Today and tomorrow United Methodists from all over my Annual Conference region will be driving out to Redlands, CA, for the Annual Conference Sessions meeting. That's a lot of money spent on gas alone! While me and my hybrid (still covered in bird poo, though the bird has not been back for about a week now) sit comfortably in my office much closer to the beach than Redlands (I'd die from the heat out there-- it is expected to be over a 100 today!), I can't help but think about gas prices, the environment, the economy and the future...
There was an interesting article in the LA TIMES today about gas prices and how it is impacting faith communities throughout the land. It talks about how preachers are finally engaging communities about gas prices now that they've reached and passed $4 a gallon. The article does seem to imply that one of the main reasons clergy are finally addressing the issue is that collections are down, as is church attendance. People don't want to do an "extra" driving and it appears that for some, that means forgoing worship. Other pastors in the article make a clear commitment to continuing transportation ministries even if it means depleting their bank accounts to do so.
Yesterday, Honda unveiled its Hydrogen powered Civic. There are promises from automakers to have electric cars on the market again in 2010.
In the middle of watching the Angels play the Mets last night, a commercial ran multiple times asking viewers if they had mutual funds...and letting those who own mutual funds know that this meant they probably owned a piece of the fuel/energy business in this country. In other words, if you are lucky enough to have some investments, you are benefiting from the gas prices. What?!?
We're in a lick of trouble right now. I think it is important as clergy to help lead conversations about stewardship of all kinds. We have to be realistic about what people can and cannot do or afford to do. And it may be the perfect time to encourage folks to think outside the box about a lot of things we take for granted.
What do you think?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
The economy is so very complicated...especially if we begin to consider the global economy and not just the US economy...and, of course, gasoline prices fit right into that scheme...sigh...I fear for us... I fear for the world...
Post a Comment