Over 50 people came together for our annual Congregational Liaison Meeting on Jan. 23rd to share their concerns about pressing social justice issues. Small group discussions led to the formation of interest groups and the development of action plans. Global warming, peace in Iraq, small group interfaith dialogue about peace in the Middle East, and the intersection of politics and religion were among the topics discussed.

We will be posting the groups’ notes as they come in. Thank you to all who participated for making this event so productive and encouraging!

Small Group Discussion 1 of 5: Global Warming

All participants introduced their affiliation and focus/interest on the environment. Those people who are already doing things such as lowering their thermostats, buying fluorescent bulbs, talked about what they do.

Q: Are there tasks that individuals have seen used/been effective?

• Role of environmental justice–climate change and poverty, climate change and war
• Casting climate change as a moral issue
• How to overcome the feeling that “I already heard this and there is no new information?”
• How do we address differing, particularly politically conservative, points of view? Do we?
• Kristi mentioned that West Side UMC had success using words that are more friendly within the congregation, i.e. “being good stewards of the Earth” and “integrating faith and practice.” They provided a series of tips, activities, education, ending up with handing out fluorescent lightbulbs. They were able to pique people’s interests/get people involved.
• Don Pelz shared his Carbon Footprint measurement flyer
• Lynn recommended the Story of Stuff–video on the internet-possible dinner and discussion
• Ruth mentioned the custodian of the Beth Israel building making structural changes, but the missing link being explanation to the congregation of what has been done
• Another person suggested that a focus on recycling in congregational buildings can be a way to get children involved
• Gertrude suggested that she was really interested in the way climate change is affected by war; she imagines having a teach-in on war (not on peace), with various departments from UM focusing on the impact of war, including natural resources

Longer discussion of how to get congregations involved:

• Suggestion of creating a check-list of steps/things to do, as individuals
• Sharing the lists with the congregations, sharing tips with the congregations, inserts into congregation newsletters, ICPJ newsletter
• Discussion of the need to focus on the systemic problem and not just individuals
• Possible action outlet: deforestation?
• Work with congregational religious education programs?
• Discussion of volunteering with Global ReLeaf of Michigan–issues-ways to get congregations and kids involved? Washtenaw Conservation District also sells trees.
• Importance of acting locally but influencing legislation globally
• Discussion of how we can change ourselves, but can we change India/China/others (not in agreement on this–we may be able to change them but we certainly can affect the US)
• Do a book read together?
• Suggest activities for different congregations’ social action committees–assist with ideas and networking
• Advertise “happenings” from other congregations on climate change in your own newsletter
• Lynn mentioned the Chelsea Area Earth Day Celebration being planned

Discussion of Next Steps–included thoughts about doing a book read, dinner and a movie, internal conversation, email list, going to talk to globalization task force.

Chosen action step: to show Story of Stuff as a dinner and a movie, with time for discussion, perhaps the ability to identify more people interested in the subject area. Ideal time would be April, subject to calendar availability. People who volunteered to help: Jan W., Gertrude W., Edith H.