Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen.  Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.  Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to an increased sense of calm and altruistic behavior, in addition to other benefits such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.  As Christians, we understand that God is present in God’s creation, and after our guided forest bath, we’ll spend some time considering the Earth Examen as we reflect both on our time spent forest bathing and on our relationship with all creation.  This activity is for a small group and space is limited.  Please register at www.eventbrite.com at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-bathing-earth-examen-tickets-291848535827. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing

The Memorial Park Conservancy has generously offered Katy Prairie Conservancy use of their greenhouse while the Native Seed Nursery at KPC’s field office in Waller is being renovated. Volunteers will help grow plants that will be used for various Katy Prairie Conservancy spring projects and for the Great Grow Out. The Memorial Park Conservancy Greenhouse is located in Memorial Park on the south side of Memorial Drive. All are welcome, no experience necessary.

Workdays are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

You are invited to join an online discussion series built around 15-minute videos featuring interviews with US faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The videos walk viewers through four key climate policy issues that intersect with universal faith concerns for vulnerable and marginalized people. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action.  A discussion guide is included that asks participants to think deeply about how their own local faith community’s direct service programs intersect with climate impacts, and how knowledge and experiences gained through these programs might help to inform climate policy. The study’s Action Center provides practical, step-by-step instructions for advocacy activities, as well as recommended policy asks for local, state, and national leaders.  Join us! Please register on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-path-of-hope-a-study-on-climate-action-for-faith-communities-tickets-273103288287. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

Join other Christians to celebrate Earth Day by participating in a streamed pre-recorded creation-focused worship service. Listen to the wisdom, song, and stories from our fellow Creatures, human and non-human. The Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos will share the message of the day. This 45-minute worship service is in English with full Spanish translation, and does not include communion. Observe Earth Day by praising the Creator and giving thanks for God’s good creation in worship on April 22! Register to participate at www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creation-focused-worship-for-earth-day-tickets-301138712997?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Calling people of all faiths or no faith at all in Houston to care for our shared environment in observance of Earth Day/Month!  We will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill. Meet at the Swartz Gazebo in the park to sign in. Metro bus line 7 stops nearby, and line 49 is not far.  Tools/supplies will be provided. This event is organized by Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston, in partnership with the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy.  The conservancy requires signing of a waiver to participate. Please register for planning purposes on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-2022-interfaith-environmental-stewardship-event-tickets-273115956177.  Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing