Minutes from the Task Force Meting, 11/20

Last Thursday a group gathered for the Caring for Creation Taskforce meeting. After our devotion and introduction time, we turned to the agenda. Here are my notes:

1. Discussion and decision about contracting with an individual to assist with organizing and promoting the work of the task force. The position would be funded by contributions already raised and in hand. Tasks include: coordinating communication; working with synod staff on taskforce website design and content; planning and promoting task force meetings; meeting with synod cluster groups; available for congregational visits; coordinating work with other justice ministries of the synod (Anti-racism, Eliminating Poverty Raising Dignity, etc.); assist with planning major task force events (Earth Day worship, workshops at Synod Assembly, trainings, etc.). Position approved. Job description will be completed and posted by the next task force meeting in January.

2. Earth Day worship, April 22, 2009. Discussion focused on location and theme. Members from Atonement, Muskego will check on availability. Once confirmed, we will post times and dates in synod communications. Given the flux of major areas of public and personal life (economy, employment, politics, new administration), we felt it was premature to determine a theme. Brainstorm ideas included - simplicity, frugality, green jobs. Attention was given to creating a theme that does not assume that "simplicity" is a choice, and that for folks in poverty "simplicity" is not a lifestyle choice, it is a reality.

3. Goals for 2009. The following are our goals:
A larger planning/working group (those that prepare for the larger task force meetings)
Hiring an organizer within the first quarter of 2009 - job description posted by Jan 15.
Earth Day Worship and Events.
Synod Assembly workshops and presentations.
Participate in the Justice Summit, March 1, 4-7 pm at Jackson Park. This synod event will gather leaders of all the committees and task forces of the synod.
Stronger connections across the justice groups of the synod (and community)
Follow up with leaders from Tanzania concerning need/desire for renewable energy development
In May determine if we'll have a fall event.

The next meeting of the task force is Jan 15, 6:30 pm, at St. Matthew's in Wauwatosa.

If you would like to be on the working group, please contact me.

New Date for the Taskforce Meeting

The Taskforce meeting has been rescheduled to November 20th at 6:30 pm. We will still meet at St. Matthew's in Wauwatosa (1615 Wauwatosa Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213, Phone: 414-774-0441).

Taskforce Meeting

A big thanks to all that gathered on Saturday for our Sustainability Summit. There was a lot of great conversation and hope as we continue to link our common call for justice, peace and caring for creation.

The next event for the Caring for Creation Task Force is an open meeting on Thursday, November 13th at 6:30 pm. We will meet at St. Matthew's in Wauwatosa (1615 Wauwatosa Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213, Phone: 414-774-0441).

Sustainability Summit

Caring for Creation Sustainability Summit

Saturday October 11, 2008

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
11709 W Cleveland Ave
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 321-0700

Objective: To gain understanding of sustainable living as it pertains to caring for those most vulnerable now and in the future.

“Global warming will affect the health and welfare of every American, but the poor, seniors and children will suffer the most.”

Schedule
7:30 - 8:00 AM Fair Trade Coffee, light breakfast and registration
8:00 - 8:15 Opening devotion
8:15-9:30 Panel Discussion
9:30-10:00 Open Space - self identified interest groups, snack
10:00-10:45 Workshops
10:45-11:30 Workshops
11:30-Noon sharing and close

Presenters
David Creech – ELCA World Hunger Education Director and Mikki McCracken - ELCA World Hunger Volunteer - The environmental problems that have been linked to global warming and changing climate have presented concerns for those who are the most hungry in the world. David and Mikki will explore how our caring for creation and caring for the most vulnerable are linked.
Anne Basye – ELCA Associate Director for Global Resources and author of Sustaining Simplicity: A Journal will help participants find their own ways to live more simply and sustainably.
Laura Bray - Executive Director Menomonee Valley Partners Inc – will focus on sustainable living as it pertains to new development along the Menomonee River Valley
Flo and Dick Wahlen - Flo is the former mayor of Oconomowoc. Flow and Dick will facilitate conversation around the book The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices

Books on Caring for Creation will be available for sale throughout the fair beginning at 7:30 AM.
Greater Milwaukee Synod

Caring for Creation Worship

Greater Milwaukee Synod Earth Day Worship and Care for Creation Fair
Tuesday Evening, April 22 from 5:00-8:00

CENTRALLY LOCATED AT:
St. Matthews Lutheran Church: 1615 Wauwatosa Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213, Phone: 414-774-0441

Activities, Exhibits, and Food—from 5:00-6:45
Pre-school and elementary children’s care for the earth activities
Jr. High and High School Youth-jigsaw conversation starts at 5:45
Local environmental organizations
Energy audit and solar information
Urban gardens and Community Supported Agriculture
Recycling information and opportunities
GMS Information on implementing and growing Care for Creation programs
Congregational examples of plans and activities
Local, healthy dinner for all

Worship starting at 6:45
GMS Bishop, Paul Stumme-Diers, along with other ordained and lay leaders will offer a diverse worship service designed to provide inclusive opportunities to offer praise and thanksgiving and to pray for the healing of all of creation.

Come, be inspired and celebrate God’s beautiful creation!
Benefit: SeedFolks Youth Ministry Urban Agricultural Programs