News from 2012 PC(USA) General Assembly

Greetings PEC friends Post General Assembly!!
Presbyterians for Earth Care had a visible presence at GA and the experience was excellent. We were represented at the booth and luncheon by our Executive Committee and we were thrilled to make contacts with dozens of Presbyterians who have a deep concern for doing Creation care. 

At our booth we were happy to share information about PEC, including our new policy priorities on Climate Change (see our website) and much more including sharing about Earth Care Congregations, Justice Unbound, and Tevyn East's new "Affording Hope" tour, and more. We also welcomed



There were two environmental related overtures which were sent via Heartland and Baltimore Presbyteries. Diane presented during open hearings and as an Overture advocate, and both of these passed through committee and GA. (More on those with a couple fascinating stories in the upcoming Update!)

Spending time at the PEC Booth - with Sue Smith, Diane Waddell, PEC luncheon speaker Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, and Jane Laping (left to right)

During the PEC luncheon, we highlighted our partnership with Environmental Ministries, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the Office of Public Witness, among others. We were blessed to meet in a beautiful space in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, among fresh flowers and Tiffany windows.  We were grateful for the Rev. Dr. Randy Bush bringing us a charge for creation care..."to exist is to co-exist."

We also congratulate the winners of our annual awards, who were present to receive them. Tom Quigley, director of The Garden of Etna, a community garden, has done much in Pittsburgh to further environmental justice. He accepted the William Gibson Achievement Award. Earth Covenant Ministry in Atlanta, a partnership of 10 congregations in Atlanta working toward intentional stewardship, accepted the Restoring Creation Award. In addtion to our award winners, we are grateful to have had many other excellent nominees. You can read about their good work on our blog: Alaska Interfaith Power and Light, Glenshaw Presbyterian Church, Earth Care House Church of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Lynn Cameron.

A special thanks to Rob Remsburg, previous PEC treasurer, who helped with our booth while serving as commissioner, Lauren Wright, an Eco-Steward and Young Adult Volunteer, as well as many others who helped with the booth and came by to visit!!! We greatly appreciate you all!!

Blessings and strength to all of us as we travel in our many ways post-General Assembly...in furthering our work in tending this beautiful Garden.

Caring for Creation together,
The Executive Committee
Diane Waddell (Moderator)
Jane Laping (Vice-Moderator)
Sue Smith (Treasurer)


P.S. PEC is highlighting two conferences in July: A conference on environmental stewardship will be presented by the Presbyterian Men of the Mid-Atlantic on July 20, 21 and 22 at Massanetta Camp and Conference Center in Harrisburg, VA. Please click here for more information. We also highlight the 2012 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, "River of Hope", being held in Orlando, FA July 18-22. Check the link here.  PEC sends our very best to all involved in both conferences.