A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with DISCOMFORT...
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with ANGER...
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with TEARS...
To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to JOY.

And may God bless you with enough FOOLISHNESS...
To believe that you can make a difference in this world,
So that you can DO what others claim cannot be done.

Amen

Peace, Environment & Justice

The Peace, Environment & Social Justice Committee grew out of the "Living the Questions" study group which met in the fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008. The purpose of the team is education and advocacy. Their mission is to educate the congregation and community about today's social issues and advocate for justice, peace, and the care of God's creation. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS GROUP. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH TO JOIN.

The goals of the group include:

  • Implementing quarterly programs of community outreach to discuss current topics of interest
  • Offering opportunities to support peace and justice activities
  • Understanding the place of environmental stewardship in our faith and educating the church family and community regarding environmental concerns and ways to decrease our carbon footprint 
  • Investigating the process for becoming an open and accepting church

Over the last year, the committee has hosted a series of Friday Night Forums that focused on specific environmental and social issues, supported a church-wide recycling project, provided manpower to the City of Costa Mesa for the city's Arbor Day tree-planting event, sponsored a presentation by the League of Women Voters prior to 2008 fall elections, and explored the issue of homosexuality and the church.
 


Green Tip of the Month:
Be Water Wise

Our ocean is our life, and we want toprotect it. Most people do not know it is the small changes that make the biggestimpacts. Simple shifts in maintenance practices can greatly influence the amount and type of pollution entering our water systems.

Creating an ocean friendly garden is an entire process from design and construction to maintenance and rejuvenation. Here are a few maintenance suggestions that will reduce the quantity of water runoff while increasing its quality.

  • Avoid blowers
  • Sweep or vacuum
  • Rake less meticulously
  • Aerate
  • Clean out roof gutters and drain systems
  • Fix rills and gullies