RESTORING ASYLUM AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER MUST INCLUDE DISMANTLING OUTDATED TITLE 42 Jesus is present with the asylum seeker, the refugee and the newcomer, and Christians are called to model Christ’s compassion and love. ELCA ministries and advocacy have long recognized the struggles and rights of migrants and people in need of the compassionate haven…
Support Affordable Housing and Homeless Funding in FY23 Budget Tell Congress: Prioritize housing and homeless programs in the FY23 federal budget This spring, House and Senate committee members advanced an annually passed Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spending bill which would set funding levels for critical housing and homeless programs through the federal…
We won’t let this moment pass. Call today and use your actions to demand policy change. We refuse to numb ourselves to the horrors of recent tragedies including those in Buffalo, N.Y.; Uvalde, Texas; and additional near-daily shootings in communities across our country. Sadly, we and our leaders have failed to respond to the call…
After service on Sunday April 22, members of the St. Mark Social Justice Team produced a wonderful display in the Parish Hall to celebrate Earth Day and our recent ministry of Caring for Creation. Tables were filled with examples and information available to peruse on composting, recycling, tree conservation, books on environmental topics, transportation options,…
In the fifth and final summary offering of the “Climate Diet”, suggestions revolve around systems, policies and educating others about causes you personally identify with. As you’ll see below, small and local action can result in national change. Be specific. Ask for change within your legislator’s scope of authority. In Washington State right now is…
“Money is the Oxygen on Which the Fire of Global Warming Burns” ~ Bill McKibben. Money, property, investments. All have a part to play in “going clean”. In the fourth summary of “Climate Diet” you’ll find tips to save and spend in ways that can help mitigate climate-related issues. Pressure your financial institutions to be…
It is said, “The space between home and the rest of the world is the hole into which we pour most of our emissions”. FUEL is a huge consideration when trying to make changes in the preservation of the environment. In this, the third installment of the “Climate Diet” summary, consider the following ideas. Trade…
This second and continuing episode of “Climate Diet” includes climate consciousness relating to families and homes. A child born today in the US will generate 16 tons of CO2- per year for the rest of their life. Families are also one of the greatest joys humans have – how to reconcile the two?? Here are…
Throughout his life, Jesus reached out to the most vulnerable and offered healing and hope. As followers of Christ, St. Mark believes service with others is a fundamental way to live out our faith. This post announces a new page recently added to our website which offers a brief introduction to many of our social ministries…
The US emits 16 metric tons of CO2 per person per year! Almost 2 times all other Western countries. The UN goal is 3 tons. We need a climate diet, but diets fail. In January 2022, Pastor Eric and Gail F facilitated a 4-week book study on the book “Climate Diet” by Paul Greenberg. Rousing…