The Season of Thanks and Giving: Changes to Consider

“The unprecedented temperatures for the time of year observed in September–following a record summer–have broken records by an extraordinary amount”, according to Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union. “This extreme month has pushed 2023 into the dubious honour of first place–on track to be the warmest year and around 1.4°C above preindustrial average temperatures. Two months out from COP28 (United Nations Climate Conference)–the sense of urgency for ambitious climate action has never been more critical.” Climate change is here. How do we faithfully say thanks for that which has been “gifted” to us?

While this news is concerning, there is reason for hope, and there are ways that we can “be the change we want to see happen” to reduce our carbon footprint over the next few months and into 2024. We can make choices and changes; we have agency. Climate leaders say the biggest concern is the need to radically reduce the developed world’s fossil fuel usage over the next 6 years (the US and Canada are the top two per capita consumers of fossil fuel). The ways to make that reduction happen have been developed and we have the needed tools and technology already.

Here are a few suggestions to consider as we engage the climate crisis. We can push legislators to enforce the Pennsylvania constitutional right to clean air, water, and land. We can lobby legislators to enact home energy conservation/efficiency legislation and the transition to renewable energy as a way to help their citizens save money and the environment. We can watch for and take advantage of the new federal rebates coming out next year from the Inflation Reduction Act for purchasing energy saving appliances when doing home improvements. We can take a carbon footprint test ourselves and decide what changes we may want to make. We can decide to consume less energy and “stuff” for ourselves (5 to 10%?) and give those unused funds to others in need. And in our gift giving, we could decide to not buy “stuff” for others; but, instead, give the gift of ourselves, our time, our skills, or maybe a ticket to a local event. “Our presence is their present.” Maybe reduce our trips around town, and around the world. Be a climate conscious lifestyle example, and learn more about what that means...and then talk about it, sharing about the changes we have made and why. Be a safe place for others to share their own concerns about the climate crisis that has arrived at our doorstep.

These are just a few of many ideas to engage our thinking; “to stir the pot.” In this season of Thanks and of Giving, consider these and other faithful ways in making a transition to “gift” our families, our communities and the world in new ways; toward a better, more livable world for all. Check out the church’s Climate Crisis bulletin board for more information and ideas.

Submitted by Damon Wagner Fields, Climate Crisis Action Committee

Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice

Earlier this year our congregation was selected to be one of about a dozen churches to participate in a program led by Drew Hart, through Messiah University, called Thriving Together. Pastor Jason Haldeman, JulieAnn Keith, and myself are representing our church.

Thriving Together is described as: a two-year Christian anti-racism program leading towards initiating and/or deepening their racial justice efforts as they consider their tradition, mission, practices, and values. We will be exploring the history of the greater Harrisburg area and how race has shaped and continues to affect these places now, and what the Bible has to say on race. We will engage in anti-racism training, and will be visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, as well as going on a Civil Rights bus tour.

I think that this is such an amazing opportunity for our church. We get to sit beside, learn with, and potentially partner with such an incredible and diverse group of churches and individuals. I believe that what we learn here goes hand in hand with what the Racial Justice Working Group has been hard at work on for the last few years within our church. We are a church who wants to be open and accepting of and to all people. Thriving Together will help us more fully realize this goal.

Thriving Together met for the first time at the beginning of September. The focus of our first meeting was on race and religion in the Capital region. We heard presenters speak about the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, we drove around West Shore neighborhoods that were red-lined. We visited the African American Monument on the Capitol grounds and learned about the people who are memorialized there, and then we visited the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren in the heart of Allison Hill to have lunch and discuss Jemar Tisby’s, The Color of Compromise, which had been our required reading leading up to the day. When we returned to Messiah’s campus Robert P. Jones, author of White Too Long, and The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, gave a presentation on christian nationalism. And our day together ended with a short liturgy and blessing.

Our first meeting left me energized and excited for what is to come. I am excited for my part in this and for what I personally will learn and for how I will grow and be challenged. But I am even more excited for us to share with the congregation all that we absorb as we walk this path with fellow seekers.

Submitted by Jacob Weaver-Spidel, Racial Justice Working Group

Fall Church Council Meeting

I was inspired by the recent congregational letter (Oct 2) from Jeff Eisenbise, Church Board Chair, recounting a number of initiatives engaging the congregation in renewal and refreshment among the ministry team, church board, and the congregation at large. Unmistakable energy abounding!

With the approaching Fall Council on Sun, Dec 3 @ 11:45 am, I am reminded of the insightful biblical studies and conversations during the Faith Formation “Money Talks” series. Someone wise made this astute observation reflecting on a crisp definition of the role of the church–“Imagine possibilities…practice possibilities…walk in the resurrection.” Indeed! A compelling vision as we live and work together listening and discerning our corporate responsibility to one another and to the wider family of God.

This is our designated time of “official” gathering as a community of faith. Our decision-making authenticates our desire to walk as “resurrected” people in the pathways of peace, serving one another, with an openness to lovingly embrace all whom God sends to our door.

Resources for Church Council will be distributed via email (and hard copies for those not receiving email) two weeks prior to the Council meeting. Copies will also be available at the back of the sanctuary on Nov 26. This packet will include the agenda along with a variety of ministry and mission reports, proposed budget for 2024, and the calling of church leadership. All packet components are due to the church office by Nov 15, send items to info@etowncob.org.

I encourage you to carefully examine this material in advance of the meeting. Come, anticipate refreshing morning worship as we continue to “imagine and practice possibilities” on this journey with Jesus. Energized disciples!

Submitted by Joe Detrick, Moderator