From The Deacons Desk….

 

                     In Genesis, in the Creation Story – actually in                      both Creation Stories (Genesis chapters 1 and                      2), through Adam and Eve, humanity is given                      stewardship of the whole Earth and of all the                      wild life of the Earth.  Adam and Eve, and                      therefore all of us today, are given dominion over all the Earth.

 

The question before us today becomes “How have we done as stewards of God’s good Earth?”

 

Our water and our air are polluted with chemicals that were never intended for human consumption – and yet we cannot escape them.  They are all around us. 

 

I do not wish to become embroiled in an argument about whether or not Global Warming is real or just part of a much larger cycle.  The fact is, both sides of that question are very convincing.

 

But these things are true, no matter the cause:

 

· Asthma among small children is at an all-time high.

· People are consuming bottled water in an effort to escape the chemicals in our available water.

· The Polar Ice Caps ARE melting.

· Storm systems ARE becoming more severe.

· Weather is crazier then we can ever remember.

· People who have never known snow – are having lots of it.

· Animals – such as the polar bear and seal – are severely threatened as the ice melts.

 

These are just a few of the things that we notice as we look around at this world.

 

What can we do to reverse these trends?  There are some small ways – such as switching to Compact Florescent light bulbs.  These throw off much less heat, and they last longer.  When we wash dishes or take showers we could turn the water off between washing and rinsing, instead of letting the water run the whole time – I’m told that the savings is actually pretty huge!  On a larger scale, if we are able, we can purchase a hybrid car or an electric car.  We also could walk for the shorter distances.

As stewards of the Earth we need to take action – urging our politicians and our lobbyists to act now.  We also need to take personal responsibility for cleaning up whatever part of the Earth we are living in – Lockport or Joliet or Plainfield or Homer Glen.  Do you go for walks?  Take a plastic shopping bag with you, and pick up whatever trash you can see along the way – (and I guess it would also be

a good idea to wear gloves.)  And that little action would make a big difference, and wouldn’t cost you anything!  If you can’t go for walks, perhaps you could take up a letter writing campaign urging the politicians and factories to tighten up on those deadlines.

 

These are just a few little ideas to start with.  Whatever you choose to do, we must all take a part as stewards of God’s good Creation.

 

Peace and blessings,

Deacon Bobbie

Prison Ministry

 

When I was in prison you visited me....

 

The class in prison - Houses of Healing - continues.

The men love it and it is really helping them. We are

planning a "1/2 way" graduation ceremony for the

end of February. This is because quite a few of the

men are being transferred to other institutions, and we want this class to show on their records.

 

I'm waiting for visitor's clearance for 3 people from St. John's to visit prison with me on a one-time basis, and I'm hoping they will be able to attend that graduation ceremony.

I have discovered that even when we are on lockdown, and technically not allowed to conduct a class - we CAN - and DO - visit the inmates in their cells. At that time, they turn in any outstanding homework, if they have it, and we talk individually with each class member.

 

I have a couple of requests from you - easy ones, I think. I am allowed to bring in some magazines - Reader's Digest, Guideposts, National Geographic, Scientific American - things that are of a more intellectual or inspirational nature. If you could bring in your old magazines, recycling them to prison, that would be greatly appreciated. Please be sure to remove any address labels that might be on them.

 

Also, we are in need of notebook paper and cheap pens. Plain old 3-ring lined paper. We hand the paper and pens out to the inmates during class times - and my supply is quickly diminishing. If you remember, when you are shopping, it would be greatly appreciated. These would be wonderful ways to show your support for this ministry.

 

Please keep those in prison in your prayers.

 

In peace and love,  Deacon Bobbie