This Sunday we will not print the Sunday chalice and insert it in the bulletin. Our warden, Rob Wheeler asked for a Sunday to reflect on God’s creation and our responsibly to sustain it. My hope is that we could be more conscious of the need to protect our environment. I realize that saving 150 sheets of paper will not make a huge impact on the environment, but I want to make the point that we should all be moving in that direction. We could make an impact if we all strive to reduce energy consumption, waste generation, our dependence on fossil fuels and production of greenhouse gases. At St. John’s, this means recycling more, using less paper, using less electricity, caring for our lawn and gardens, and eliminating single use plastic such as water bottles, coffee stirrers, and straws. This is clearly not a political issue, but a God issue. God created the world and gave us the responsibility to take care of all creation:

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it”
(Genesis 2:15).

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:15).

 “The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands molded the dry land.” (Psalm 95:5).

The Breakfast Group will meet this summer to find ways to be more environmentally responsible.

The Garden Committee will meet each month to care for our gardens and property.

The Thrift Shop is a wonderful way to participate in this effort. Please consider volunteering, shopping, and donating cloths.

The Building and Grounds Committee is insuring that our solar panels are functioning and that we are reducing our energy consumption. You can help by turning off lights and AC when you leave the building.

The Vestry will make environmental stewardship a part of every vestry meeting.

Please share your own ideas with Rob, Coral or myself, or join one of our committees and help them to put a focus on environmental sustainability.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. Duncan