The past little while we have had sporadic Catalyst sessions. Whenever we are in Ottawa for Sunday morning service, we have Catalyst.  The last time we had Catalyst was November 2, 2008. We have been continuing the Social Justice series, here was my last post on those sessions.

What we were also working on at the conclusion of the “God is Green” series was a proposal to the Board of Directors of the church.  We had planned for having it in place for the board meeting in September.  However, we did not meet that goal.  So, we are still working behind the scenes with some of the members of Catalyst to get this proposal together.  Hopefully, in the next while we will have the all the information we need to make it more of a formal proposal.  Then we can submit to the board and go from there.

Tags: Catalyst, God is Green, Social Justice, proposal

This past weekend, Catalyst was back on after a 3 week break. We had a member of the Board of Directors attend Catalyst this weekend. The group presented a draft proposal to the board to get some feedback before formalizing it.

The proposal on taking the first steps in becoming more aware of being good stewards of God’s creation. Taking it “green” from our “God is Green” series. The feedback was very good, and positive. They have to revamp some of the items and have some concrete examples to help their case.

In the next week, I will be delegating some of the tasks to various members.

I also got some feedback from the board member that put it in the ear of the board this week that a proposal was coming from Catalyst. There is a technicality that we have to meet in order for it to be a official recognized proposal that the board will address. This means that an official member of the church has to propose it. That is ok, we have a few “official members” and they will do the submitting to the board.

I will post some more develops and also a copy of the full proposal that Catalyst makes. One thing that was noted to Catalyst, it is one thing to submit the proposal but you have to be willing to back it with actions. Good stuff.

This past weekend we had another session for Catalyst.  I was a little worried that we were going to be kept in the main session again because it was Seniors Day, and there was a special speaker. Usually that is the common practice.  The reason I was worried was that it has been a couple of weeks that we had Catalyst.  Also, if we didn’t have a session it was looking like possibly another 2-3 weeks that we would have a one, because of Father’s Day and Foreign Missions Day.  Pastor Hanscom though did give us the go for Catalyst during the service.

This allowed us to complete the rough notes for the proposal that is being put together by Catalyst for the Board of Directors.  There are two members of Catalyst that are going to work on putting together the proposal and then in a few weeks we are going to have one of the Board Members attend Catalyst and then they will present the proposal.  How we came to the rough notes was based on everything we have done in the “God is Green” series. 

I can’t wait until I get the first draft to review with Catalyst member.

There were a few interesting things that occurred in this session:

1. One of the members came with some information that could be used for the proposal on how one can calculate the carbon foot print of the church.  It was thought that maybe biannually this could be done to determine how as a church we are doing, are we progressing or digressing as good stewards of God’s creation.

2. Another member had remembered that I was mentioning about the LEED certifications for building/construction.  So they Google’ed the term, did some research and thought that would be something that would be an excellent example to set in the community as the church looks to expansion and/or build and/or retro fit an existing building etc.

Tags: Catayst, Board of Directors, God is Green, proposal, LEED, carbon footprint

If you notice in the title of this post, the "Week 18".  That comes from the following ISO standard calendar format to better title the recaps of Catalyst.

This past weekend we had a very low attendance in Catalyst.  It was also a entire different attendance from the last week.  Which makes it difficult in connecting each together in a series, because they cannot connect the dots together from the past weeks. 

I spoke to those in Catalyst in the "God is Green" series on our "Obligation to Nonexistent Future People".

It is a time for a change, a change away from thinking that the bottom line is the underlying be all and end all. I won’t get into all the in’s and out’s of globalization, deregulation etc and how that plays into this unsustainable road we have been on.  However, things must change. 

We need to switch to a more sustainable way of living. We need to be concerned in what we are leaving to not only our children and grandchildren but also those that are not yet born.  In the setting of Catalyst, since they have no children of their own, this particular topic was important to show them that when we talk about the sanctity of life, we should also include those that are not yet born. That requires change.

