Upload
others
View
5
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A resource for Parishes, Missions and Church Organisations
This resource is to support practical steps for the wellbeing of communities and for the health of land, water and air environments.
It includes information, activities and a DVD. The DVD is about stories and challenges of stewardship in the
Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa.
Theme One: Stewardship in Communities
Stewardship: Responsibility for Future Generations Wisdom and covenantal faith traditions are a guide for the environmental and community responsibilities of stewardship.
From Ecclesiastes:
When God created the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: Look at my works! See how beautiful they are, how excellent! Take care not to spoil or destroy my world, for if you do, there will be no one left to repair it after you. (A Jewish Midrash on Eccl.7:13)
These are times for listening to the voice of the earth and attending to indigenous wisdom for living with the planet Earth. Scientists are reminding us of human interdependence with creation.
Now that we are over-using earth‟s resources, stewardship means providing for human and environmental wellbeing and within the limits of nature. We might ask how we are living to bind us to each other and to the living earth?
The Te Tiriti covenant of Te Haahi is a starting point for church stewardship – to renew agreements with tangata whenua - Te Taha Māori explain whakapapa (genealogical relations) as a way of weaving people together in relationships and responsibility for care and belonging across generations.
In the DVD we are introduced to theologies of creation and to practical activities for stewardship in church communities. Here are some of the ways Methodists are responding:
Te Taha Māori introduces the idea of being entrusted to safeguard creation, and Sinoti and Vahefonua leaders go to the gospel idea of the love of God as expressed through responsibility for our neighbour
The General Secretary suggests electronic communication as a way to use less of the world‟s resources
Rivers of Life is a new initiative in Christchurch to enliven relationships with nature
Parishes are adjusting Sunday worship times and eating together to encourage people to participate
Growing food is happening on small and large scales and one parish has plans to build housing for low income people in their community
Different cultural forms of stewardship show the wellbeing of land, water and communities as woven together.
From Samoa Respect, Fa’aloalo is a pre-eminent ethical value;
Responsibility for the Future, Matani Kolo, is a Tongan approach to sustainability;
in Rotuman love and care for the earth are expressed through Hạihanisiga;
in Fijian na taqomari ni yau ni vanua is protection for all of earth‟s life; and
for Tokelau, ke mafia ke tumau te mea ei ke fano ai lava, an obligation to maintain life.
Contents
1. Stewardship through Local Responsibility
2. Sustainability
3. Faith and Wisdom Traditions
4. Covenant with Tangata Whenua
5. Community Environmental Profiles
6. Parish and Mission Land
7. Food
8. Energy and Waste
9. Transport
10. Building Management
Future Themes on Stewardship
Climate Change: Education and the Social Effects of Climate Change
Living Ecologies and Waterways
Decision-making and Policy
Cultural Sustainability
Stewardship in Te Haahi Weteriana
1. Stewardship through Local Responsibility
Stewardship commits us to respect the natural aspects of our neighborhoods and bioregions. Personal, family, whanau responses start with conversations of care and in practices of hospitality. These create cohesive communities, strengthen awareness and inspire action.
Stewardship means -
working with local people to create strong, self-reliant local communities;
enhancing local ecologies and encouraging sharing resources locally.
2. Sustainability
Achieving sustainability for the country as a whole means a concerted change towards living within the nature‟s resources and ensuring these remain functional and healthy. Sustainability involves central and local government, businesses, communities and individuals in these changes.
Sustainability is a response to our fragmented social fabric. It highlights the importance of people coming together to debate and deliberate about complex, pressing issues - there is no substitute for face to face discussion. Parishes and church agencies have the spiritual and ethical foundations and the organisation to host connecting conversations - community activities such as food gardens and planting by rivers and beaches are ways to contribute to cohesive communities and to the ecological health of rivers, land and oceans.
Sharing lunch at Petone Samoan Parish
The Lifewise Merge Café in Auckland
Principles of sustainability include:
Respecting ecological processes;
Using resources of forests, soils, fisheries, water and air sustainably without over-exploitation;
Local orientation – to live prudently in relation to local communities;
Amending measurements of economic activity to account for the costs of resource use and the benefits of the life supporting provision of earth, air, water and forests;
Sharing Power – with decision-making involving those who are affected by decisions.
Action: Create a Parish or Mission Vision of Sustainability
3. Faith and Wisdom Traditions
I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond
an exclusive concern for the wellbeing of other human beings to the broader
concern for the wellbeing of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers,
and every living creature on the face of the earth. (John Wesley)
Luke shares the good news that Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature”. As the gospel writers tell the Jesus story they portray a man who was deeply relational and calling others into this way of being within the world.
