tagged w/ Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team
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Mark 16:15 John 1-5 Ephesians 1: 3-4 & 1: 9-10
(Valparaiso, Indiana) - Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana delivers a Sunday homily about “the major evils of today – genocide and ecocide” entitled “Repent or the Time is Near” on May 31, 2009 at the Union Community Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In this two part homily video series, Rev. Cairns discusses the “Cosmic Christ” and a related story in “The Lutheran” magazine by Elaine Siemsen, the United Nations definition of genocide, the loss of language and other heritages in Indigenous peoples like the American Indian, Ecocide, the acclaimed ABC News Special “Earth 2100” and how many experts believes the Earth and its inhabitants are facing the “the Sixth Great Extinction” of the world.
Cairns talks about the results of the American Museum of Natural History national survey on Ecocide that “reveals a biodiversity crisis” and is entitled “Scientific Experts Believe we are in the Midst of Fastest Mass Extinction in Earth's History: Crisis Poses Major Threat to Human Survival; Public Unaware of Danger”
With the statute of limitations up, Rev. Cairns confesses his childhood antics to prevent a highway construction project from ruining the woods in which he played - now an interstate freeway has “vaporized” those woods that meant so much to him while growing up.
The other homilies on Celtic Christianity take a look at several topics including the European roots of the Celts (primarily Scotland and Ireland) and how Earth-based cultures can impact the future of civilization including actively protecting the environment, respecting fellow humans, different cultures and nature.
Cairns works closely with Rev. Gregory Jones on several social fronts.
Rev. Jones is the pastor of the Union Community Church and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University.
Founded in 2007, The non-profit Turtle Island Project is known for its ongoing work with Native American issues and the other wing involves other Earth-based religions like the Celts. Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle Island Project.
Rev. Cairns continues to work closely with the foremost Celtic group in the world, the Iona Community in Scotland.
Celtic Christianity Today
www.celticchristianitytoday.org
youtube & bliptv:
http://celticchristianity.blip.tv
www.youtube.com/celticchristianity
Rev. George Cairns, Spirit Cafe blog, United Church of Christ
http://i.ucc.org/FeedYourSpirit/SpiritCafe/CafeBlog/tabid/83/Default.aspx
Iona Community
www.iona.org.uk
www.isle-of-iona.com
www.iona-nwf.org/links.htm
Union Community Church, Valparaiso, IN
http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com
Rev. Gregory Jones, Theology Department Valparaiso University
www.valpo.edu/theology/faculty/gregoryjones.php
http://faculty.valpo.edu/gjones
The Lutheran Magazine: Who is the Cosmic Christ? By Elaine Siemsen
www.thelutheran.org/article/article_buy.cfm?article_id=2696
United Nations: genocide
www.preventgenocide.org/genocide/officialtext.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocides_in_history
www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm
www.hawaii-nation.org/genocide.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide
Native American Genocide:
www.nemasys.com/ghostwolf/Native/genocide.shtml
www.exiledmothers.com/babies_taken_for_adoption/native_american_babies.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_death
www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/01/a-native-american-language-goe.html
Ecocide:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecocide
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1574160052/bookrags
American Museum of Natural History survey on Ecocide:
www.well.com/~davidu/amnh.html
www.well.com/~davidu/extinction.html
www.well.com/
www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/02/is-mass-species.html
ABC News Special “Earth 2100”
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Earth2100
Sixth Great Extinction:
http://rewilding.org/thesixthgreatextinction.htm
www.nerc.ac.uk/research/issues/biodiversity/sixth.asp
www.well.com/user/davidu/sixthextinction.htmlMark 16:15 John 1-5 Ephesians 1: 3-4 & 1: 9-10
(Valparaiso, Indiana) - Rev. Dr.... more
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(Valparaiso, Indiana) - Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana delivers a Sunday homily about “the major evils of today – genocide and ecocide” entitled “Repent or the Time is Near” on May 31, 2009 at the Union Community Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In this two part homily video series, Rev. Cairns discusses the “Cosmic Christ” and a related story in “The Lutheran” magazine by Elaine Siemsen, the United Nations definition of genocide, the loss of language and other heritages in Indigenous peoples like the American Indian, Ecocide, the acclaimed ABC News Special “Earth 2100” and how many experts believes the Earth and its inhabitants are facing the “the Sixth Great Extinction” of the world.