We have a responsibility to make sure we are good stewards of God’s creation.  So that we are not damaging it even more, and creating a crisis for those not yet born to live in.  It takes simple steps to start, and as we make those, we begin to make a difference.  We need to consume less, and become more self-sufficient.

There is a better story for us to live by. 

In the next couple of weeks, Catalyst will be putting together a proposal to the Board of Directors of Calvary Church.  This proposal will be to make some changes locally in our church in regards to becoming better stewards of God’s creation at Calvary Church. 

Also, with Catalyst, this week I am going to be putting together a survey to send out to all the Catalyst Facebook Group members to complete.  The survey will be to gather some feedback on Catalyst.  I will use SurveyMonkey for it.

This past weekend in Catalyst we didn’t have as large of a turnout as usual.  Every once in while we have one of these weeks.  Hopefully, this up coming weekend the turnout is bigger.  That being said, there were a couple people in attendance that have only recently started being in out sessions, so that was good.

As we are nearing the end of our series on "God is Green" this past session was focusing on a list of things that we can do to be better stewards of God’s creation. We talked about the following items in our homes, with a statement about each (not the full explanation of each item):

- Refrigerators - to save power turn off the ice maker.  Mine there was a switch in the freezer to turn it off.
- Lighting - switch to CFL, see list below on types of bulbs and the light they give off.
- TV - LCD uses the least power  Attach to a power strip or switched outlet to make sure there is no phantom load drawing a current.  (Hint: if there is a remote, TV continues to draw power).  Do not fall asleep with the TV on.
- Audio Equipment - again phantom power is a issue here, see above.
- Dryers - use clotheslines as much as possible.  Even in winter, helps with humidity levels and that means a healthier home.
- Microwaves - Efficient way to cook. Use to precook food as well.
- Computers - Use sleep mode, turn off when not using. Laptop is more efficient then desktop. Turn printers off when not using.
- Stoves - Try using other appliances when possible; microwave or toaster oven. Use the right size burner for the pots.  Do not use max for everything.
- Pools - Try to have a multiple speed pump.  Solar power ionization technology. Put the electrical equipment on a timer. If you need a heater, get the solar heaters for the water.

Had a list of things that we could go without,

- lava lamps, multiple clocks, electric air freshners, coffee warmers, electric toothbrushes, etc…

Here is a list of 50 Tips from Serve God Save the Planet

When talking about CFLs the following comment is common, "Don’t like them they give off a yellow light".  Or at least it is a comment I have heard a bunch of times.  The reason, the wrong type of bulb is used.  Here is a guide:

- Bulbs labelled "soft white" generally have the same light as incandescent.
- "Warm White" - have a yellow light complimenting warmer colors in the room.
- "Cool White" - have a blue hue to the light
- "Daylight" CFLs - close to natural light
- If eyestrain is an issue, reading lamps etc, consider "daylight" CFLs.

Tags: CFL, God is Green, Green, environment, Catalyst, lights, appliances, Server God Save the Planet, pools, stoves, computers, microwaves, dryers, refrigerator, TV

This past weekend I spoke in Catalyst.  It has been awhile since I spoke in Catalyst as we have been going through the "Planet in Peril" documentary from CNN. I spoke on Power and Light in the "God is Green" series. It was a good session, I talked about how much consumption of power that we do, and how to measure that consumption.  I gave some tips on how to reduce that consumption and noted that even with all new renewable types of energy, it will take efficiency and conservation of energy to make a positive impact on the environment.  It cannot be just the renewable energy sources.  So, it will take people…..people being good stewards of the creation.

I noted a few examples here in Ottawa of initiatives to use methane gas for energy. 

1. Waste Management - news article
2. Plasco Energy Plasma Gasification Plant - wikipedia article

I also talked about how just this past week, Ontario Premier Dalton McGunity had removed the ban on outdoor clotheslines in suburbs.

