At times I am surprised, delighted, inspired by Christians who take their faith in the God of Creation seriously enough to change their lifestyles significantly.
In New York City there is a group of Episcopalian nuns called the Community of the Holy Spirit which has decided to sell their convent housed in three brownstone buildings and start over on a vacant lot a few blocks away. They are building an ecologically friendly convent using recycled materials, solar panels, rain water recovery, and a roof garden. http://www.chssisters.org/new-green-convent They describe themselves in this way:
The Community of the Holy Spirit is a monastic community for women in the Episcopal Church, and a witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The Sisters' loving service extends to all of Creation, and we recognize Earth and all life as a primary revelation of the divine.
What an important witness to the community around them. As we discuss the changing church in our region it would be good if we could include the ecologically efficient use of our structures, most of which were designed and built for an era when these issues simply weren't considered. We speak of St. Paul's as a "light on the corner." How about a shining example of earth care?
Any thoughts on this?
In New York City there is a group of Episcopalian nuns called the Community of the Holy Spirit which has decided to sell their convent housed in three brownstone buildings and start over on a vacant lot a few blocks away. They are building an ecologically friendly convent using recycled materials, solar panels, rain water recovery, and a roof garden. http://www.chssisters.org/new-green-convent They describe themselves in this way:
The Community of the Holy Spirit is a monastic community for women in the Episcopal Church, and a witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The Sisters' loving service extends to all of Creation, and we recognize Earth and all life as a primary revelation of the divine.
What an important witness to the community around them. As we discuss the changing church in our region it would be good if we could include the ecologically efficient use of our structures, most of which were designed and built for an era when these issues simply weren't considered. We speak of St. Paul's as a "light on the corner." How about a shining example of earth care?
Any thoughts on this?
2 comments:
This move is interesting, albeit a luxury most people don't have, and it certainly does not address "ecologically efficient use of our structures, most of which were designed and built for an era when these issues simply weren't considered."
Thanks for responding. I suppose what it does tell us that even supposedly conventional institutions can make unconventional choices. While we were in Newfoundland we visited Fogo Island where both the Anglicans and the United Church crowd have given up the church buildings in four communities for one in the centre of the island.
Not many of us an individuals can start over with our homes, but we can make choices over time about appliances, heating, etc. The old manse we live in has a southern exposure. Solar panels? A guy can dream.
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