June 2007 Message from the Pastor

Green

Of course you recall that summer is the "green" season in the Church. After the red of Pentecost, we switch to green liturgical decorations as symbols of growing or thriving in the Spirit.

It’s always something "out of sync" with me that here in the Golden State, summer turns more brown/gold than green as the rains end. But head to the valley or the hills and the river valleys and soon the green is vivid. Yet, green is more than a color, it’s a state of mind and increasingly, a movement. It’s important for all of us to think about how to "go green."

As summer approaches, I usually express my prayer that you will grow during the warm, bright summer days. You need rest and "downtime." And I hope you will get plenty of it! Also, as you rest, may your minds become more aware of the incredibly beautiful world God gave us. What a rich blessing we’ve been given!

Here at church, we’re working to become much more serious about what "green" means. Council has discussed this and will continue to do so. Our property committee is looking into what it will take to be certified as a Green Business. Susanne MacDougall, Council Member and native of Denmark which has long strived to develop environmentally friendly habits, is eager to work with others to look at what we can/should individually do as environmentally responsible stewards of God’s creation. Many of our own members are already wearing green based on the cars they drive, the solar panels on their homes, etc. We need mainly to start talking to each other and build a new resolve to walk the green walk!!

Please step up if you share the urgency to reduce our carbon footprints, live more simply and continue to enjoy this planet for many, many more generations. Let me or Susanne know of your interest.