As per the norm in Catalyst, there were lots of good questions as I spoke.  There will be 2-3 more sessions that I will speak on in the series, then we will be putting together the proposal to the Board of Directors.

Tags: CNN, Planet in Peril, God is Green, Catalyst, energy, power and light, power, light, Dalton McGuinty, Plasco Energy, Waste Management, renewable energy, energy efficiency

This past Sunday we completed (finally!) the last part of CNN’s Planet In Peril. There were 22+ people in Catalyst this week, and there were a few members missing.  We typically have about half that amount, we never seem to have everyone there all at once. Everyone seemed to be engaged in the film, they even clapped at the end.  Then I gave a bit of a summary and connected the film back into scripture and why we are doing this "God is Green" series. Especially since we had some new people in the session.  This opened up a few questions and we spent about 15 minutes answering those. 

The question that stuck out to me was along the lines of, is this going to take government mandate or grassroots efforts of people?

One comment that stuck out as well was that CNN didn’t provide the solutions to the problems and what needs to be done. Most of those in the session thought that was good, because the film was more about informing everyone of the issues and how they are all interconnected, and it then leaves it to the viewer to take action on the issues. 

Overall, good sessions we had with Planet In Peril.  Next week, I will be speaking on "Power and Light" in this series. 

This past weekend I thought we had a session for Catalyst. I sent the invite out in our Facebook group.  However, I didn’t realize that this Sunday was an appreciation for the Sr Pastor.  So, due to the length of the ceremony, there was not enough time remaining for us to be dismissed for Catalyst. So there is not too much of a recap. It was an interesting morning even though we didn’t meet.  After the service was completed, there were a few comments that came my way about Catalyst, that I figured I would share.

A couple of the members of Catalyst said, that there were really hoping that we were going to have our session this week.  They said, that they thought the series has been very interesting, and the use of the CNN film "Planet in Peril" very effective. This was from both someone that attends each week, and someone that has only been once.

A father of one of the young ladies that attends Catalyst came over and said that his daughter has been talking up Catalyst at home.  He said, that she has been telling him she likes the format, and the way I have been presenting.  Always nice to get some good feedback on how it is going.

About four of the guys from Catalyst were telling me about how they spent Earth Hour.  One of the young guys said that he and his parents were sitting in their apartment in candle light, he said they all enjoyed themselves just sitting around talking. They all said that they participated in the event because of what we have been talking about in Catalyst.

This past weekend we continued the CNN show, "Planet In Peril" as part of the God is Green series. We have about 30 minutes left in Part 2.  The major portion that we viewed this weekend was dealing with deforestation of the Amazon Rain Forest, and the disappearing of Lake Chad in Africa.

The story of Sister Dorothy Stang that was murdered in Brazil because she was opposing ranchers and loggers was a very interesting part, and got everyone’s attention.  Also, because this portion of the show talked of the importance of what the rainforest means to our planet that God created.

At the end of this week’s session, there were lots of questions due to what we watched.  Very good questions and small discussions.

Tags: CNN, Planet_In_Peril, God_Is_Green, Lake_Chad, Africa, Amazon_Rainforest, Dorothy_Stand, Brazil, deforestation

This past weekend, after a week off, for the "God is Green" series we started Part 2 of the CNN documentary, "Planet in Peril." The response to the show has been really good. The way this show is done really makes it affective, each segment is joined together as being a ripple effect.  Everything being connected.  The part with the South Pacific island, population of around 2000 that is disappearing, and everyone is going to be moved off for safety reasons was very impactful. This was connected to the melting of Greenland, the coral reef that protects the island that is dying, and the natural sinking of the island.  Those are the causes, but the affect is the island will be gone, and the people will need to move somewhere else, and alter their way of life.  Next week there will be no Catalyst as I will be on vacation, the following week we will be finishing this show when it continues with the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.  Then I will be speaking on a few subjects to close this God is Green series out.

