Wednesday, September 1
The Presbytery of Newton
New Jersey
Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy being green.” The Wharton United Community Church (WUCC) in Wharton, New Jersey, begs to differ. For two years running, the church has emphasized going green based on Scripture’s mandate to be good stewards of God’s creation.
In 2008 the church received a grant to conduct an energy audit, which gave the members and staff advice on how they could save money and be kinder to the environment. The congregation responded generously by donating money for energy-efficient light bulbs and for thermostats with timers. With the help of a large bequest, the church was able to replace the windows and lighting fixtures in the education wing with those that are more energy efficient. Now thermostats are turned down to 45 degrees when the building or rooms are not in use, and recycling containers are found around every corner.
In 2009 the mission committee bought reusable shopping bags to give out to members, friends, and visitors. They were able to buy 1,000 with the church’s name, Web site, and logo printed on the sides. At the end of the “It’s Easy Being Green” sermon series, everyone received a free bag and could buy an additional one for a $2 donation. Those bags left over were given to visitors as part of their welcome gift, along with a mug, some chocolate, and information about the church. The project accomplished many things: it made it easier for people to go green, it sent a great message to the community about WUCC’s priorities, and it made everyone really proud.
The Presbytery of Newton is home to 13,348 members in 62 congregations.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Cathy Burrafato, resource center coordinator
Sonja Gaertner, office manager
Deane Higgs, stated clerk
Liz Hutchinson, financial administrator
Judith P. Kolwicz, presbytery leader
Betty Shuman, Christian education specialist
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Jenny Oldham, GAMC
Dayna Oliver, GAMC
Lisa Oliver, GAMC
Prayer
Gracious God, we praise you for the beauty around us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear the ways in which you would have us care for your creation. By your grace and to your glory, we pray. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 96, 147:1–11 and Ps. 132, 134
Job 12:1; 14:1–22
Acts 12:18–25; John 8:47–59