Cairns talks about the results of the American Museum of Natural History national survey on Ecocide that “reveals a biodiversity crisis” and is entitled “Scientific Experts Believe we are in the Midst of Fastest Mass Extinction in Earth's History: Crisis Poses Major Threat to Human Survival; Public Unaware of Danger”
With the statute of limitations up, Rev. Cairns confesses his childhood antics to prevent a highway construction project from ruining the woods in which he played - now an interstate freeway has “vaporized” those woods that meant so much to him while growing up.
The other homilies on Celtic Christianity take a look at several topics including the European roots of the Celts (primarily Scotland and Ireland) and how Earth-based cultures can impact the future of civilization including actively protecting the environment, respecting fellow humans, different cultures and nature.
Cairns works closely with Rev. Gregory Jones on several social fronts.
Rev. Jones is the pastor of the Union Community Church and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University.
Founded in 2007, The non-profit Turtle Island Project is known for its ongoing work with Native American issues and the other wing involves other Earth-based religions like the Celts. Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle Island Project.
Rev. Cairns continues to work closely with the foremost Celtic group in the world, the Iona Community in Scotland.
Celtic Christianity Today
http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org
youtube & bliptv:
http://celticchristianity.blip.tv
www.youtube.com/celticchristianity
Rev. George Cairns, Spirit Cafe blog, United Church of Christ
http://i.ucc.org/FeedYourSpirit/SpiritCafe/CafeBlog/tabid/83/Default.aspx
Iona Community, Scotland
www.iona.org.uk
www.isle-of-iona.com
www.iona-nwf.org/links.htm
Union Community Church, Valparaiso, IN
http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com
Rev. Gregory Jones, Theology Department at Valparaiso University
www.valpo.edu/theology/faculty/gregoryjones.php
http://faculty.valpo.edu/gjones
The Lutheran Magazine: Who is the Cosmic Christ? By Elaine Siemsen
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article_buy.cfm?article_id=2696
United Nations: genocide
www.preventgenocide.org/genocide/officialtext.htm
www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm
www.hawaii-nation.org/genocide.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide
Native American Genocide – then and now:
www.unitednativeamerica.com/aiholocaust.html
www.nemasys.com/ghostwolf/Native/genocide.shtml
www.exiledmothers.com/babies_taken_for_adoption/native_american_babies.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_death
www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/01/a-native-american-language-goe.html
Ecocide:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecocide
American Museum of Natural History survey on Ecocide:
http://www.well.com/~davidu/amnh.html
http://www.well.com/~davidu/extinction.html
http://www.well.com/
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/02/is-mass-species.html
ABC News Special “Earth 2100”
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Earth2100
The Sixth Great Extinction:
http://rewilding.org/thesixthgreatextinction.htm
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/issues/biodiversity/sixth.asp
http://www.well.com/user/davidu/sixthextinction.html(Valparaiso, Indiana) - Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana delivers a... more
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This is the sixth of seven EarthKeeper columns being printed in northern Michigan newspapers about the planting of 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula.
The column was written by Catholic EarthKeeper member Kyra Fillmore, who fills numerous vital roles in all EarthKeeper Projects.
During the first two week of May 2009, over 12,000 trees were planted across the U.P. thanks to thousands of northern Michigan residents from over 100 churches and temples.
Officially called the EarthKeeper "communications coordinator for faith communities," Kyra Fillmore organized the distribution of the 12,000 trees to the 100 churches and temples. This was not an easy task.
With three young children vying for her attention, Kyra stayed calm as her phone rang off the hook each day for weeks. Kyra's children helped plant some of the trees and she made sure they were always first.
Her husband, Tim, was supportive and kept his cool even though their home must not have had a quiet moment for several weeks. Krya will tell you her faith gave her the strength to take care of a family and a huge project.
The project ran smoothly because of Kyra's ability to juggle 12,004 things at one time.
