Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of Lutheran pastors during their Conference gathering to discuss Polluted Runoff and how we all share in the responsibility to curtail this growing source of pollution. They opened their meeting with a devotion about being open to God’s call. We spoke about Abraham, who was jovially described as being “near retirement” by the time he was called by God, and yet he heeded, he responded.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had his career path pretty clearly defined before he was called, too. He was a third-generation minister, his life was set. The shift from a Baptist Minister to Social Activist is a huge shift that only a select few could courageously accept with such grace and sacrifice. His response to this call to activism resembles a comment one of the Lutheran pastors made last week in the context of our discussion of polluted runoff: “Are we willing to bear the cross that’s larger than what we’re contributing?”

So, as faithful stewards, it seems fitting that while we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we reflect on this: to what extent are we willing to carry a load that’s more than our fair share? I heard a mother tell her daughter who had picked up some trash on the sidewalk, “Oh, honey, we don’t pick up other people’s trash, put that down.” I wanted to say to her: On the contrary, the only way anything gets done in modern society is if we take on more than our fair share. It is a heavy load, but it is what we are called to do.

As you prayerfully consider what load you're willing to carry, check our our list of suggested events and programs below. Our Events page, Programs page, and Bulletin Board are updated frequently with new ideas for how you can lead your congregation to care for Creation, so check back often to stay in the loop. And, as always, IPC and our partners are here to support your work, please reach out if you need help!

Walk the Talk: An Interfaith Response to Polluted Runoff - Join others in the faith community to express support for sharing in the responsibility to curtail Polluted Runoff. Register for the event by clicking here.

3rd Annual Interfaith Summit - Join us on February 9th for an Interfaith Summit which strives to bring congregations together to learn from one another, share praise for our Creator, and discuss projects that we can all do to restore and heal Creation in our local environment. Register here or email [email protected] if you plan to attend.

10,000 Trees Program - Calling all congregations willing to convert grassy areas back over to forest. We need more trees! Read about this fantastic program here or email [email protected] to sign up.

Blue Water Congregations - Calling congregations in Baltimore City/County who wish to construct projects on their properties to control polluted runoff. Blue Water Congregations is a new program being offered that supports congregations with professional consulting and financial support to implement these projects. Email Jodi if you would like more information.

RiverWise Congregations - Calling all congregations in Anne Arundel County who wish to be a RiverWise Congregation. Check out the flyer here and contact us if you're interested in pursuing projects to address polluted runoff from your property. 
 
Have questions about Polluted Runoff? - IPC and our partners can come talk to your community about polluted runoff, its impact on the bay, and how to address it. Get your neighboring congregations together and let's get everyone talking about this.

 

Jodi Rose