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Religious groups plan climate change observance for Saturday

Staff photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Sue Sherwood rings a bell at Good Samaritan Church in Tampa in preparation for Global Day of Climate Action.

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2009

Updated: 10/23/2009 06:49 pm

It's the latest fashion fad for Earth-conscious ministers: a stole made of recyclable materials and plastic snack-food bags.

A member at Good Samaritan Church in Pinellas Park made it for her pastor, the Rev. Sue Sherwood, who wears it to raise awareness about the environment.

"As clergy, we often talk of eternal things," she says. "Among the things that last forever are plastic products. This is a reminder that the little things we do can make a difference."

Saturday is Global Day of Climate Action. Sherwood's church is among thousands of religious congregations and other groups worldwide that will take part in the 350.org initiative to draw attention to climate change.

The 350 is significant: According to NASA climatologist James Hansen, 350 parts per million is the "safe upper limit" of carbon dioxide for the earth's atmosphere. However, that number has climbed to 390 parts per million -- and appears to be escalating.

This weekend, Good Samaritan -- a longtime local leader in energy conservation -- will ring its bells 350 times and circulate petitions that call for lawmakers to take "fast and effective action" on global warming. At Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater, Jewish supporters will sound the shofar -- a ram's horn -- 350 times. And at Lakewood United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, members will sponsor a ceremony honoring the Earth, and provide educational materials.

"Throughout the Scriptures we're given examples on how God directs us to care for the Earth," says the Rev. Andy Bell, director of the Lakewood Methodist Counseling Center. "Yet we continue to trash it."

Unfortunately, Bell says, the religious community is 25 to 30 years behind on this issue. "The Christian church in general has neglected our Scriptural call to care for God's creation," he says. "My personal belief is that science enables us to understand God's world better, and science is now showing the damage we have done to the planet is immeasurable."

Under the direction of its "green team," Good Samaritan is undergoing a transformation on its campus to reduce its carbon footprint. The church is installing programmable thermostats, replacing lighting with more energy-efficient bulbs and giving out cloth bags to its food bank recipients. Styrofoam cups are no longer used in the fellowship hall and its popular Peace Garden uses recycled water for its drought-resistant plants.

The 150-member United Church of Christ church estimates the changes will shave $6,000 off its annual power bill.

"The hope is that we take action here, and it trickles down to what individuals do in their own lives," Sherwood says.

For suggestions on what congregations can do this weekend to participate in the movement, go to 350.org.

Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613.

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