Thank you Kyra!This is the sixth of seven EarthKeeper columns being printed in northern Michigan... more
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This is the fifth of seven EarthKeeper columns being printed in northern Michigan newspapers about the planting of 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula.
This link is to the Mining Journal, the daily paper in Marquette, MI.
The trees were planted during the first two weeks of May 2009
The author is Rev. Jon Magnuson, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder, campus pastor for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University and the executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI.
The EarthKeeper columns and news stories appeared in numerous U.P. newspapers including the Marquette Mining Journal, the Escanaba Daily Press, the Iron Mountain Daily News, the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette, the St. Ignace News, the Marquette Monthly and the Ironwood Daily Globe.This is the fifth of seven EarthKeeper columns being printed in northern Michigan... more
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Presbyterian EarthKeeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township in Delta County writes the fourth of seven columns about the environment and the interfaith Upper Peninsula (U.P.) EarthKeeper Tree Project that planted 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula in early May 2009.
The EarthKeeper columns and news stories appeared in numerous U.P. newspapers including the Marquette Mining Journal, the Escanaba Daily Press, the Iron Mountain Daily News, the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette, the St. Ignace News, the Marquette Monthly and the Ironwood Daily Globe.
Jill Martin is a Presbyterian EarthKeeper team member, an environmental scientist with Wilcox Professional Services in Escanaba and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.Presbyterian EarthKeeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township in Delta County writes the... more
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Marquette, Michigan – During the first two weeks of May 2009, over 12,000 trees have been planted the interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team across a 400 miles area of northern Michigan and in Minocqua, Wisconsin thanks to volunteers at over 100 churches and temples.
The trees were planted near homes, camps, churchyards, schools, parks and many other places by thousands of volunteers from ten faith traditions.
Children of all ages helped make the project a success and underscored why its important to protect the environment - it's their future at stake.
The EarthKeepers handed out over 12,000 red pine and white spruce seedlings at over 100 churches and temples across northern Michigan.
This video details some of the planting, distribution and preparation for the 209 EarthKeeper Tree Project that started on Earth Day 2009 with the planting of a three-foot white spruce at Presque Isle Park along Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan. Bishops and other EarthKeeper faith leaders blessed the tree as it was planted on a wooded hillside one day after a snowstorm.
In previous projects, the EarthKeeper Initiative has removed nearly 400 tons of hazardous waste from the environment - most of which was recycled - and involves the congregations of over 150 churches/temples from ten faith traditions in 50 communities, American Indian tribes, college students and other youth.
The EarthKeepers were founded in 1994 by Rev. Jon Magnuson, executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette and Carl Lindquist, executive director of the Superior Watershed Partnership.
In 2004, the bishops and other faith leaders signed the original EarthKeeper Covenant - pledging to actively protect the environment and reach out to Native Americans. The religious communities include Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddhist and the Quakers.
The group teams with Native American tribes including the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). Another major partner is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sent representatives to the collections
From 2005-2007, the group of adults and youth held an annual EarthKeeper Clean Sweep each Earth Day during which over 20,000 northern Michigan residents turned in household hazardous waste at 20 free collections sites across a 400-mile area involving all corners of the pristine Upper Peninsula.
With a message of encouragement from their faith leaders, enthusiastic congregations turned out during three-hour collections:
In 2005, over 45 tons of pesticides, herbicides, lead-based paint, batteries and many other hazardous substances from northern Michigan homes was turned in by residents during the first clean sweep. Partners included landfills and local governments.
In 2006, over 320 tons of electronic waste was collected including computers, keyboards, hard drives, other computer related components, televisions and cell phones. Nine semi-trucks transported the vast majority of the electronics to a recycler in the Lower Peninsula.
In 2007, over one ton of pharmaceuticals was turned in including more than $500,000 in dangerous narcotics. Pharmacists and law enforcement agencies were among the clean sweep partners and staffed each of the collection sites as required by federal law. The drugs were properly disposed in high-tech EPA-approved incinerators.
In 2006, the faith leaders and the head of the KBIC tribe gathered for a news conference with college students to announce the creation of the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student team. It was the first time these bishops and other faith leaders had been in the same room and many met for the first time.
http://www.upearthkeepers.org
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.orgMarquette, Michigan – During the first two weeks of May 2009, over 12,000 trees have... more
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It's Underway Update: Upper Peninsula rainbow marks kickoff of northern Michigan interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project
It's Happening! And it's colorful!
