God calls us to be good stewards of creation, to act for justice, to treat our bodies as temples, and to hold out hope for the future. (This is hard to accomplish in a world where you need to scan the fine print of grocery store ingredients lists for words like "methylparaben" and "phthalates."). This summer many of us will have a chance to explore and enjoy the wonderful place called Minnesota. I invite us all to consider the health of our land and all its people, including yourself. Perhaps this summer we could renew our twin commitments to care for the land and to steward our own health and well-being.

Next month I will be a guest presenter at a wonderful spot, Rancho la Puerta which takes these commitments seriously. I will get a chance to eat organically, exercise well, and sleep a good night's sleep - that is, to steward my own God-given body. As I get ready for some time off to focus on my own health and wellbeing, I am grateful for those who have come before me in this work. In particular, I want to lift up the instigator, creator, developer, and heart beat of Rancho La Puerta: Deborah Szekely. Deborah was concerned about toxic chemicals and health-food long before any of my generation even knew what those words meant. She made a pathway for many if us - even if we don't know it. Thank you, Deborah.

In faithful response to the work of that generation, we have to each do our part. The Minnesota Council of Churches, with the National Council of Churches, is working on these issues from the federal level to local work. At the federal level we are trying to protect water, impact legislation that would keep toxic chemicals out of our everyday life and make sure the EPA has the authority it needs and with that authority does the right thing. If you are interested in the federal work try: http://nccecojustice.org/index.php>

Locally, through our "Healthy Homes, Healthy Congregations" set of presentations, Minnesota Council of Churches educates faith communities about the theological basis for caring about toxic chemicals, how to minimize individual and communal exposure to toxic chemicals, and how to advocate for a world where we are less exposed to toxic chemicals. Different presentations have different foci: chemicals in cleaning products, chemicals in cosmetic products, issues of active seniors, issues in general, congregations, and congregational leaders. Our presentations work as an adult education hour or as an interactive experience during worship. But you don't need to wait to hear from us before acting on your own renewed commitments to the land and your health.

5 Tips on How to Green your Place of Worship:

People in a congregation seeking to be better stewards of creation, to act for environmental justice, to help their fellow worshippers treat their bodies as temples, and to believe in a better future have many tools available to them. In order to reduce the presence of toxic chemicals in the church building, please consider:

  1. Pray, preach, and teach about minimizing harm from toxic chemicals. Minnesota Council of Churches is happy to provide resources.
  2. Perform a toxic chemicals audit in your church to find out how many toxics people may currently be exposed to.
  3. Host a cleaning product-making party using homemade or all-natural cleaning products. Here are some recipes.
  4. Mow the lawn less, water it less, and, if you use fertilizer, make it all organic. The grass will grow deeper roots and be healthier in the long run.
  5. In the nursery use cloth, wood or vinyl toys. These are generally least toxic.

For connection on these matters contact j.morey@mnchurches.org

As summer approaches let's help keep Minnesota green all year 'round.