A sampling of imagery from the United Methodist Interagency Just and Equitable Net-Zero Coalition first progress report. (Image courtesy of United Methodist Communications.)

From energy efficiency interventions in offices to integrating sustainability practices into our many expressions of ministry, we are determined to shrink the climate impact of our ministries in the short-term and eliminate it in the long term.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB)
April 21, 2022

On Earth Day 2021, a group of United Methodist general agencies and commissions announced a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their ministries, facilities and operations and to do so through a lens of justice and equity. The coalition is working together as they learn to measure greenhouse gas emissions generated through their ministries and identify emission reduction strategies that support the flourishing of all communities.

Training opportunities in 2021 included an overview of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol reporting framework, training on how to use EnergyStar Portfolio Manager (a tool that tracks energy use and emissions from buildings) and an exploratory discussion on how to center equity and justice within efforts related to net-zero. Education, training and skills development will continue in 2022.

While net-zero emissions is a long-term goal, the agencies will individually set short- to medium-term targets to track progress. Initially, coalition members are setting baselines to understand the sources and quantity of emissions. This knowledge will guide the creation of interim goals and emission-reduction strategies. Ongoing tracking over time will help identify what’s working and where to focus next. Because each agency generates emissions differently, the scope and focus of those strategies will vary.

Leaders within each agency are actively engaged in identifying effective strategies and systems for measurement and implementation. The progress report includes summaries from each agency on their current efforts.

“As we set up systems for measuring and tracking the emissions we generate, we’re developing strategies to reduce them,” said the Rev. Jenny Phillips, senior technical advisor for environmental sustainability at Global Ministries. “From energy efficiency interventions in offices to integrating sustainability practices into our many expressions of ministry, we are determined to shrink the climate impact of our ministries in the short-term and eliminate it in the long term.”

As agencies and commissions develop plans to reduce emissions, they will also identify ways to seek to address systems that reinforce and maintain injustice. “Simply attaining net-zero emissions could perpetuate the burden on communities that are suffering from our systems of extraction, production and waste,” states the report.

Supporting a just and equitable transition that advances racial and gender equity begins with assessing how physical facilities and current practices are connected to communities and ecosystems. For example, how do energy sources impact neighbors near and far – and how should that impact determine the choice of alternative energy sources?

“Black, Indigenous and people of color communities, low-wealth communities, and areas of the world least responsible for climate pollution have already been disproportionately burdened by our current energy economy,” says Elizabeth Chun Hye LEE, executive for economic and environmental justice and climate justice lead at United Women in Faith. “As United Methodists, we reject the narrative that we must get to net-zero at any cost. As agencies, we have the opportunity to work with communities most impacted and to invest in solutions that dismantle existing structural barriers to racial and gender equity in order to build resilient flourishing communities.”

One note that came through clearly from agency responses is that the pandemic has transformed workplaces. The shift to hybrid or remote work creates new challenges and opportunities in emissions management. Over the past two years, many agencies and commissions have experienced emission-reducing transitions, including selling and consolidating office space. Some that share office space are considering how to work together on tracking emissions. In addition, as travel and in-person events begin to resume, agency leaders are looking at integrating emission reduction strategies into their planning.

“Net-zero is an important goal that will require collaboration and innovation within the broader church and beyond,” said Wespath’s Director of Sustainable Investment Stewardship, Jake Barnett. “Our agencies look forward to continuing to partner and learn from each other’s differentiated expertise as we work to bring about the systemic change that will support a just and equitable net-zero future.”

For more information, visit http://www.resourceumc.org/net-zero-commitment.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)
April 25, 2022

“Heaven Bound… But Not Yet: Sent back with a mission”: a moving story of dedicated faith. “Heaven Bound… But Not Yet: Sent back with a mission” is the creation of published authors Al and Rosemary Diaz, who live in Ventura, California. They have been married for fifty-four years and have two children and three grandchildren. Al worked in the medical field as a biomedical engineer for thirty-eight years. Rosemary is a graduate of World Reaching Faith School of Training and has served in ministry for over forty years.

Al and Rosemary Diaz share, “On August 27, 2009, Al’s life was forever changed when during an operation, he popped out of his body and was escorted by an angel out of this world and into the next.

“Jesus gave Al the choice to stay in heaven or to return to earth with a mandate from the Lord. Upon his return, Al, together with his wife, Rosemary, began the ministry, Heaven Bound But Not Yet.

“Al says, ‘It is the desire of my heart to reach as many people as I can, to tell them about Jesus and about the glory of heaven that awaits them.’”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Al and Rosemary Diaz’s new book will pull at the heartstrings and inspire the spirit as readers witness the Diaz family’s miracle.

Al and Rosemary spread the word of God’s blessings in hopes of encouraging others to trust in Him and His plan.

Consumers can purchase“Heaven Bound… But Not Yet: Sent back with a mission” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Heaven Bound… But Not Yet: Sent back with a mission,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)
April 25, 2022

“Mirror, Mirror: I Now See”: a potent reminder of the importance of pursuing spiritual and personal growth. “Mirror, Mirror: I Now See” is the creation of published author Joseph Henderson, Jr., a graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a degree in business administration. Henderson, Jr. is a minister at Kingdom Family Worship Center, serving under the pastoral leadership of his parents.