(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) - Across northern Michigan, volunteers on Thursday began bagging 12,000 trees that will be planted in all corners of the Upper Peninsula this weekend by 100 churches and temples from ten faith traditions.
In Sagola, Michigan, a rainbow appeared over the Grace Presbyterian Church as about 30 EarthKeeper volunteers spent three hours bagging 1,500 seedlings.
The trees were blessed by Rev. David Anderson and then prepared to be delivered or picked up by seven other churches including Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and a non-EarthKeeper but welcomed congregation - the Mission Covenant Church in Foster City.
Volunteers in Sagola included Marie Anderson, Sue Piasini, Gabriella Schultz, age 3; Chrissy Pringle, Brooke Hesse, Yvonne Schultz, Mary Schuteman, Jeff and Shelia Mott and their children Celia and Medoria Mott; Kassandra Donaldson, Mary Brault, Mara Smith, age 11 and Cameron Schultz, age 6.
Volunteers from the Presbyterian and United Methodist churches in Delta County separated and bagged 1,000 trees on Thursday (April 30) at the Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Bagging was also underway in Marquette and numerous other locations.
Among those bagging trees were First Presbyterian Church members Kathy Christiansen and Jill Martin, plus Central United Methodist Church members Lois Nordin, Rocky Blixt, Bron Harmon, Cat Lindberg and Pat Rogers; all are Escanaba area residents.
Most of the 12,000 12 to 16 inch White Spruce and Red Pine seedlings in the EarthKeeper Tree Project will be planted on Sunday (May 3)
The EarthKeeper co-founders are Carl Lindquist, executive director of the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, and Rev. Jon Magnuson of Marquette, the campus pastor for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University and executive director of the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette.
The Earth Keeper Implementation Team co-chairs are Gail Griffith, who is a member of Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple.
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers) with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the NMU EK Student Team.
The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses.
Some groups and individuals have donated money to help the tree project including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Western U.P. Chapter 30918 in Ironwood, Michigan.
Experts say 12,000 mature trees absorb 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen to support 24,000 humans.
This is the fifth year that the U.P. EarthKeepers have launched an Earth Day environment project.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 U.P. residents turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P. Most of the items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being.
For details on the tree distribution call Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, the project faith community communications coordinator, 906-228-2388.
For tree planting information contact the SWP at 906-228-6095It's Underway Update: Upper Peninsula rainbow marks kickoff of northern Michigan... more
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First EarthKeeper High Def. Video
Marquette, MI - The Northern Michigan EarthKeepers will plant 12,000 trees in three hours this Sunday, May 3rd at thousands of locations across Michigan's Upper Peninsula including 100 churches and temples.
The trees will be distributed Saturday morning.
Bishops and leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities planted the first of 12,000 trees during an Earth Day 2009 ceremony on the shores of Lake Superior.
Standing on a hillside surrounded by huge pine trees two bishops and several other faith leaders blessed a three-foot native species white spruce tree and took turns putting shovels full of dirt into the hole.
Anticipating the cold April weather, organizers earlier decided to plant the rest of the trees on Sunday, May 3 when the weather is more appropriate for planting the 12,000 12-to-16-inch seedlings at numerous locations across northern Michigan including 100 churches and temples.
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers) with over 150 participating churches/temples, nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.
The concept of "EarthKeeping goes beyond the Upper Peninsula" because throughout the Great Lakes states "we're having a ripple effect" as people and groups "are replicating the work that the EarthKeepers have done here," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "They’re patterning their events after some of the successful programs we have had here."
Michigan faith leaders favor protecting the environment.
"This is very much a marvelous moment in the life of our work together as faith communities," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "This is another step in our interfaith work. We have found an expression of our faith in very, very hands-on work like this the EarthKeeping Tree Project."
All humans "are called to be steward's of God's creation and no matter what faith tradition we come from that responsibility lies with us human creatures," said Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander Sample.