As part of the "God is Green" series, this past weekend we completed watching Part of the CNN show "Plant in Peril". The parts of the show in China and when Anderson Cooper gets his blood tested for chemicals were the two parts I noticed people really get into. After the class a few guys stayed back and asked some questions, that is always good.

I have been sick for the past couple of days with a bad head cold and flu, which is slowing me down in getting ready for this Sunday morning, where I am speaking in the main session in our church for the "E" part of the annual LIFE purpose series. 

Yesterday when preparing for Catalyst, I decided to change things up this morning.  I was going to, and sent out the notice in Facebook that I was going to be talking on "Power and Light" for the "God is Green" series.  Then I decided to rewatch CNN’s "Plant in Peril." After watching it again, it fit in exactly with the last few sessions. This morning we watching half of Part 1 of the 2 part series.  I been a short intro and then at the end of the session did a quick wrap-up to frame this show and why I decided to show it.  I really like how CNN produced this show, linking everything together the way they did, showing how things affect each other the way they do.  The affects of species lost in Madagascar to the removal of the Gray Wolf in Yellowstone, and how things that maybe easy to say "not a big deal" have different ramifications. The show said things like, "technology will not fix everything," and "we are "disrupting the natural order of things."  I link that back to creation and how amazingly God put all creation together. God’s design of how things would all be interconnected is amazing and when we try to control that and not steward it correctly and "dominate" creation we see the results.

The next couple of days I will be going to an outdoor winter school trip with my son’s school.  Blogging might not be possible as not sure if there is Internet where we are going.  We will be lots of outdoor winter activities such as snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. 

Tags: Plant_In_Peril, Green, God_is_Green, CNN, Catalyst

This past Sunday we completed the session we started two weeks ago. This topic was an extension of the last one on "Too much Stuff."

In the session I spoke about how a lot of what we do here locally can have global impacts. Our societal demands for goods and services have far reaching affects in the global world, but locally we can do things that will help these problems around the world. 

Simple things that we may not realize can have big results, from recycling, precycling, and freecycling can help some of those pressures we put on the environment.  Precycling is thinking about the packaging of good before you buy.  Freecycling is giving things away that are no longer needed.

There is a need for us to reduce the amount of garbage we produce.  Two years ago, we used to put out 3 large garbage cans that could fit two garbage bags stuffed into them plus another bag.  Now we are down to less then one full can on most weeks.  We are also looking at ways to reduce the amount of recycling that we have to do, by stopping some junk mail and flyers arriving in our mailbox.  I want to start buying 100% post consumerable paper for my printer.

We are thinking about having our own vegetable garden in the back yard, that also goes along with our local produce purchasing from the farmers markets. 

This spring I will be getting my manual push lawn mower.  I will post the picture when I get it.

It requires sometimes a shift in your lifestyle, it takes longer to do some of these, but there are lots of benefits to the environment and also to your own self.

It was good session, and this coming weekend we continue.

Tags: God_Is_Green, Catalyst, recycling, freecycling, precycling, global_world

Here is a quick recap from this past weekend’s Catalyst Class. We continued the series, "God is Green." The topic was on "Too Much Stuff."

We talked about materialism, media and branding and how our culture just screams to buy more. Too consume more. We are tempted by every input. We are constantly told that we need the newest and latest, it is time to upgrade.  That we need that SUV, because of what we become when we are behind the wheel.

I then went onto to tell of how our family has went about getting rid of some of our stuff. Simplifying by having less. We went through all our stuff when we were moving and if we hadn’t used it for a year added it into our Moving Sale. We got rid of clothes that we never wore. Toys the kids didn’t play with anymore (they got their money for our trip to NYC @ Thanksgiving). I sold one of the two stereos I had. Movies and PS2 games that were collecting dust in the yard sale.

However this is not a one time thing. We are doing it continually.  We are currently looking a major change with our vehicle situation, for a couple of different reasons.

To be honest, we have had many people that have come into our home and commented on how clean or organized it is.  It has been simplified, and is not clutter with stuff. It creates a nice open feeling to the rooms as well. 