Actions:
Wisdom for Stewardship
1. Create a study group on the guidance of
wisdom for contemporary times;
2. Preach a wisdom sermon;
3. Set up an eco-theology library. This way
we can share books, and conserve
resources;
Cross created by
Rhonda Swenson
Servants Group, Whanganui 2011
4. Covenant with the local Iwi and Tangata Whenua
Actions:
Partnering with tangata whenua
Find out who your local Te Taha Māori partners are, or where your local marae is located. Once you are in contact, ask are there any any activities that we could attend – such as sharing a worship service, cooking, contributing to gardens or land activities or helping out.
Māori language activities
Invite a Māori language speaker to come to the parish for wananga on pronunciation of words used in your church services, and on Māori names commonly used; such as whanau, haahi, and place names in your area.
Take a Māori language course
See www.twoa.ac.nz/study/courses or www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/resources_e/where_to_learn_maori.shtml
Youth
Link up with a local kohanga reo or kura kaupapa and plan a shared youth activity for young people, attend Kapahaka concerts, fundraising hangi and other activities
5. Community Environmental Profiles
You may want to have information about your local community, regarding
environmental issues and/or vulnerability issues.
Actions:
A parish could host a meeting, a picnic, a walk to a local river or forest. Invite a Department of Conservation (DOC) resource person or kaumatua to accompany you to share information and assist in observations of environmental risks and vulnerabilities;
Contact Department of Conservation, Local Council or Environmental groups such as Forest and Bird, Friends of Petone Beach, the Natural History Society, local bird sanctuary… Check further on www.greenpages.org.nz ;
Powhiri, formal ceremony of welcome
Eco advisors at City Councils. eg. Auckland Council - www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/BrochEcoDesignAdvice.pdf
Steps for your Worship Center or Agency
1. Form a Green Team 2. Subscribe to the UK Methodist „Creation Challenge‟ newsletter to keep up to
date with news and resources. www.creationchallenge.org.uk is a joint Methodist / URC environmental network resourcing churches and individuals.
3. What proposals in the UK Methodist Environmental Policy could inform development of commitments in Te Haahi Weteriana? See <www.methodist.org.uk>
4. Save energy in your own facility. Courtesy GreenFaith <www.greenfaith.org>
Youth activities – thinking about environmental impacts from climate change
Watch Out – Melting Ice!
Put water in a clear glass or water container and measure the
water level. Then add a block of ice. Measure the change in
water level. Discuss the effects of glaciers melting on ocean
levels.
Islands in Trouble
Get a large container and build a model
island inside it, using rocks and dirt. Place
trees and houses and people on it. Pour in
salt water to represent the sea. Then add
more water, to see the effects of the island
becoming submerged. Swirl the water to
see the effects of storms. Discuss the
effects.
Coastline, Savaii, Samoa
6. Parish and Mission Land Community Gardens are flourishing on church grounds, on common land in communities, preschools, schools and tertiary institutions.
Activities to use land:
Create a group to
establish a parish,
preschool or school
veggie garden
Plant fruit trees
7. Food
Check out what you eat and how you shop. Is it local and seasonal?
Can your church or agency use Fair Trade tea, coffee, sugar?
Which foods are available from your region? Could you identify regional foods
and places to buy them, such as local markets? Place this information on your
bulletin boards
Youth activity: Find out about local foods and water; make colourful posters
about food for your parish - such as what is growing, what you can find at the
beach and local streams and springs.
Lindsay Cumberpatch and
Rose Black at Community
Garden Te Ara Hou, Hamilton
Julie-Anne Pyatt at Aratupu
Preschool veggie garden,
Christchurch
Paula Taumoepeau Moi Kaufolonga and
gardener at Vahefonua land project
‘Kaha'u’, Mangere
8. Energy and Waste
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. Putting carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere is using air as a rubbish dump.
Actions:
Check out your „Waste Stream‟ - an „observational‟ approach with easy check
list for reviewing use of paper and cardboard, plastics, bottles and cans,
polystyrene and food – go to www.greenfaith.org
Since the visit of James Hansen in June, the slogan „Keep the Coal in the Hole‟
is in the climate headlines. Information and sign up to „Keep the Coal in the
Hole‟! - go to coalactionnetworkaotearoa.wordpress.com/downloads/
The Coal Action Network proposes that current mines could continue and that
there be a ban on new coal mines, with a view to phasing out coal production in
NZ. Solid Energy mines most of the 5megatonnes of coal per year in New
Zealand. The Coal Coalition suggests Solid Energy becoming a renewable
energy company focusing on solar, wood pellets and biodiesel.
9. Transport
Can you use trains and buses?
Can you share rides/carpool - or
just enjoy a walk?
Are there ways your parish can support reductions in petrol use?
(The DVD tells a story of the Petone parish joining up their morning and
afternoon services so that people make one trip instead of two).
Question
What would you think about a law to use public transport for 50% of your travel, or
going back to weekly “car-less” days ?
10. Building Management
Management Committees of Churches and Social Services to consult with eco
Advisors on any church projects including
repairs, restoration and building and ensure
that all buildings meet optimum
environmental and energy saving standards.