"Those of us endowed with intelligence and with the ability to choose good and avoid evil," said Bishop Sample, who oversees 94 U.P. parishes and missions with 61,000 members.
Bishop Sample said the book of Revelations "speaks of the life-giving power of water and how the tree draws its life from the water." Bishop Sample said he grew up in the desert southwest and "didn't see a lot of water" or the "beauty of the forests and trees."
Sample said "I truly thought I had entered paradise" when his family moved to the Upper Peninsula at the age of 17.
"This whole movement has focused on how the faith communities can work together to preserve this great gift that we have here in the Upper Peninsula, this great watershed and it's wonderful combination of lakes and streams, and forests everywhere," said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas Skrenes.
"Trees cover the earth and trees are part of healing the earth," said Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members
The Earth Keeper's ten faith communities have "various ways of doing things and looking at life" but "come together for this important task," said United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant Lobb.
"We are glad to be part of EarthKeepers," said Lobb, whose district has 8,372 parishioners and 60 northern Michigan congregations.
Full story:
http://www.upearthkeepers.org
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.orgFirst EarthKeeper High Def. Video
Marquette, MI - The Northern Michigan... more
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For five years now the EarthKeepers have been setting environmental milestones. The figures are worth repeating because they set records not only in Michigan but across the country. In 2005, 45 tons of hazardous waste was collected in one day, in 2006 over 300 tons of electronic waste was collected in one day, in 2007 a ton of outdated medications was collected and in 2008 over three million pounds of carbon was reduced through voluntary energy conservation. The results include cleaner water, cleaner air and a safer environment. And who did all this? People of all ages from 150 EarthKeeper churches, representing ten different faiths, located in communities across the Upper Peninsula.
The EarthKeeper idea really started over five years ago during a long drive around Lake Superior. Afterwards, the Cedar Tree Institute in cooperation with the Superior Watershed Partnership captured the concept on paper. This agreement, called the EarthKeeper Covenant, stated that the signatories would make a commitment to help protect the unique environment of the northern Great Lakes. Signers now include the bishops and religious leaders from the following faith traditions; Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Buddhist, Jewish, Unitarian, Bahai and Quaker.
So, five years ago a document was signed but then what? How do you take the good intentions of so many people and turn them into actions? That is the real work and that is where the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) plays a vital role.
The SWP is a non-profit organization serving the Upper Peninsula with a staff of biologists, planners and educators who work to protect the watersheds and communities of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Beginning with the first EarthKeeper event the SWP has identified annual projects, secured funding, provided logistical support, coordinated trucks, filed permits, monitored progress and documented results for EarthKeeper initiatives. The results have been nothing short of staggering and state and federal agencies have taken notice. There has been a ripple effect throughout the Great Lake states!
In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency contacted the SWP requesting information on how to structure similarly successful community collections. The EPA then offered special grants for collections of e-waste and pharmaceuticals with many of the collections to take place on or around Earth Day just like EarthKeeper events. Surprisingly, most of the collections, even in large cities like Milwaukee, Chicago or Cleveland did not come anywhere close to the amounts collected by EarthKeepers! Even with a relatively sparse population (317,000) the Upper Peninsula has shown a stronger commitment to pollution prevention (by volume) than many major urban centers with millions of people. It should also be noted that the SWP has always encouraged public participation for EarthKeeper events. And all EarthKeeper events are free.
This year, EarthKeepers will be planting 12,000 native trees and once again, the benefits from this project will have a ripple effect far beyond the Upper Peninsula! Many people might wonder if we really need more trees here in the Upper Peninsula and the answer is a resounding; YES! Trees provide many benefits including preventing erosion, providing habitat, cooling streams and more but in these days of global climate change it is important to remember that trees also trap carbon. It is estimated that these 12,000 trees at maturity will capture over 3 million pounds of carbon annually. The old adage; Think Globally, Act Locally comes to mind.
In early May thousands of EarthKeepers and their children will be making a difference by the simple of act of planting a tree. The SWP would like to recognize our corporate partners who have donated trees including Holli Forest Products, Plum Creek, Forestland Group, Meisters and Thrivent.