But how do you accomplish this, I said that it requires us to rethink about things. Not to think about how "people" or "culture" would like us to think. To not let branding determine what stuff we have, or how much stuff, or why we need stuff.

By going green, one of the simplest things we can do is simplify our lives and not have so much stuff.

Tags: God_is_Green, culture, media, Too_Much_Stuff, materialism, brands, branding

This past Sunday morning we had a lively, I mean lively session at Catalyst. In fact, I thought it was edging on losing control, as comments were flying between members. I will have to address this again next week to make sure the conversation continues to remain civil and respecting of all people in the room.  Not that there was an incident, but I was starting to wonder if it would progress there. 

That being said, it was good discussion as I spoke with some good interactivity. We talked about not just recognizing that there is a problem, and that are issues….but rather we need to put actions into motion.  We actually need to do something. Especially since we should be good stewards of God’s creation.

I mentioned the statistics of changing 5 of the most used light bulbs to CFLs.  If everyone in the USA did this (only had American stats), it would take 21 coal-fired plants offline tomorrow.  Easy and yet very significant. This would be a big impact to the health of many people, especially in urban areas. We have a responsibility as Christians to help abandoned, helpless, hurting, and dying people. We have to seek out ways to help, and put ourselves in a position to help.

We have to help our neighbors in this global world.  Look at the environmental issues out there, and let’s put ourselves in a position to help our glocal neighbors. Those less fortunate. This may require us to change our behavior.

Next week we are going to be tackling the issue of having "too much stuff".  Should be interesting.  I also have to get ready to speak in our Small Groups Leadership weekend.  More glocal stuff.

I have a few upcoming speaking sessions, this Sunday morning in Catalyst, and then next weekend both Catalyst and our annual Small Groups Leadership weekend. 

For the Small Groups weekend I am speaking in one session, the first one on the Saturday morning.  I am speaking on a subject as a lead in to an announcement/project being presented in the second session.  So that means I have to present in a way that does not overload. My title right now might be called, "A Flat World".  A play off the book by Thomas Friedman, "The World is Flat"….I have not read the book, but might reference its premise in my session. I have been asked not to go into specifics on my site yet about the project being presented to the leaders….so what I can say is that it has global aspects and I need to connect the local small group to the global action.  Interesting.

For Catalyst this weeked, I am continuing the "God is Green" series on a topic called, "Moving from Faith to Works".  This will be an interesting session as well. Here is a quote that I will be using….

"Energy — electricity, wood, coal, gasoline, propane, and oil — is like food. It is a blessing, and it sustains us. Our relationship to God’s gifts can be one of entitlement, ignorance, and gluttony or one praise, thanks, and temperance." (pg 75. "Serve God Save the Planet", Matthew Sleeth)

The next weekend the topic will be on "Too Much Stuff".

This past Sunday morning, the rumors were true….we had another session for Catalyst.  We picked up where we left off with the "God is Green" series.  To be honest, I felt my speaking was a little rusty, being at the end of the holiday season, no sessions for a month, and finishing up my two weeks of vacation from work. 

That being said, I felt the session went really well. It had some flow and interactiveness with those in attendance. The topic was, "The Earth is the Lord’s". I spoke on the fact that there is need for us to connect with creation because we are living in a man-made world and the world is making us sick/ill. The ancient scriptures talk about healing spiritually not about getting HDTV and 500 channels or getting the SUV. We can find God in His creation. Still waters, green pastures.

I challenged everyone to find a place that consists of only God made things and make a point of restoring our connection with God.

Now we have some in Catalyst that pretty much stay within the confines of the concrete jungle of the city. Even though Ottawa has a lot of green space within the city, they do not get to those places.  I challenged them to try to find one spot, even if they have to find a small patch and try to block out all "noise".  It might require shutting off the cell phone, blackberry, ipod etc.  I told the story of the last two nature walks I have taken….you find that when you are there you can feel the stress almost lift off of you.  A peace that you can connect with, when the "noise" is reduced/eliminated. You find something that you need. Behind that creation that you are going through, you find the Creator.