See environmental Plan, Methodist Church
Britain. www.methodist.org.uk
Actions:
For a Parish Council meeting or an
organizational management meeting
schedule 30 minutes to walk around the
building and grounds. Note how land is used, whether there could be new uses
or planting, and what improvements can be made to reduce energy and waste.
Decide on 2 follow up actions.
Eco Design Advisors are available in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Western
Bay of Plenty, Kapiti Coast, Hutt and Nelson www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz
Google NZ City Council Advisors (with Sustainability or Eco) to find your local
advisors.
Ecosmart. An Auckland Council initiative to support more environmentally
sustainable operations, including use of energy and water. Seminars are held
periodically. www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Question:
What steps can we take towards meeting environmental and energy saving standards
in our Building Management?
Acknowledgements:
MMA Lifewise, Auckland
Mark Gibson, River of Life, Christchurch Uhl C. (2004) Developing Ecological Consciousness, Roman & Littlefield, USA,
GreenCom (2002) Learning About Climate Change. Jacana. Durban.
Events / Actions for Young People and Adults
Information Contact details
Do you know your neighbours? Lifewise
Street and neighbourhood development offers exciting
ways of enabling amazing community change... often
starting with one person meeting their neighbours!
www.neighboursday.org.nz
Rebecca Harrington
Regeneration: a youth network for people who are on
sustainability pathways. See video clips of the 2011
Regeneration road trip http://www.regeneration.org.nz/
Registrations are open for Summer Jam at Tauhara, Taupo,
January 2012.
Billy Matheson
Project Co-Convener
021-688-770
Charter for Human Responsability
Create a Charter for your Parish. Here are examples of a
Charter for Responsibility and
„Lets Take Care of the Planet‟ Youth Charter created by
young people, including New Zealanders, in Brazil.
www.methodist.org.nz/public_questions_network>
350.Org ‘Building a Global Movement to Stop the
Climate Crisis’.
Scientists say that 350 parts per million of CO2 in the
atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. We are now at
391.
Campaigns include the „Occupy‟ movement.
http://www.350.org/occupy
Aaron Packard
Contact – through website
Youth Challenge with Christian World Service:
Live Below the Line on $2.25 per day.
Supporting poverty reduction by living on $2.25 per day
for a week. Devashini Devandandan did it. Join in with her
next time. See her story on
http://www.methodist.org.nz/public_questions_network>
and < www.cws.org.nz>
Inquiries
Closer Together Whakatata Mai – reducing
inequalities. Sign up to reduce inequality in Aotearoa
„It‟s not about you or me, it‟s about YOU AND ME!‟.
www.closertogether.org.nz
Paul Barber
Inspiring Communities grows
the recognition, understanding and practice of
community-led development and promote the difference it
makes in Aotearoa-NZ.
www.inspiringcommunities.org.nz/home
Megan Courtney
03 545 2056 / 027 678 8622
Resources
Strong Sustainability for New Zealand. Principles and Scenarios (Sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand (SANZ)
http://nz.phase2.org/strong-sustainability-for-new-zealand
What will New Zealand be like in a Post Treaty Settlement Future? Papers on population changes, Māori
representation, co-management, the effects of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples,
etc. http://posttreatysettlements.org.nz/
David Suzuki Foundation. Videos on: State of the Oceans, Declaration of Interdependence (with sign
option), How you spend your dollars. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/
Check at Epworth Books http://www.epworthbooks.org.nz/
The Legacy by David Suzuki. Allen & Unwin Pty.
Thriving Beyond Sustainability: Pathways to a Resilient Society By - Andres R. Edwards. Perseus Books Group
Christians and the Common Good: How Faith Intersects with Public Life. Charles Gutenson
The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation – Richard Bauckham (2010)
Jesus is the Wisdom of God – an ecological theology – Dennis Edwards
Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture – an Agrarian reading of the Bible – Ellen F. Davis (2009)
Living with the animals – the community of God’s creatures – Charles Birch & Lukas Vischer (1997)
Deep Economy – Bill McKibben
A Place on Earth (2007) by Wendell Berry. Counterpoint.
Leavings. (2009) Poems by Wendell Berry . Counterpoint.
Carbon Neutral by 2020 (2007). Niki Harre and Quentin Atkinson examine how New Zealanders can tackle
climate change. Craig Potton Publishing.
Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Karen Armstrong. Knopf Doubleday
Developing Ecological Consciousness (2004) C. Uhl Roman & Littlefield, USA,
– Youth
Grandad's Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood.
A teachers resource for youth education:
http://www.epworthbooks.org.nz/CRE/CRE_images/Outline_for_schools_Trek_Green_Part_2.pdf
DVD – Stewardship of Creation:
Produced by: Betsan Martin Methodist Public Questions Email: [email protected] Ph: (04) 473 2627 Mob: 021 388 337 PO Box 12-090, Thorndon, Wellington 6144