, the “Cape Lands” newsletter of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, and the Portland Water District. There are articles about energy saving in schools, a wind project in Texas, more energy efficient cars, and bottled water. A booklet titled “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living” was also included.
A July article in The Cape Courier reported how pastor, Msgr. Michael Henchal and a parishioner James Masi, who is a physicist, helped St. Bartholomew become one of three Catholic churches in the state using solar power.
Louise will continue to develop additional albums for our library. Articles from these albums could be copied for posting on church bulletin boards. Information could be utilized in writing articles for The Beacon.
Barbara will contact the Library Committee to arrange for the albums to be catalogued so people can check them out. Barbara will order additional copies of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living” so people can borrow these as well.
Dick will contact Msgr. Henchal and James Masi to obtain further information about St. Bartholomew’s solar project. Perhaps one of the gentlemen could visit our church and/or a group of us could visit St. Bartholemew. Dick will also contact Maine Audubon to learn more about their energy efficient building with the possibility of some of us visiting there as well.
Louise offered to look up information about four children’s books with which she is familiar on Energy, Recycling, Water, and Electricity. These might be added to our library.
Leslie contacted Ray Sirois and he is available to do a presentation this fall on “An Inconvenient Truth Update”. His information will focus on the New England region. Leslie will contact Cyndi Alden regarding church building availability in terms of date, time, and space. We discussed having the program at 7 PM during September or October in Guptil Hall. We would like to invite other faith communities and appropriate community groups to attend. We mentioned the idea of serving refreshments.
Sarah Ellsworth was not able to attend this meeting but said she has plans for a bulletin board presentation and will move forward on that.
Louise has a call in to Mary Ann Fathke regarding the possibility of a vegetable garden project.
Barbara shared materials that John McCall received from the Action Institute that includes information on Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition. A DVD and Study Guide are being reviewed by committee members. Barbara will order the complete program for possible use with study groups and/or placement in the library.
Items for our August Meeting on Thursday, August 28, at 7 PM in Davidson Lounge include:
-Green Action albums up-date by Louise
-Children’s books research by Louise
-Contact with Mary Ann Fathke report by Louise
-Library report by Barbara
-Ray Sirois’ program by Leslie
-St. Bartholomew report by Dick
-Maine Audubon report by Dick
-Bulletin Board report by Sarah
-Complete work on our Mission Statement (Objectives and Methods)
-Continue to plan for the adult education program in November
-Further planning for Gary Roberts’ program in the fall
-Plan for Homecoming Sunday—We discussed having our Green Action albums and fliers about Ray Sirois’ program on our table for Homecoming.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Louise Davis, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill
Louise offered our opening prayer/meditation.
Louise shared the album she had put together for placement in the Green Action Group’s section of our church library. The album contains pertinent articles about the environment from such sources as Scientific American, the “Cape Lands” newsletter of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, and the Portland Water District. There are articles about energy saving in schools, a wind project in Texas, more energy efficient cars, and bottled water. A booklet titled “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living” was also included.
A July article in The Cape Courier reported how pastor, Msgr. Michael Henchal and a parishioner James Masi, who is a physicist, helped St. Bartholomew become one of three Catholic churches in the state using solar power.
Louise will continue to develop additional albums for our library. Articles from these albums could be copied for posting on church bulletin boards. Information could be utilized in writing articles for The Beacon.
Barbara will contact the Library Committee to arrange for the albums to be catalogued so people can check them out. Barbara will order additional copies of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living” so people can borrow these as well.
Dick will contact Msgr. Henchal and James Masi to obtain further information about St. Bartholomew’s solar project. Perhaps one of the gentlemen could visit our church and/or a group of us could visit St. Bartholemew. Dick will also contact Maine Audubon to learn more about their energy efficient building with the possibility of some of us visiting there as well.
Louise offered to look up information about four children’s books with which she is familiar on Energy, Recycling, Water, and Electricity. These might be added to our library.