Henderson, Jr. shares, “When spiritual mirrors tell the truth, we sometimes take a look and, despite reality, walk away satisfied, boldly convincing ourselves that what we saw was a reflection of pure perfection. To appease our spiritual conscience, we then find ourselves as a people who would rather look into a spiritual mirror, simply concluding the reflection to be an acceptable image meeting, never superseding, either our own standards or the demands of this world around us. Eventually, we uncomfortably just become ‘all right’ with our spiritual mirror reflection, convincing ourselves that true change is impossible. We fail to realize that Satan desires for us to become so familiar with the reflection of wickedness daily seen in that spiritual mirror that we never surrender wholeheartedly to God. We must grow to a place where we are ready to allow the Lord to make us all over again…into a godly image…into a reflection of His righteousness. The poetic words in this book will take all readers on a spiritual journey of self-discovery, looking into a spiritual mirror, embracing reality, and arriving at a place of total surrender to a spiritual transformation. As we become completely honest with the reality that we see, we then posture ourselves for a change, a makeover that can only come from God. Let us look into this spiritual mirror together. May God open our eyes that we may see.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Joseph Henderson, Jr.’s new book is a creative and encouraging opportunity for faith-based discussion.

Henderson shares in hopes of empowering young believers who are finding their purpose in the world to trust in God and seek to live in His image.

Consumers can purchase“Mirror, Mirror: I Now See” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Mirror, Mirror: I Now See,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)
April 25, 2022

“Lost Times, Times Lost”: a unique and enjoyable adventure. “Lost Times, Times Lost” is the creation of published author Tage Seville, an Air Force veteran and native of New York who built a successful career in the accounting field.

Seville shares, “This novel follows the unlikely, interconnected, misadventures of a couple of newspaper reporters, a truck driver, a runaway scientist, two missing children on the run, and a mysterious corrupt global enterprise headed by one individual.

“Imbedded in the plot is one more of the myriad of attempts to examine the age-old adage involving the two provincial schools of thought concerning the origin of life. The first, of life perhaps being the sum of infinite coincidences; the other, of it being the result of an intelligence. This book takes the position of the latter.

“In taking that position, the author declares the source of the intelligence is identified in scrolls stored in various places of antiquity in the Middle Eastern part of the world. These writings became the basis for our Judeo-Christian Bible.

“The Christian part of that Bible is identified as the New Testament, which is based on the birth, life, death, resurrection, and purpose of Jesus of Nazareth, who is declared as and who we believe is the Christ God sent to give His life for the salvation of mankind. The book attempts to use modern-day events as examples of Jesus’s response to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, in John 4, where He addresses the physicality of His Father when He said, ‘God is a Spirit.’

“The leaf that travels and is captured by a squirrel in the opening chapter is one of the author’s examples of how God uses what may appear to us as a coincidence to carry out His will.

“The ensemble of characters find their lives turned upside-down by a cutting-edge invention that has the power to upend the entire power structure of modern-day economics, closing the wealth gap and rewriting the dynamics of market control. Through it all, they will be challenged to see what is unseen and to be heroes in the truest sense of the word—that is, Good Samaritans.

“The novel ultimately makes a profound statement identifying what’s wrong with the human species through the voices of a visionary group and a wise American president.

“I hope you will enjoy, be uplifted, and maybe even be blessed by the read.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tage Seville’s new book will delight and entertain as readers witness an unexpected spiritual encounter.

Seville pairs an engaging storyline with an important message within the pages of this compelling novel.

Consumers can purchase“Lost Times, Times Lost” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Lost Times, Times Lost,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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“Early intervention in the life of children has an impact on the child, the family, the community and the world,” said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
April 21, 2022

Episcopal Relief & Development is kicking off a campaign to benefit the organization’s work with children worldwide. Two steadfast donors have generously offered to match each gift for the organization’s work with children until May 26, 2022, up to $300,000.

In a recorded message, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, invited supporters to give to Episcopal Relief & Development, noting, “Early intervention in the life of children has an impact on the child, the family, the community and the world.”

Research shows that the first 1,000 days for children set a foundation that affects their ability to grow, learn and thrive over their entire lives. Around the world, 155 million children under six are not reaching their full potential due to inadequate nutrition and health care. Episcopal Relief & Development works with communities to ensure that children have access to food, clean water, and quality health care.

The organization developed its Moments That Matter® early childhood development program partnership to bring an integrated nurturing-care approach to the most vulnerable families with children. The program is active in five African countries and operates through a rural, community-led network. Trained community volunteers provide guidance to help parents become more engaged, responsive caregivers.

“At Episcopal Relief & Development, supporting children and their families is at the heart of our work in communities around the world,” said Rob Radtke, president & CEO, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Thanks to your support, and the generous donors who are offering this matching gift, our programs and partners will be able to help more families create happier, healthier lives for their children.”

Between now and May 26, eligible contributions for the organization’s work with children, up to $300,000 will be matched. Donate online at support.episcopalrelief.org/springmatch22, or call 1.855.312.4325. Gifts can also be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

ABOUT EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT:

For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for close to 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

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