Click on the above link to see the rest of the column.For five years now the EarthKeepers have been setting environmental milestones. The... more
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Marquette, MI - The bishops/leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities planted the first of 12,000 trees during an Earth Day ceremony on the shores of Lake Superior.
The Earth Day 2009 blessing of the trees ceremony was held on Presque Isle in Marquette.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander Sample said all humans "are called to be steward's of God's creation and no matter what faith tradition we come from that responsibility lies with us."
The EarthKeeper movement is "focused on how the faith communities can work together to preserve this great gift that we have here in the Upper Peninsula” and its lakes, streams and forests, said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes.
UMC Marquette District Supt. Grant R. Lobb said "planting a tree is a gift for the next generation and beyond that."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions ( Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church (UMC), Unitarian Universalist (UU), Baha'i, Zen Buddist, Quakers) with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the NMU EK Student Team.
Throughout the Great Lakes states, people and groups "are replicating the work that the EarthKeepers have done here," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director.
"This is very much a marvelous moment in the life of our work together as faith communities," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeepers co-founder.
The next day April 23, several faith leaders spoke about the project and protecting the environment to students at Northern Michigan University in the final of numerous "Sacred Planet" events on campus sponsored by the NMU EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.
On May 3, the 12,000 12-to-16-inch White Spruce and Red pine seedlings will be planted in all corners of the U.P. including at 100 churches and temples.
The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses, said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 U.P. residents turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at U.P. collection sites.
Some of the items were properly disposed but most was recycled including computers, cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced.
"The trees, in effect, will be planting us, said Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest for the Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple Lake Superior Zendo and EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair.
Baha'is believe that "nature is to be respected and protected as a divine trust for which we all answerable," said Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette.
Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan employees reflected on what the project would've meant to late Bishop James Kelsey, the first signer of the interfaith EarthKeeper Covenant, killed in a June 2007 traffic accident.
"He'd try to find a place for a tree in his own yard" plus at the Page Center and office, said Jane Cisluycis, EDNM Operations Coordinator.
Kelsey would be "pleased that the EarthKeepers are getting stronger and more people are getting involved," said Kathy Lenten, EDNM Ministry Support Team.
UU member Nancy Irish said "the image of people of all ages and faiths across the Upper Peninsula planting 12,000 trees in their respective sacred spaces is a most beautiful and fitting one."
Some groups and individuals have donated money to help the tree project including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Western U.P. Chapter 30918 in Ironwood, Michigan.Marquette, MI - The bishops/leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities... more
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WBUP TV story on interfaith EarthKeepers planting 12,000 Trees for Earth Day
The WBUP/WPKP Channel 5 & 10 news department in Marquette, Michigan helped promote the latest interfaith Earth Keepers Project.
The Upper Great Lakes News (UGN) Network did a story on Upper Peninsula Earth Keepers who will plant 12,000 trees across northern Michigan in honor of Earth Day 2009.
The story has an interview with Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair.
The Earth Keepers thank reporter Lindsey Cramer and the rest of the UGN Team.
WBUP/WBKP TV - UGN
http://www.tv5and10.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:wbkp-wbup.jpg
Lindsey Cramer
Lindsey at lscbc.com
Channel 10
WBUP-TV
(906)-225-5700
The public and media are invited to an Earth Day 2009 Blessing of the Trees planting ceremony with representatives of ten faith traditions at 3:30 p.m. on Wed., April 22 next to the Presque Isle pavilion in Marquette.
"The EarthKeeper project this year is one where people from across the U.P. will see tangible results of their earth stewardship," said Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "I hope that congregations involve their young people in their planning and planting."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team.
Founded in 2004, the EarthKeeper Covenant is signed by the bishops/leaders of ten faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddhist and the Quakers.
The trees "will be wrapped individually in a plastic bag with planting instructions,” said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "It's fun and it helps further our long term protection and restoration goals for local watersheds and the Great Lakes."
On Sat., May 2, participating churches and temples will pick up their trees at local conservation district offices and have been asked to bless the seedlings before planting at numerous locations Sun., May 3 assisted by the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team and other volunteers.
To request trees call Kyra Fillmore at 906-228-2388
The trees were purchased/donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses.