Leslie contacted Ray Sirois and he is available to do a presentation this fall on “An Inconvenient Truth Update”. His information will focus on the New England region. Leslie will contact Cyndi Alden regarding church building availability in terms of date, time, and space. We discussed having the program at 7 PM during September or October in Guptil Hall. We would like to invite other faith communities and appropriate community groups to attend. We mentioned the idea of serving refreshments.
Sarah Ellsworth was not able to attend this meeting but said she has plans for a bulletin board presentation and will move forward on that.
Louise has a call in to Mary Ann Fathke regarding the possibility of a vegetable garden project.
Barbara shared materials that John McCall received from the Action Institute that includes information on Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition. A DVD and Study Guide are being reviewed by committee members. Barbara will order the complete program for possible use with study groups and/or placement in the library.
Items for our August Meeting on Thursday, August 28, at 7 PM in Davidson Lounge include:
-Green Action albums up-date by Louise
-Children’s books research by Louise
-Contact with Mary Ann Fathke report by Louise
-Library report by Barbara
-Ray Sirois’ program by Leslie
-St. Bartholomew report by Dick
-Maine Audubon report by Dick
-Bulletin Board report by Sarah
-Complete work on our Mission Statement (Objectives and Methods)
-Continue to plan for the adult education program in November
-Further planning for Gary Roberts’ program in the fall
-Plan for Homecoming Sunday—We discussed having our Green Action albums and fliers about Ray Sirois’ program on our table for Homecoming.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Green Action Group
May 29, 2008
Present: Janis Albright, Louise Davis, Sarah Ellsworth, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed opened the meeting with a discussion of bulletin boards. Space is now available to us thanks to the Mission Team, Social Witness Ministries, and the Diversity Committee. Sarah offered to take responsibility for our use of bulletin boards for educational purposes. She presented information on ReStore on Forest Avenue that sells new and reusable building materials and contributes to Habitat for Humanity. She will post information regarding this recycling opportunity. Ed contributed a poster on National Trails Day so people could learn of a special day to enjoy the outdoors and to possibly help in building/maintaining trails.
Sarah talked with Elsa regarding the computer as a communication tool for providing people with information about the environment and about stewardship of the earth. For example, people could register to receive monthly news and links to groups such as the Maine Council of Churches and Maine Interfaith Power and Light. Lisa Merchant has offered to contribute when we have a program set up. Elsa plans to offer computer training in the Fall through Social Witness Ministries.
Jim will offer a 3-4 week program on Creation Theology in the Fall. Dates need to be cleared with Cyndi.
Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes tried to reach Ray Sirois to do a program. It seems best to arrange a presentation by Ray in the Fall.
Ed contacted Gary Roberts who is glad to lead a group on a walk focusing on the environment. A potluck at church could follow. September or October seems like a good time to schedule this.
Janis offered to work with the Library Committee on building a collection of books for the church library. We could encourage people to donate books to this effort. The Maine Conference UCC has a lending library and Janis will contact them. There will be a need to make church attendees aware of this new resource.
Barbara will serve as secretary for the Green Action Group.
A letter and a donation were sent to the Maine Council of Churches in recognition of Anne D. Burt’s presentation at our church on Creation Sunday.
Our group decided to meet on the last Thursday of each month during June, July, and August. We will meet at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge. Barbara will schedule this with Cyndi. During this time we will work to plan our programs for September, October, and November.
There was discussion about zeroing-in on 2-3 projects for next year.
There is considerable interest in food and supporting local farms. We could arrange activities around food; for example, teaching people how to can food. There is the Be a Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture program. Louise talked about the possibility of doing a vegetable garden each spring on church property.
We talked about getting together with other faith communities, sharing ideas and concerns, and working together on some green action ideas. Ed shared a draft of a six-month pilot project on engaging neighbors in carbon emission reductions as an example of something an interfaith group could do. Jim and Ed will contact other faith groups to set up an interfaith meeting for the Fall.
