Earth Ministry 350.org Gathering: Food, Climate Change, and the Church
On October 24, 2009, people around the world gathered for a day of climate change action and awareness. Earth Ministry members and colleagues came together to learn about and discuss the intimate links between the food we eat, climate change, and the role faith communities play in protecting and preserving our beautiful Earth through thoughtful food choices.
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand. Its mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet. On October 24, 2009, Earth Ministry joined with thousands of organizations around the world for a day of climate change action and awareness by hosting a gathering to examine the links between food, climate change, and the church.
The day's events included
- An official introduction to Caring for All Creation: At the Table, an
- An interactive presentation about the link between climate change and our food production, transportation, and consumption
- The inspirational story of CleanGreens Farm & Market from founder Rev. Jeffrey, who spoke about the importance of ensuring fresh, local food for residents of Seattle's low-income communities
- An opportunity to share with one another about the successes and challenges of stewarding God's creation in our home churches, as well as learn more about the Earth Ministry's Greening Congregations program and ministry
The day concluded with a potluck lunch of foods produced within 350 miles of colleague's homes which included delicious artisan breads and gourmet cheeses from local farmers markets, apples and apple cider from eastern Washington, a variety of homemade squash soups, and fresh salads made from backyard gardens. Participants were then invited to the base of the Space Needle where hundreds of people from organizations from around the city gathered to form the outline of the number "350" for an aerial photograph.