"Our interfaith tree planting effort is more than another conservation project," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "With prayers, hymns and the blessing of 12,000 seedlings, it's a gentle proclamation of a new consciousness and commitment among our faith communities to care for God's creation."
This is the fifth U.P. EarthKeepers environment project for Earth Day.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 people turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P. Most items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste like electronic waste like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced. In past projects, EarthKeepers partnered with numerous groups including the U.S. EPA and the Keweenaw Bay Indian community.
For tree info call the SWP at 906-228-6095
U.P. EarthKeeper Team:
http://www.upearthkeepers.org
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá'í Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website:
http://www.interfaithresources.com
1-800-326-1197
justice@special-ideas.comWBUP TV story on interfaith EarthKeepers planting 12,000 Trees for Earth Day
The... more
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Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers discussed the planting of 12,000 trees across northern Michigan for Earth Day 2009 during the live interview on WKQS Radio in Marquette, Michigan.
The interview was on WKQS in Marquette at 7:30 a.m. on Monday April 20, 2009
News Director and WKQS Sunny 102 morning drive co-host Walt Lindala interviewed Natasha Koss of the Superior Watershed Partnership & Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, EarthKeeper communications coordinator for faith communities, about the EarthKeeper Tree Project coming up in May to plant 12,000 trees around the U.P.
WKQS
http://broadcasteverywhere.com/marknwalt
The public and media are invited to an Earth Day 2009 Blessing of the Trees planting ceremony with representatives of ten faith traditions at 3:30 p.m. April 22 next to the Presque Isle pavilion in Marquette.
"The EarthKeeper project this year is one where people from across the U.P. will see tangible results of their earth stewardship," said Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "I hope that congregations involve their young people in their planning and planting."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team.
Founded in 2004, the EarthKeeper Covenant is signed by the bishops/leaders of ten faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddhist and the Quakers.
The trees "will be wrapped individually in a plastic bag with planting instructions,” said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "It's fun and it helps further our long term protection and restoration goals for local watersheds and the Great Lakes."
On May 2, participating churches and temples will pick up their trees at local conservation district offices and have been asked to bless the seedlings before planting at numerous locations Sun., May 3 assisted by the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team and other volunteers.
To request trees call Kyra Fillmore at 906-228-2388
The trees were purchased/donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses.
"Our interfaith tree planting effort is more than another conservation project," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "With prayers, hymns and the blessing of 12,000 seedlings, it's a gentle proclamation of a new consciousness and commitment among our faith communities to care for God's creation."
Those donating to the project include Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Western U.P. Chapter 30918 in Ironwood, MI
This is the fifth U.P. EarthKeepers environment project for Earth Day.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 people turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P. Most items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste like electronic waste like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced.
In past projects, EarthKeepers partnered with numerous groups including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Keweenaw Bay Indian community.
For tree planting info call the SWP at 906-228-6095
U.P. EarthKeeper Team:
http://www.upearthkeepers.org
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bahá'í Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website:
http://www.interfaithresources.comUpper Peninsula EarthKeepers discussed the planting of 12,000 trees across northern... more
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(Marquette, Michigan) - The Upper Peninsula interfaith EarthKeepers will create the equivalent of a forest across the Lake Superior basin for Earth Day 2009 as 12,000 trees are planted by about 100 churches and temples in northern Michigan.
"The EarthKeeper project this year is one where people from across the Upper Peninsula will see tangible results of their earth stewardship," said Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "I hope that congregations involve their young people in their planning and planting."
"Each year the staff at the Superior Watershed Partnership looks forward to helping the EarthKeepers coordinate an event," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "It's fun and it helps further our long term protection and restoration goals for local watersheds and the Great Lakes."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team.
Founded in 2004, the Earth Keeper Covenant has been signed by the bishops/leaders of ten faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist and the Lake Superior Friends (Quakers).
United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb said one tree provides many positive benefits like "improving air quality, stabilizing the soil, providing shade, and giving beauty to our sight."
An annual Jewish holiday celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees in Israel at the start of spring, said Dr. Constance Arnold, president of the board for Temple Beth Sholom.
"Tu B'Shvat is a very ancient holiday we observe yearly," said Arnold. "This is a reminder of the importance of trees."
