ARochaEco-Congregation(USA)module12-ARochaUSA.docVIP

an environmental toolkit for churches Module 12 Global neighbors Helping churches to think globally and act locally A Rocha Eco-congregation is an ecumenical program to help churches make the link between environmental issues and their Christian faith and respond in practical action in the church and wider community. Eco-congregation (USA) is a project of A Rocha USA, a 501(c) organization A Rocha USA, PO Box 1338, Fredericksburg TX 78624 830.522.5319 / usa@ / Contents An invitation to change the world… 3 Memo from the Children of the 22nd Century 3 The environment is borderless 5 One World Week 7 Testimony from Arizona 8 Christian development agencies 8 Stories from churches 10 Fair trade 11 Listening and responding to God’s word… 11 Stories from churches… 13 A Rocha – Caring for God’s creation together 14 The story of A Rocha 14 14 Snapshots from A Rocha groups across the world 14 Climate Change 20 Prayers 21 Prayer for Sustainable Development 21 Week of Prayer for World Peace 22 The International Prayer for Peace 22 About A Rocha Eco-congregation 23 ? A Rocha USA 2012 Feedback on Eco-Congregation (USA) is encouraged. We have attempted to credit photographs and quotes correctly. We apologize if we have not given credit appropriately; please write to us to amend any errors. “It is not too late. God’s world has incredible healing powers. Within a single generation, we could steer the earth toward our children’s future. Let that generation start now, with God’s help and blessing.” Joint Statement by Pope John Paul II and Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, June 2002 “As we reflect on the signs of the times, we may realize that the edifice of the dominant worldview is beginning to crumble. It is a worldview in which human beings have seen themselves as separated from the rest of God’s creation and free to pursue the dream of unlimited material growth and consumption. In its place, the edifice of a new, alternative vision is beginning to emerge. This ed