“The environment is not just another issue, but an inescapable challenge to what it means to be religious.”~ The Very Reverend James P. Morton

For a listing of scheduled programs, see the Events page. To download the SSC Programs Brochure, click here. View this slide show to learn more about our programs.

The following are the standard programs that we have developed for churches. We are also willing to design a program based on your particular needs, for any audience or group from your church, and in any format, such as Sunday School classes, lectures, retreats or presentations to groups.

For more information or to schedule a program, contact RoseTherese Huelsman at 816-931-6310 or Carol Meyer at 913-677-8672.

1. Green Team Training

   A three-hour workshop to help you get started or be more effective in your congregational ministry of creation care. It is designed for existing green groups or individuals wishing to start a congregational green group of some kind. It includes organizational tips, ideas for green initiatives, practical handouts, and plenty of opportunity for discussion and sharing with other participants. Taught by RoseTherese Huelsman and Carol Meyer, SSC educators with Masters degrees in Theology.

2. Greening Your Church Workshop

   A three-hour program that addresses practical ways churches can develop their environmental ministry. Includes the theology and biblical principles that support such ministry, ideas for worship and education, how to make the facility more sustainable, forming a green team, and how to help the congregation be more serious about earth stewardship. Led by Huelsman and Meyer.

3. Awakening to the Earth: Spirituality and Ecology

   A three-hour retreat that helps church members be more inspired to care for God’s earth. It helps participants gain a broader spiritual perspective of their place in the cosmos, connect to God in a deeper way through creation, and be motivated to work for the welfare of the earth and its life. Led by RoseTherese Huelsman, Carol Meyer, Kate Becker, and Louie and Mary Finocchario.

4. Presentations on a variety of faith and ecology topics

   Appreciating God’s Amazing Universe, Partnership with Creation, Simple Living, Ecological Values and Food Choices, and Creation-Centered Spirituality and Prayer. Led by Huelsman and Meyer.

5. A Faith-Based Response to Global Climate Change

   A presentation by SSC member Jerry Reese, who attended a 3-day Global Climate Change Training for Faith Communities in October 2008 sponsored by The Climate Project. Includes a PowerPoint slide presentation. For information and scheduling, contact Jerry at ReesVeenstra@aol.com.

6. Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium

   A dynamic and participatory workshop that focuses on building a world that is spiritually fulfilling, environmentally sustainable, and socially just. The symposium, developed and presented worldwide by the Pachamama Alliance, features video presentations by world class speakers and practical ideas on making a difference in the world.

   Local symposiums are led by SSC members RoseTherese Huelsman, Kathy Outlaw, and Mike McCord, who were trained by the Pachamama Alliance. The symposium is normally five hours long, but can be modified to meet your needs. For more information or to schedule the symposium at your congregation, contact RoseTherese Huelsman at 816-931-6310.

7. Why Won’t They Change? – How to Get More Climate Change Buy-In

   Have you ever wondered why some people don’t seem to “get it,” despite of all the evidence about climate change? A big part of the answer lies in understanding how people approach this issue and behavior change. If we want to be heard, we have to deliver our message in a way that resonates with our audience and motivates them to take action. This important workshop is based on scientific research into the psychology of climate change communication.

   You’ll gain vital information about:

   • How to translate scientific data into concrete experience
   • The danger of over-using emotional appeals
   • Mental models, confirmation bias, and framing
   • How to address scientific uncertainties
   • Ways to make behavior change easier

   This participatory workshop shares information from the Columbia University publication: The Psychology of Climate Change. You may order a copy or download a free pdf  here.