Jim talked about a program available through The Teaching Company, wherein teachers lecture on a variety of topics. There is a program available on Global Warming for $34 for 12 lectures (30 minutes each). There was enthusiasm about this as a means of educating ourselves and church members. We could offer a half hour show followed by a half hour discussion right after church for a series of Sundays.
At our last meeting, Janis raised the question of the Green Action Group developing a mission statement. She prepared a draft stating some goals, objectives and methods, and assessment. Dick shared his thoughts on the global environment and questioned if we can do enough to make a difference. The importance of working together as a group and working with other faith groups was stressed. Ed suggested an effort of very practical suggestions on how “You Can Prevent Global Warming”. Through prayer and education we can equip ourselves and our church to be stewards of God’s creation. Janis and Sarah will work together to propose a mission statement based on ideas offered during our discussion of same. That will become the first part of the Goals draft that Janis presented at this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Janis Albright, Louise Davis, Sarah Ellsworth, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed opened the meeting with a discussion of bulletin boards. Space is now available to us thanks to the Mission Team, Social Witness Ministries, and the Diversity Committee. Sarah offered to take responsibility for our use of bulletin boards for educational purposes. She presented information on ReStore on Forest Avenue that sells new and reusable building materials and contributes to Habitat for Humanity. She will post information regarding this recycling opportunity. Ed contributed a poster on National Trails Day so people could learn of a special day to enjoy the outdoors and to possibly help in building/maintaining trails.
Sarah talked with Elsa regarding the computer as a communication tool for providing people with information about the environment and about stewardship of the earth. For example, people could register to receive monthly news and links to groups such as the Maine Council of Churches and Maine Interfaith Power and Light. Lisa Merchant has offered to contribute when we have a program set up. Elsa plans to offer computer training in the Fall through Social Witness Ministries.
Jim will offer a 3-4 week program on Creation Theology in the Fall. Dates need to be cleared with Cyndi.
Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes tried to reach Ray Sirois to do a program. It seems best to arrange a presentation by Ray in the Fall.
Ed contacted Gary Roberts who is glad to lead a group on a walk focusing on the environment. A potluck at church could follow. September or October seems like a good time to schedule this.
Janis offered to work with the Library Committee on building a collection of books for the church library. We could encourage people to donate books to this effort. The Maine Conference UCC has a lending library and Janis will contact them. There will be a need to make church attendees aware of this new resource.
Barbara will serve as secretary for the Green Action Group.
A letter and a donation were sent to the Maine Council of Churches in recognition of Anne D. Burt’s presentation at our church on Creation Sunday.
Our group decided to meet on the last Thursday of each month during June, July, and August. We will meet at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge. Barbara will schedule this with Cyndi. During this time we will work to plan our programs for September, October, and November.
There was discussion about zeroing-in on 2-3 projects for next year.
There is considerable interest in food and supporting local farms. We could arrange activities around food; for example, teaching people how to can food. There is the Be a Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture program. Louise talked about the possibility of doing a vegetable garden each spring on church property.
We talked about getting together with other faith communities, sharing ideas and concerns, and working together on some green action ideas. Ed shared a draft of a six-month pilot project on engaging neighbors in carbon emission reductions as an example of something an interfaith group could do. Jim and Ed will contact other faith groups to set up an interfaith meeting for the Fall.
Jim talked about a program available through The Teaching Company, wherein teachers lecture on a variety of topics. There is a program available on Global Warming for $34 for 12 lectures (30 minutes each). There was enthusiasm about this as a means of educating ourselves and church members. We could offer a half hour show followed by a half hour discussion right after church for a series of Sundays.
