Environmental Stewardship Classs
March 26,2010 02:05 PM Filed in: Austin
“The Journey” is a collaborative project, created by Chris Searles and Kerry Stevens, which stems from Jesus' basic lesson that we should all take really good care of each other, teaching theology and actionable eco skills. This is part of First Baptist Church's Earth Month celebration (April). You're invited! (info below)
SPECIAL CLASS OFFERING
What: THE JOURNEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Why: This class will present information that helps connect emerging faith ideas and Biblical principles with ecological living. The class takes the big problems of the environment and breaks it down into focuses on biodiversity, resource efficiency, toxicity, waste, theology, and emissions.
Who: Class leader, Chris Searles, is an environmental advocate who has worked with small businesses, the City of Austin, and local faith groups. Chris has created and produced educational events and festivals for families, schools, and greenies. Guest speakers, Reverends Leigh Jackson and Don Searles, will join in presentations and discussions also. Each class is open to both adults and teens. When: April 11, 18, 25, and May 2 Sunday mornings 9:30-10:45 am OR Sunday afternoons 2:00-3:15 pm (no afternoon class April 25 due to Interfaith Environmental Network’s Green By Faith event)
Where: First Baptist Church Austin— first floor, room 164 9th & Trinity Streets, Downtown Austin
How: There is no cost. Each class is open to both adults and teens.
You may attend any one or all of the classes. Please consider signing up ahed of time via telephone or email:
First Baptist Church, 476-2626 email: kcappolino@fbcaustin.org Take-away information will be provided.
Retirement tribute to Roger Duncan
March 05,2010 04:29 PM Filed in: Austin
IEN Steering Committee member and tireless enviro-blogger Chris Searles pays tribute to recently retired Austin Energy CEO Roger Duncan for his role in making Austin Energy one of the most progressive electric utilities in the United States. Read Chris’ post here, and see this inspiring little video interview with Roger, below.
Mayor Leffingwell's Electricity Town Hall Meeting
March 05,2010 04:20 PM Filed in: Austin
IEN Steering Committee member and tireless enviro-blogger Chris Searles sends a link to a great blog report on Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s recent Town Hall meeting on energy for Austin. He reports, “"At the end of the evening last night, Roger Duncan said it best: having public input in the planning process for Austin's citizen-owned utility really does bring out the finest result..."
Read Chris’ full post here...
Sign That Petition!
As reported earlier, IEN Steering Committee member Chris Searles has initiated an online petition to call upon Austin City Council to continue to support the Austin Climate Protection Initiative. The petition has now reached its goal of 500 signatures... and counting! Chris reports:
500+ Austinites call for renewal of Climate Protection Plan
On Thursday 2/25/10, Jake Stewart, former manager of the City of Austin's Climate Protection Program, presented a successful petition drive to City Council, urging leaders to renew their commitment to making Austin "the leading the city in the nation" in climate protection.
Austin first adopted its climate protection plan in March 2007, under a previous mayor and city council.
The Petition's Objective is to let Austin's leaders know there are plenty of folks who appreciate and support the City's hard work in this regard, and who believe in working-together to achieve as much as possible.
Stewart was complimentary, thanking the original council signatories for their initiative 3 years ago, and challenging today's Council members to recognize that climate leadership can be leveraged to create economic stimulus and value for the whole community.
Some notable signatories:
#518, Reverend Louis Snead
#433, Alejandro Escovedo
#400, Reverend Ann Pittman
#398, Reverend Stephen Kinney
#284, Terry Allen
#265, Turk Pipkin
#171, Craig Hella Johnson
#125, Sharon Stanberry Rosshirt
#121, Brigid Shea
#19, Bee Morehead
See and sign the petition here!
The Question Of Climate Change Is Secondary to the Need for Creation Care
March 05,2010 03:52 PM Filed in: Climate
IEN Steering Committee member Kerry Stevens sends us a link to this great essay on religion and Climate Change by Tracey Bianchini. It appeared recently on the blog page of Rev. Jim Wallis’ “Sojourners” web site. Thanks, Kerry!