It was at our Northwestern Wisconsin Synod Assembly back in April, that each of our ELCA congregations were challenged to form a “green team”. “Exactly what is a “green team?” This would be a group of concerned and committed men, women and youth from our congregation who recognize the need for good stewardship with the natural resources that have been entrusted to us on God’s good earth. These are people of faith who might help us make changes in our lifestyles and practices that will preserve our world for the generations to come.

A number of other congregations have already begun their work on this path, and are ready and willing to share their findings and best practices with others.

Whether it’s a commitment to do a better job of recycling, to avoid the use some materials like styrofoam, finding ways to cut down on our energy usage, or installing solar panels, we know that each congregation needs to set their own priorities and find practices that will work for them. This is a challenge that won’t, and can’t be resolved “overnight”. Yet every step and every effort, no matter how small, count and will make a difference!

In her excellent book, “Saving Us”, climate scientist

Katharine Hayhoe writes:
“The window of time to prevent truly dangerous levels of change is
closing fast. Despite what you may have heard, there is no magic number, date, or threshold that will entirely save us from climate changes effects. Trying to put a number on exactly how much global temperature change is “dangerous” is like trying to put a number on exactly how many cigarettes we can smoke before we develop lung cancer.”

I think we all know, there is no time to waste in these crucial efforts in our ailing world. And I want to thank those individuals who have already stepped forward to be a part of our “green team”. And if this is something you are passionate about, and would like to be a part of these efforts, I (we) would love to hear from you soon. I see this team not only making recommendations in helping us operate Bethel’s two campuses, but also offering recommendations that may help each of our households live more faithfully as God’s stewards.

As people of faith, I trust we can be good examples for others, help lead the way, and be “bright lights” and “beacons of hope” to those around us. As always, we pray for God’s leading and guidance in all we do. Thank you for your help with these efforts, friends!

In God’s Great Love,
Pastor John Lestock