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Climate change fix has a prayer

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN

mbearden@tampatrib.com

Published: October 24, 2009

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

Someone at Good Samaritan Church in Pinellas Park made it for the 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."

Today is the Global Day of Climate Action. Sherwood's church is among thousands of congregations and other groups worldwide participating in the 350.org initiative to highlight climate change.

The 350 is significant: NASA climatologist James Hansen says 350 parts per million is the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide for the Earth's atmosphere. But that number has climbed to 390 ppm and appears to be rising.

This weekend, Good Samaritan - a longtime local leader in energy conservation - will ring its bells 350 times and circulate petitions calling 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. At Lakewood United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, members will have 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 Lakewood Methodist Counseling Center. "Yet we continue to trash it."

"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."

Led by its green team, Good Samaritan is trying to reduce its campus's carbon footprint. It's installing programmable thermostats, using energy-efficient bulbs and giving cloth bags to food bank users. Styrofoam cups no longer are used in the fellowship hall, and its Peace Garden uses recycled water for its drought-resistant plants.

The 150-member church, part of United Church of Christ, estimates this will cut $6,000 a year off its 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, go to www.350.org.

Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613. Keyword: Green Faith, to find suggestions on how to get your congregation involved in the movement.

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