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Dear Members of the Madison Christian Community,
BACKGROUND
The Wndmill Task Force was initiated last year to explore the possibility of
erecting a windmill on the property of Madison Christian Community. The task
force quickly discovered that using renewable sources of energy is just one component
of becoming a community committed to stewardship of the environment. Some of
the task force's labors will bear fruit in 2002. We are in the process of applying
for a grant with Wisconsin Focus on Energy to implement energy saving measures.
We met with Kevin L., owner of Informing Ecological Designs LLC. Kevin has designed
technology that monitors energy usage in buildings and calculates the cost not
only in dollars, but also in emissions released into the atmosphere. Kevin will
donate this technology to us as soon as we secure the necessary computer hardware
and components from MG&E. Madison Christian Community may well be the first
congregation in the country with this technology. Installing solar panels and
a wind system remains a dream, but the possibility exists that grant money will
be available to fully fund these projects. We trust that these initiatives are
responsive to the Biblical conviction that creation is a gift from God and we
are called to be its caretakers.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN TOGETHER
We are inviting every member household of Madison Christian Community to deepen
their individual commitment to stewardship of the environment. We are empowered
when we realize that as a whole community in Christ, our individual daily decisions
about energy use, and our communication with others outside the MCC, can collectively
have a positive impact on the health of Creation. We like the idea of being intentional
and accountable to one another and to God, much as we are when we make stewardship
pledges of money, time and talents. You are invited to join with other members
to make a three-fold commitment.
- Assess your lifestyle and determine what you can "give up" and/or "take
up," as it relates to the environment.
- Attend the Stewardship of
Resources Fair in the Shalom room on Sunday, January 13. Visit the "Idea
Stations," where information regarding
EcoTeams, energy saving, public transportation, community supported
agriculture, recycling,
and environmental groups will be available to you. Hopefully, this
information will help equip you to make the lifestyle changes that
you re motivated
to make.
- Declare your intentions as a member of Madison Community Church
by returning the environmental pledge form enclosed with this mailing
by Sunday, January 27.
We are aware that fostering an environmental consciousness is nothing
new for many people in this faith community. Your commitment to
stewardship of the environment
may be fueled by a faith perspective. What's new is that we are making our
declarations as a member of a faith community that supports and
encourages individual environmental
stewardship. We urge you to deepen, renew or make a first time commitment to
stewardship of the environment. We look forward to announcing the results of
our accumulated pledges to you in February.
The Windmill Task Force
2002 STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT PLDGE
MADISON CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
In response to God's loving purpose for Creation and as a member
of Madison Christian Community, I pledge to join with others in
the congregation by "giving up" and/or "taking
up" the following environmental practices.
GIVING UP
Transportation. I will conserve fuel by (circle either one) occasionally
or regularly
___ car pooling
___ using public transportation
___ prioritizing fuel efficiency when
___ purchasing a new car
___ using other forms of transportation such
___ as biking or walking
___ driving the speed limit
Household Operations. I will conserve energy by
___ reducing the environmental cost of
___ heating and hot water.
___ installing efficient lighting
___ remembering to purchase energy
___ efficient appliances when replacing old
___ ones
___ seeking to use renewable sources of
___ energy when offered through energy
___ suppliers
Food Choices. I will lessen the environmental impact of my food
choices by
___ supporting local farms and food
___ suppliers
___ purchasing organic foods when possible
___ eating less red meat
___ composting
___ rewarding manufacturers who use
___ recycled materials for packaging
___ Other "giving up" action(s) I/we will
___ take not listed above are: |
TAKING UP:
___ I/We will consider participating in a Madison Christian Community
EcoTeam. EcoTeams meet regularly over a period of four months
taking various actions from the following action areas: garbage,
water, energy, transportation and consumption. Suggested actions
for each action area are provided by an EcoTeam Workbook. It
is up to each household to decide which actions they wish to
take. Team members create a strong sense of community often
sharing their knowledge, tools and other resources. Groups sometimes
include a potluck in one ore more of their meetings, and often
continue to get together well after the program is over.
___ I/We am interested in joining others from Madison Christian
Community to write letters to state and federal legislators when
legislation that has a direct positive or negative impact on the
environment is being considered. I will be receptive to a phone
call or mailing that keeps me informed about legislation and will
make an effort to attend "write your legislator," sessions
at Madison Christian Community.
___I/We am interested in participating in a monthly study group
and learn more about environmental theology and eco-justice.
___ I/We am willing to care for the environment by working with
other members of Madison Christian Community: ___ on the prairie
and grounds of MCC, ___ locally, including, but not limited to
Friends of the Campus Natural Areas, Dane County Natural Heritage
Foundation, Gathering Waters Conservancy
Other "taking up" actions I will take
are:
Name(s)____________________________ |
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