At our last meeting, Janis raised the question of the Green Action Group developing a mission statement. She prepared a draft stating some goals, objectives and methods, and assessment. Dick shared his thoughts on the global environment and questioned if we can do enough to make a difference. The importance of working together as a group and working with other faith groups was stressed. Ed suggested an effort of very practical suggestions on how “You Can Prevent Global Warming”. Through prayer and education we can equip ourselves and our church to be stewards of God’s creation. Janis and Sarah will work together to propose a mission statement based on ideas offered during our discussion of same. That will become the first part of the Goals draft that Janis presented at this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Green Action Group Minutes
April 24
Present: Janis Albright, Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed Saxby chaired the meeting. The opening discussion focused on Creation Sunday. There was very positive feedback from several people about the service of worship. People felt it was meaningful and beautiful. People enjoyed the music. “Andy” Burt’s presentation in Davidson Lounge focused on Food and was well-received. It was interactive and Andy brought several pieces of literature that were available in Wright Pavilion as well as in Davidson. Barbara will pursue a donation to be made to Andy Burt.
The group brainstormed ideas for future activities and meetings.
Two religious leaders from different traditions could speak on Creation. The program could be Intergenerational and a meal could be part of the gathering.
There could be a potluck gathering, the focus of which could be people telling their stories around rationing during World War II. This was a time when people got along with less food and other items. Substitutions were made; for example margarine for butter.
The possibility of linking the environment and community by sponsoring an outdoor activity was discussed. Canoeing at Scarborough Marsh, walking the Clark’s Pond Trail, or exploring Robinson’s Woods were some options. This could be done on a Sunday after church. Two or three choices with educational themes could be given at the time of the gathering and people could select their activity.
Different themes/projects in each of the seasons could be offered. Multiple activities could be available at the same time. Sarah learned that Sherwin Williams teaches seminars. People could participate in a stripping furniture project and use safe paint to refinish the furniture.
Ed and Jim are interested in leading book discussion groups.
Jim would like to lead a program relative to Creation Theology in October.
Andy Burt had suggested a yearly theme, for example, Food. The Be A Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture programs were mentioned. We could work with other faith groups in our area.
An evening or Sunday morning program with a speaker and/or a visual presentation was explored. Possibilities include Ray Sirois doing a program based on Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”, the DVD “Kilowatt Ours” (55 minutes), or the Sierra Club’s DVD on “Who Killed The Electric Car?” (90 minutes).
Janis expressed concern about endangered species and was interested in addressing this in a religious context.
Janis suggested that we develop a Mission Statement. This could be helpful in making decisions about direction the group should take. Some people shared their reasons for coming to the Green Action Group. There was agreement to address this at our May meeting. Janis offered to work on this.
As a follow-up to our requesting space in the church library for educational materials relative to Green Action/Environment/Ecology/Creation, Barbara will contact Kathy Cotter to see if Green Action could submit a request for suggested books/literature to be purchased with library funds.
The use of existing bulletin boards as a means of communication for our educational efforts was discussed. It had been suggested that we contact the other groups that use bulletin board space near Wright Pavilion and see if the existing bulletin boards could be shared or if there could be a rotation of the groups using them. Barbara will pursue this question.
In an effort to find additional ways to communicate, the group decided to explore the use of the computer. Possibilities discussed included developing a list of people at church who would like to receive information relative to Earth stewardship, the environment, etc., via email from the Green Action Group. A weekly mailing could be sent which would include what our group is doing and what other people in Maine are doing. Sarah offered to meet with Elsa to pursue this and other ways in which we could use the computer as an effective educational tool.
Ed concluded the meeting with the following:
Ed will contact Gary Roberts to see if he will lead a Sunday afternoon nature walk in May or June. Ed will check with John and Elsa regarding this program.
Leslie will be asked to see if Ray Sirois could do a presentation relative to “An Inconvenient Truth” during an evening or after church on a Sunday sometime before mid-June.
We will address a Mission Statement at our May meeting. Sarah suggested we each present a one minute statement about our aims/ interests/ concerns for the Green Action Group. Janis will facilitate the development of our Mission Statement.
We will educate ourselves regarding a food program with the hope of implementing it during the year.
We will explore the possibility of an ecumenical pot luck during the Fall.
Sarah will meet with Elsa regarding the use of computers for our purposes.