Tomorrow morning, we have another session for Catalyst scheduled, at least in Facebook we do.  Things can change in the morning once service starts, but I am looking forward to the sessions it has been a month since the last one.  I am picking back up the series, "God is Green" and I am speaking on fact that Earth is Gods.

When was the last time you were somewhere other then a "concrete jungle" and were able to take in creation? Well we talk about this tomorrow.  

Below is a picture from a local trail near Rockland that my wife and I took a walk through last weekend, and my daughter and I have walk through before as well.  Very nice forest.

                        

This up coming weekend it looks like we are back on the schedule for Catalyst.  That might depend on the Youth Christmas drama that had to be rescheduled; I still have to find out.  If we are on, I will speaking on the following topic for the "God is Green" series, "God’s Earth".  It will be a very interesting session.

I haven’t been blogging for the past few days, been concentrating on some things locally here rather then the blogsphere. My wife and I have been discussing something huge that will be life changing for the better.  It definitely fits into our personal journey as of late. However, I can’t share details or particulars in this space yet….still doing our preliminary research.  Very exciting.

(Edit: I had a spelling mistake in the title, "Greed" has been changed to "Green")

I have started watching a new show on BBC Canada. "It’s Not Easy Being Green". 

"The Strawbridge family are going green. They take on a 300-year-old farmhouse in Cornwall -with three acres of land, a leaky roof and no plumbing, electricity or home comfort in sight - with the aim of creating a greener living space."

Very interesting to see them go through this change in their lifestyle. It also is good for our current series in Catalyst series, "God is Green".

This past weekend we finally had Catalyst session.  It seems we have one session, then it is weeks before we have another. It makes it really hard to do series, rather then one of’s. With all the Christmas specials coming up, it looks like it may be a while before we are able to have another session.  I know those in Catalyst will likely prefer to have the session, but that is not in our control.  So we may have to lobby the Sr Pastor to possibly let us have a session before Christmas.

This weekend, I spoke about Creation Care in the "God is Green" series, this was a continuation from the last session we had. Here are some points I spoke on in regards to Christian’s responsibility in caring for creation:

Some people take the stance of "who cares, the rapture is going to happen"
        - The Bible does promise that the rapture will happen and that the earth will be renewed at some point in the                 future. However, that does not remove our current responsibility now.

Some people do not think they have to worry about the world’s problems.
        - Jesus instructs His believers to minister to the "least of these". Environmental issues and concerns are linked to             poverty, health and compassion.

Some people do not care because they think they will be dead before the oceans play out and the forests are all gone.
        - God’s concerns need to be our concerns, no matter what out age. God is very concerned about the next                     generations, and the unborn generations to come. And so should we.

Some people think they will be labeled as a "tree hugger" if they get involved in environment issues.  Or that people will think they are worshipping the creation vs. the Creator.
        - When Christians are involved in environmental issues and concerns it is not that we are worshipping the                       created things, it is the Creator behind His creation that we worship, because He is the creator. In a culture                that is so caught up in commercialism and materialism, we need to spend time reconnecting with the creator in             His creation. That might be walking through the woods, by the river, etc. Enjoying the creation.

Tags: God_Is_Green, creation, Catalyst, environment, Creation_Care

This past Sunday’s session for Catalyst was another good one. I spoke on the Christian’s responsibility for creation care. I got into my first point and that was it.  It sparked some immediate questions and discussions, which is good. We were really limited for time this week, which we are going to have to try to fix. We need more time if we are going to have elements of interactiveness.

We started talking about what dominion means in Genesis, when God gave responsibility to man. Dominion doesn’t mean we can neglect or destroy creation. The earth is ours, only while we are on it, but also that we have a responsibility to pass it on to future generations.

