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Increase Awareness | Speaking/Preaching/Teaching
Speaker’s Network
Scientists, educators, environmentalists,
and theologians are available to speak to churches and organizations in the
Puget Sound area, on a
range of topics:
Celtic Christianity
Creation Spirituality
Earth Sciences
Climate Change
Natural Resource
Stewardship
Toxics and the
Environment
Environmental Ethics
Environmental Theology
(Introductory)
Food, Faith and Sustainability
Shade Grown Coffee
Global Economics &
Sustainable Development
Greening the Church
Simpler Living
Urban Growth,
Transportation & Land Use
Questions about the Speaker’s Network
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Celtic Christianity: Christian faith, as practiced in the West, has often taught ways of thinking and acting that are harmful to our relationship with the natural world. At Earth Ministry, we believe it is essential to reconnect with those elements of our faith which teach and practice ways of thinking and acting that recognize our inherent connections with the natural world. Celtic Christianity is one such tradition.
Creation Spirituality: Creation Spirituality focuses on an ancient tradition of spirituality such as those linked to medieval Christian mystics Meister Eckhart and Hildegard of Bingen. Such spirituality also focuses on the views of creation, creativity, and compassion as found, for example, in the writings of Matthew Fox and Thomas Berry.
Earth Sciences
Climate Change: Scientists are agreed that that the average global temperature is changing more rapidly now that it has in any known period in the past. They also know the amount of greenhouse gas is in the atmosphere is increasing along with temperatures, and we are producing that gas primarily by burning fossil fuels. Learn more about the causes, consequences, and ethical dimensions of climate change. Learn also what you might do to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Natural Resource Stewardship: Maintaining healthy forests, soil, oceans, and water is essential to the [well-being] [prosperity] of all creation. Understanding the importance of each resource within our eco-system, and the consequences of mis-management can help us be better stewards of our Earth.
Topics include Forests, Salmon, Water and Watersheds
Toxics and the Environment: Toxic pollution affects human health and the health of the environment. Learn about the impact of toxic pollution, as well as ways to reduce the use of toxic chemicals
Environmental Ethics: Environmental ethics explores the values that dominate our current attitudes toward nature and looks at the role of such attitudes, especially those shaped by various Christian influences, in our lives. Then, this ethical inquiry highlights Christian resources that are useful in addressing the environmental crisis. This exploration of values, roles, and resources may also be applied to specific environmental issues such as global warming, salmon restoration, sustainable forestry, and others.
Environmental Theology (Introductory): What are the environmental and related social justice issues of our times, and what is the heritage of the Christian faith and the spiritual tradition of care for creation? The causes of the problems we face are interrelated - spiritually, economically, culturally, politically, ecologically - and derive from a view of creation that is inconsistent with our biblical heritage. Congregations and individuals can become leaders in “greening” the church and society as they see the links between theology and creation and grapple with methods of effective action.
Food, Faith and Sustainability: Many people change their diets due to health concerns: not only personal health, but also ecological, economic, and community health. Eating connects us daily to the land, to food production, and to a variety of related social and environmental issues. Being aware of such connections gives us the opportunity to “make a difference” everyday. People are also reconnecting with the sacramental nature of food as both an element of and symbol for God’s presence and nurturance.
Shade Grown Coffee: Drinking coffee is an every day activity that connects us quite directly with many environmental, economic, and social issues, and to the global economy. Farm workers, forests, migrating birds, and multinational corporations are just some of the players impacted when we purchase coffee at the market, or share a cup at a Sunday coffee hour. You, and your congregation, can make that purchase more socially, economically and environmentally beneficial.
Global Economics & Sustainable Development: More than ever, humans live in “global village”. Economic and environmental practices of distant countries affect us, and vice-versa. As the rich become richer, the poor become poorer, and the environment deteriorates, people of faith may ask the question: “What is true economic and social development?” In this context, the values of the world economic system are examined in the light of the Christian faith. The outlines of a sustainable world – in which human activities help to sustain the well-being of the planet and of the disadvantaged – begin to emerge.
Greening the Church: As Christians, God calls us to care for creation. Our congregations can be places where we actively engage in such care. Active engagement may include creation-care oriented worship and educational opportunities, simplified consumption habits, recycling and energy conservation efforts, ecologically sound care for church grounds, and public policy and community activities. Through such activities, churches also model “sanctuary”, places of care and refuge for all creation, to their congregants and broader communities.
Simpler Living: For many, voluntary simplicity emerges to counteract stress, and to running frantically in the “rat-race.” But simplicity is more than garnering time for one’s self (as important as that can be). The ideas and ways of living associated with simplicity have the potential to radically challenge our society, because they call into question cultural idols of money, consumption, and unlimited growth.
Urban Growth, Transportation, & Land Use: Agricultural and forest lands are disappearing, highways are full of cars, and the increase in paved-over and built-upon land depletes ground water reserves and causes increased flooding. How does sprawl relate to other issues, like the decline of salmon populations or climate change? What can be done to curtail urban sprawl and its negative consequences? What are governmental bodies now doing or contemplating? What can individuals do?
Questions about the Speaker’s Network:
How do I use the Speakers’ Network?
Call Earth Ministry and ask to speak to someone about a speaker or presentation.
What if I’m not sure what or whom I want?
Earth Ministry staff will help you design your event according to your specific situation. Is it a forum? An adult education class? A series of workshops? A sermon? There are many possibilities for interesting presentations.
Are there other options besides speakers?
You can substitute or supplement speakers with curricula or videos. We can help you with that too! Also, ask us about Field Trips and the Action/Reflection Network.
How far ahead of the event should I call?
Usually a month ahead is sufficient. Some requests take longer (for example, for a four-part series). Some dates are more in demand than others (for example, Earth Day or Lent). The rule of thumb is the more notice, the better.
Is there a cost for this service?
It is usually appropriate to offer the speaker an honorarium, though no request will be turned away. The amount of the honorarium is negotiated between you and the speaker.
Note: We request that you fill out an evaluation form after your event.