ILC Earthkeeping

"ET" (Earthkeeping Team) Perspective

Earthkeeping is as basic as picking up your own litter,
and teaching others to do so as well,
and as complex as impacting climate change
or other complicated issues.

Where do you fit into the picture?

The surrounding photos are from two consecutive days on the nature trails in the spring of 2008 in Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Only about a third of the pictures taken of litter have been displayed here.

At the absolute minimum, we should each hold a selfish realization this earth is the only home we (and generations to come) have in this life. Taking care of it saves our lives. For those choosing a little more enlightened path, we might come to understand that, in Genesis, every time God created, He called it good. It was not all about us. Everything was included. Should we be respecting that which God created? We must decide if we believe everything is here just as playthings for us, or if God cares about other creatures, the plants, the bodies of water, the air, and the earth itself.

Earthkeeping should be right behind a relationship with Jesus in every Christians life. It is not about a few people recycling, or using energy more efficiently. It is an attitude, a way of life, and an entry into the truth of our very being. "Dominion" is not a license to trash, or do whatever we want with creation. It is a responsibility. It is God's call to care for His earth – to be His earth keeper.

So, start simply by just picking up after yourself, and then grow in your understanding and love for all of God's creation. You may be amazed at how easy and routine earthkeeping becomes.

Earthkeeping
Bulletin Board

For advisories and other information we recommend that you take advantage of our Earthkeeping email list. We will use the church newsletter for general sharing as well, particularly for those without email. If you know someone without email who might wish to participate in a phone contact list arrangement please call our communications person. This space contains scheduled meetings or events where you might need to re-check times and dates, items or areas we currently have in process, and some things which you might find helpful reminders regarding choices and/or policies instituted here at church, etc. If you would like to participate in anything mentioned, or have an earthkeeping idea you would like to pursue, please contact us.

The Earthkeeping Team
is currently in a rebuilding process.
A part of the Serving Team,
ET invites other members of the congregation
to join the team - which
has already initiated several actions
such as expanded recycling efforts
and is investigating the possibility
of establishing a significant area of native plant habitat on the Immanuel property.

If you would like to participate or help
please contact the General Communications
person shown below.

Sign-up for the ET email list
to keep current on any special meetings

Church Recycling Guidelines

ET Precycle (Rethink) Brochure

Making Choices On Cups
(ELCA recommendation letter)