We had some differing opinions on what happens when animals become extinct, some in the sessions felt it was not a big deal to have urban sprawl, an over abundance of resources that are affecting major areas around us. Their thinking was there was nothing that we could do about it. I started to present a different perspective. Then we ran out of time.

This has been a great series so far, and from the looks of it, we will be going for a while in the "God is Green" series.

                                           

This past weekend was a pretty busy one around here. My parents came up this past weekend, as on Saturday, my wife had planned for another birthday party for me. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law came up the highway for Saturday afternoon. My sister and brother-in-law came over for a BBQ in the evening, and my friend Michel came over as well. Some others could not make it. But it was a good time by all. Michel and my brother-in-law talked about water for houses, drainage etc.

I received a few books from everyone, some gift cards, and a toaster oven. Thanks, wasn’t expecting anything.

The books I received were:

Catalyst this past Sunday morning was again, I good session. I spoke on Creation. I started by reading the summary of God’s Creation, Genesis 1, and a few scriptures into Chapter 2. Then we I just went with the flow of things, and had some questions as we went along, and answered those, about evolution, 24-days, gap theories, etc. Not being a scientist, I could answer only to my depth of knowledge. We talked about the term "race" and what that really means, I rather use the term "people groups". Used examples of different oppressions in history and why views like that tie into theories we talked about, one example was South Africa and apartheid.

I think it was a very good session to set the next few weeks up for "God is Green". I have not deciding what each session will cover right now…but next week will go into how as Christian we are responsible for caring for creation. Should be another good session.

This past Friday for Radiant Village, we were able to have an opportunity open up for us to setup a table to raise money for the Rwanda Clean Water Project. So this coming Saturday, we will be at the local Home Hardware in Rockland. The owner of the local Home Hardware thought this was a very good idea, and had no problems with our new Christian community setting up in his entrance way.

I am also staring to work on a website for Radiant Village, so people will be able to track what Radiant Village is and what we are up to. Stay tuned.

This week is pretty busy as well, General Leadership meeting tomorrow night, and I am meeting with one of the cell leaders for coffee prior. Then I am filling in for the Sr Pastor on Wednesday night for his mid-week Bible study.

Tags: Rockland, Books, Philip_Yancey, Birthday_Party, Catalyst, God_Is_Green, Leadership_Meeting, Rwanda_Clean_Water_Project, Creation

This past Sunday morning, instead of a session in the Catalyst room, we took a short road trip during the service time. A group of us went over to the Mer Bleue Forest trails. This was to intro into the next portion of the current series we are doing. This next portion of the series is called, "God is Green". Also, it was a suggested from last week’s discussion session we had.

The leaves had fallen, it was a little chilly, but it was a nice change to be able do something like this. It was a nice change of venue. We meant at the start of the trials, and I did a very brief intro to why we were there and to intro for the upcoming weeks when I will be speaking in Catalyst on "God is Green".

Some of the scriptures I used for this were:

Romans 1:20 - "From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing god."

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens tell the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship."

I Chronicles 29:11 - "Yours O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on Earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things."

Psalms 104:24 - "O Lord, what a variety of things you have made: In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures."

Colossians 1:14 - "He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together."

With that we then just proceeded to walk the trails and enjoy God’s creation as a group.

Here are some pictures

Right now I am looking into the first community project that Radiant Village can lead in our community.  We need to start with something that we can handle with the resources we have.  This means my family will be getting into the community to lead our community in raising money to provide clean water in Africa.

We have been discussing it somewhat today with what will be required. Now we got to put some plans together on how we can manage this. 

Looks like this coming weekend, Catalyst will be taking a short road trip Sunday morning. We will be leaving at 10am and returning at 11:45.  We are going to go to Mer Bleu Forest.  This will kick off the series, "God is Green". We will go through the trails, and at the end I will speak to intro this portion of the series.

Tags: Catalyst, God_is_Green, Mer_Bleue_Forest, Radiant_Village, Rwanda, clean_water, Africa