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample said he encourages parishes "to participate fully in this EarthKeeper project."
Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes said "trees matter" and encouraged Sunday school classes, confirmation classes, men and women groups and others to plant as many trees as possible.
The connection between trees and a healthy world has long been taught in the Bahá'í Faith, said Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Marquette.
Clarken cited the works of well-known Bahá`í conservationist Richard St. Barbe Baker of England who is nicknamed the "Man of the Trees."
The head priest for Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple, said "we absolutely must care for mother earth."
"Human life, literally and figuratively, is inseparable from mother earth," said Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "We are inextricably threaded to her. In caring for her, we care for ourselves."
David McCowen, a member of Lake Superior Friends one of two Quaker groups in the U.P., said trees provide "wind breaks, wildlife habitat, fuel source, and a cellulose fiber source."
The EarthKeeper Tree Planting Project is "another opportunity to work cooperatively with God and nature to replenish the earth," said Pastor Dave Anderson of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola and chaplain for the Dickinson County Healthcare System.
Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC) celebrant coordinator Nancy Irish said planting trees is a "simple and meaningful way to put our environmental concern into action" because they "serve as lungs, shelter, inspiration, comfort, and sustenance for other living creatures."
Episcopal EarthKeeper team member Nancy Auer of Houghton, MI said there are good reasons to plant trees "in a region of the country known for trees" including minimizing the effects of logging.
"Our interfaith tree planting effort is more than another conservation project," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder.(Marquette, Michigan) - The Upper Peninsula interfaith EarthKeepers will create the... more
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EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson writes the first of seven columns in five northern Michigan newspapers asking people to respect the earth and promoting the planting of 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula by interfaith EarthKeepers.
Magnuson is the executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, Michigan and the campus pastor for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University.
This column appeared in the Mining Journal - the daily newspaper in Marquette, Michigan
After reading Rev. Magnuson's column please read these project details:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org/earth-day-2009.html
Planting 12,000 Trees: Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper team to plant a forest for Earth Day 2009
(Marquette, Michigan) - The Upper Peninsula interfaith EarthKeepers will create the equivalent of a forest across the Lake Superior basin for Earth Day 2009 as 12,000 trees are planted by about 100 churches and temples in northern Michigan.
"The EarthKeeper project this year is one where people from across the Upper Peninsula will see tangible results of their earth stewardship," said Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "I hope that congregations involve their young people in their planning and planting."
"Each year the staff at the Superior Watershed Partnership looks forward to helping the EarthKeepers coordinate an event," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "It's fun and it helps further our long term protection and restoration goals for local watersheds and the Great Lakes."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team.
Founded in 2004, the Earth Keeper Covenant has been signed by the bishops/leaders of ten faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist and the Lake Superior Friends (Quakers).
"Our interfaith tree planting effort is more than another conservation project," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "With prayers, hymns and the blessing of 12,000 seedlings, it's a gentle proclamation of a new consciousness and commitment among our faith communities to care for God's creation."
Lindquist said the trees "will be wrapped individually in a plastic bag with planting instructions."
"Kids love helping to plant trees," said Lindquist, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "We encourage people to take them home or camp and to plant them as soon as possible and to water them."
The public and media are invited to an Earth Day 2009 Blessing of the Trees planting ceremony with representatives of ten faith traditions at 3:30 p.m. on Wed., April 22 next to the Presque Isle pavilion in Marquette.
A blessing and planting of 12,000 trees will be held at various times on Sunday, May 3 at about 100 churches and temples across the Upper Peninsula.
Most of the trees will be planted on May 3, 2009
Trees will be picked up at local conservation district offices in the U.P. on Sat., May 2.
Faith groups can plant the trees anywhere they decide and give out trees to members and others.
It's not to late to request trees for your church or temple: Call Kyra Fillmore at 906-228-2388 For technical tree planting info call the Superior Watershed Partnership at 906-228-6095
Details:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org/earth-day-2009.html
Links:
http://www.upearthkeepers.org
http://www.superiorwatersheds.org
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.orgEarthKeeper Initiative co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson writes the first of seven columns... more
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