Barbara will contact the Library Committee regarding our building a book collection relevant to the group’s concerns. She will pursue a donation for Andy Burt and will work on bulletin board availability.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 29, at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Janis Albright, Sarah Ellsworth, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
Ed Saxby chaired the meeting. The opening discussion focused on Creation Sunday. There was very positive feedback from several people about the service of worship. People felt it was meaningful and beautiful. People enjoyed the music. “Andy” Burt’s presentation in Davidson Lounge focused on Food and was well-received. It was interactive and Andy brought several pieces of literature that were available in Wright Pavilion as well as in Davidson. Barbara will pursue a donation to be made to Andy Burt.
The group brainstormed ideas for future activities and meetings.
Two religious leaders from different traditions could speak on Creation. The program could be Intergenerational and a meal could be part of the gathering.
There could be a potluck gathering, the focus of which could be people telling their stories around rationing during World War II. This was a time when people got along with less food and other items. Substitutions were made; for example margarine for butter.
The possibility of linking the environment and community by sponsoring an outdoor activity was discussed. Canoeing at Scarborough Marsh, walking the Clark’s Pond Trail, or exploring Robinson’s Woods were some options. This could be done on a Sunday after church. Two or three choices with educational themes could be given at the time of the gathering and people could select their activity.
Different themes/projects in each of the seasons could be offered. Multiple activities could be available at the same time. Sarah learned that Sherwin Williams teaches seminars. People could participate in a stripping furniture project and use safe paint to refinish the furniture.
Ed and Jim are interested in leading book discussion groups.
Jim would like to lead a program relative to Creation Theology in October.
Andy Burt had suggested a yearly theme, for example, Food. The Be A Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture programs were mentioned. We could work with other faith groups in our area.
An evening or Sunday morning program with a speaker and/or a visual presentation was explored. Possibilities include Ray Sirois doing a program based on Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”, the DVD “Kilowatt Ours” (55 minutes), or the Sierra Club’s DVD on “Who Killed The Electric Car?” (90 minutes).
Janis expressed concern about endangered species and was interested in addressing this in a religious context.
Janis suggested that we develop a Mission Statement. This could be helpful in making decisions about direction the group should take. Some people shared their reasons for coming to the Green Action Group. There was agreement to address this at our May meeting. Janis offered to work on this.
As a follow-up to our requesting space in the church library for educational materials relative to Green Action/Environment/Ecology/Creation, Barbara will contact Kathy Cotter to see if Green Action could submit a request for suggested books/literature to be purchased with library funds.
The use of existing bulletin boards as a means of communication for our educational efforts was discussed. It had been suggested that we contact the other groups that use bulletin board space near Wright Pavilion and see if the existing bulletin boards could be shared or if there could be a rotation of the groups using them. Barbara will pursue this question.
In an effort to find additional ways to communicate, the group decided to explore the use of the computer. Possibilities discussed included developing a list of people at church who would like to receive information relative to Earth stewardship, the environment, etc., via email from the Green Action Group. A weekly mailing could be sent which would include what our group is doing and what other people in Maine are doing. Sarah offered to meet with Elsa to pursue this and other ways in which we could use the computer as an effective educational tool.
Ed concluded the meeting with the following:
Ed will contact Gary Roberts to see if he will lead a Sunday afternoon nature walk in May or June. Ed will check with John and Elsa regarding this program.
Leslie will be asked to see if Ray Sirois could do a presentation relative to “An Inconvenient Truth” during an evening or after church on a Sunday sometime before mid-June.
We will address a Mission Statement at our May meeting. Sarah suggested we each present a one minute statement about our aims/ interests/ concerns for the Green Action Group. Janis will facilitate the development of our Mission Statement.
We will educate ourselves regarding a food program with the hope of implementing it during the year.
We will explore the possibility of an ecumenical pot luck during the Fall.
Sarah will meet with Elsa regarding the use of computers for our purposes.
Barbara will contact the Library Committee regarding our building a book collection relevant to the group’s concerns. She will pursue a donation for Andy Burt and will work on bulletin board availability.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 29, at 7 pm in Davidson Lounge.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Green Action Group Minutes
April 3
Present: Louise Davis, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, John McCall, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
The focus of the meeting was the worship service for April 20. Participation in the service prepared by Jim follows:
Elsa: Welcome To Worship, Message, Prayers of the People, Lord’s Prayer
Kim: Life of the Church, Call to Confession, Unison Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance.
