Eco-Stewards are heading to Gainesville!

Eco-Stewards Program Applications Now Being Accepted!

The Eco-Stewards Program offers a week-long, place-based trip each year for young adults (ages 20-30) from across the nation to connect their faith with environmental issues. After a week filled with discussions, awareness, service, and personal reflection, Eco-Stewards return to their homes and communities reenergized and better equipped to place their beliefs into action.

This year’s trip will be held in Gainesville, Florida, May 18-24, 2014.  The group will explore the connection of communities to the land and discover how Gainesville, Florida utilizes its surrounding natural resources to build life-giving, meaningful relationships. Their time will focus primarily on the interconnected food and water webs of North Central Florida. The trip will include discussions on local food, faith, nutrition, workers’ rights, intentional Christian communities, sustainability, and the ever-pressing water issues faced by much of this region. The week will consist of service, community dialogue, and an exploration of local areas including but not limited to community gardens, a local micro-farm rethinking the food system, a house of hospitality, nearby springs, and the Ichetucknee River. Throughout the program, the Eco-Stewards will be reflecting on and sharing their own Eco-Faith journeys.

If you are a young adult interested in this life-changing program, you can apply on the Eco-Stewards website HERE. The submission deadline is MARCH 1.

If you are beyond being a young adult, please consider referring or sponsoring a young adult to the program, or supporting this young adult ministry. Presbyterians for Earth Care was a founding organization and has been a supporter of Eco-Stewards since 2007. To make an online donation, visit the PEC donation page and designate your donation for the Eco-Stewards program at the bottom of the donation page in the “additional information” box.

If you have any questions, contact Rev. Rob Mark at revrobmark@gmail.com.

Blessings,
Jane Laping
PEC Vice-Moderator

An Exciting Opportunity for 2014!

Witness God's Creation and our Changing Climate in Alaska!

“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh?  Can reeds flourish where there is no water?  While yet in flower and not cut down, they wither before any other plant.  Such are the paths of all who forget God.”    
Job 8: 11-13a

There is a global crisis, but the evidence is particularly noticeable in Alaska.  Glaciers are melting, as is the permafrost.  Fresh water supplies are threatened around the world.  California is in drought and wild fires rage in Australia.  Polar bears are threatened with starvation as the polar ice cap melts.  The time has come to pay attention to the evidence of Climate Change and learn what is happening around us.

The Presbytery of Yukon will host the PEC Regional Conference in Alaska September 2-7 of this year.  Space is reserved for 36 participants coming from “outside” Alaska to join with 20 Alaskans for this conference.

     

You will be led in study by University of Alaska scholars who will lead study of changes to flora and fauna, climate, permafrost, polar ice caps, and the growth of ocean acidity (destructive of the marine life upon which Alaskans depend for subsistence).  You will also be led by recognized elders from Alaska Native American village communities, as they describe what they are experiencing, and what the elders are teaching about it.

The $1100 cost (if paid before 15 June, $1250 if paid after 15 June) includes lodging in Anchorage and Fairbanks, transportation, and meals.

For more information or to register, please contact the Presbytery of Yukon at (907) 276-0914 or visit the website at www.pbyukon.org/ypec.html.

Blessings,
Curtis Karns, Executive Presbyter-Presbytery of Yukon
Holly Hallman, Northwest Regional Representative-PEC