Dick: Call to Worship
Louise: Children’s Time and Passing the Peace
Ed: Mission Moment
Janice: The Prayer for Illumination, The Word (Scripture determined by Elsa)
Leslie: Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings and the Benediction
Kim and Janice were not at the meeting and are invited to confirm their willingness to be responsible for their parts as stated above.
Jim will finalize arrangements with John, Elsa, and Shirley. He will work out the details of the Chapel Service with Elsa and will call Leslie and Louise with the information. We might have a single page for Chapel with Chief Seattle, the Call to Worship, and Leslie’s Prayer. We might put Bulletins on the seats in Chapel. Ed and Jim will check regarding Ed’s list of “Twenty Things…” and Kim’s list of kids’ ideas of how to live in a more green way.
Ed will host Anne D. Burt and will introduce her to the group in Davidson Lounge. “Andy” will have literature available regarding environmental programs.
Jim will explore a monetary gift for Andy.
Leslie will write an article for the next issue of the Beacon re: the services on Sunday, April 20. Barbara will write an article re: Anne D. Burt’s 11:30 presentation in Davidson Lounge. Barbara will submit items for The Bulletin relative to April 20.
Leslie will write a Beacon article on Earth Day opportunities in the community.
Dick shared the Annual Report he wrote for the Green Action Group.
There was a discussion of the “Feedback on Governance Structure” distributed by Dan Cummings. Jim will share our thinking at a Social Witness Ministries meeting. That group is working on communication, on sharing information, on having permission to do certain activities, and on financial matters.
Ed shared information about the Portland Trails event on April 11, on the Be a Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture program.
Dick closed our meeting with a Bible reading and a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
Present: Louise Davis, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, John McCall, Barbara Merrill, Dick Merrill, Ed Saxby, Jim Van Hoeven
The focus of the meeting was the worship service for April 20. Participation in the service prepared by Jim follows:
Elsa: Welcome To Worship, Message, Prayers of the People, Lord’s Prayer
Kim: Life of the Church, Call to Confession, Unison Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance.
Dick: Call to Worship
Louise: Children’s Time and Passing the Peace
Ed: Mission Moment
Janice: The Prayer for Illumination, The Word (Scripture determined by Elsa)
Leslie: Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings and the Benediction
Kim and Janice were not at the meeting and are invited to confirm their willingness to be responsible for their parts as stated above.
Jim will finalize arrangements with John, Elsa, and Shirley. He will work out the details of the Chapel Service with Elsa and will call Leslie and Louise with the information. We might have a single page for Chapel with Chief Seattle, the Call to Worship, and Leslie’s Prayer. We might put Bulletins on the seats in Chapel. Ed and Jim will check regarding Ed’s list of “Twenty Things…” and Kim’s list of kids’ ideas of how to live in a more green way.
Ed will host Anne D. Burt and will introduce her to the group in Davidson Lounge. “Andy” will have literature available regarding environmental programs.
Jim will explore a monetary gift for Andy.
Leslie will write an article for the next issue of the Beacon re: the services on Sunday, April 20. Barbara will write an article re: Anne D. Burt’s 11:30 presentation in Davidson Lounge. Barbara will submit items for The Bulletin relative to April 20.
Leslie will write a Beacon article on Earth Day opportunities in the community.
Dick shared the Annual Report he wrote for the Green Action Group.
There was a discussion of the “Feedback on Governance Structure” distributed by Dan Cummings. Jim will share our thinking at a Social Witness Ministries meeting. That group is working on communication, on sharing information, on having permission to do certain activities, and on financial matters.
Ed shared information about the Portland Trails event on April 11, on the Be a Good Apple program and the Community Supported Agriculture program.
Dick closed our meeting with a Bible reading and a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill
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