Earth Words Sermon Contest
February 10-12, 2012
Iowa Interfaith Power & Light is pleased to announce its annual Earth Words Sermon Contest to coincide with the national Interfaith Power & Light Preach-in, the weekend of February 10-12, 2012. This is an opportunity for faith leaders of all religious traditions to remember their connection to the Earth and to inspire their congregations to faithful action on environmental stewardship.
The goals of the Earth Words Sermon Contest are:
1. To encourage excellence in preaching in the area of caring for creation or earth stewardship
2. To motivate faith communities to become more engaged in environmental stewardship
Prizes:
Winning sermons will be shared through Iowa IPL’s newsletter and website. In addition, prizes will be awarded for the top three sermons, including carbon offsets in the form of Oneota Tags, and theological resources on Earth stewardship. Our top prize winner will be awarded the Ray Heinicke Award for Excellence in Preaching, in honor of one of our Iowa IPL founders and visionaries.
Qualifications:
The sermon must be delivered to a religious community between February 10 – 12, 2012 to coincide with the national Preach-in. Submissions must be made electronically to director@iowaipl.org by March 1st to be considered eligible. We will be accepting all forms of media, including documents, audio, and video files. The winners will be determined by a panel of judges assessing pieces based on clarity, creativity, accessibility, eloquence, as well as their theological foundation and call to action.
To register for the sermon contest, click here.
To download a flyer to share with others, click here.
Contact Susan Guy at director@iowaipl.org with any questions about this event.
Introduction to Wind Systems
Thursday, February 17, 2012
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
120 E. Boyson Road
Hiawatha, Iowa 52233-1277
This one-day workshop is the introductory workshop to MREA wind systems training and is a prerequisite for all other MREA wind workshops. It is designed as the first step in a professional track or for people who have an interest in residential size wind systems for their home or business. The workshop will define wind energy, describe how residential wind energy systems work, and provide a basis for making informed decisions about the design, sizing, and siting of wind energy systems. As part of the workshop, participants receive the MREA Introduction to Wind Systems Training Manual. For more information and to register click here.
Iowa Environmental Council Lobby Day
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Iowa State Capitol Building, First Floor
The Iowa Environmental Council will host its annual lobby day at the state capitol on February 22. You are invited to attend this event to tell your legislators why protecting our natural environment matters to you. For more information, click here.
Cool Congregations WorkshopSaturday, March 3, 2012
1:00 - 4:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat
2664 145th Ave.
Wheatland, IA 52777
Added bonus! Workshop followed by a tour of the energy efficient features and sustainable practices of the Retreat. Plus an opportunity to walk the prairie trails of the 200-acre Retreat.
People of faith across Iowa are caring for God’s creation by solving climate change in their own homes and saving money in the process. The Cool Congregations earth stewardship program will provide you with the tools you need to make a difference in your home, congregation, and community.
During the three-hour workshop, participants will learn about the ABC’s of climate change and the religious response; how to measure your carbon footprint and ideas for reducing it; and how to organize a Cool Congregations program in your local faith community.
After the workshop, we’ll learn about the energy saving measures of the new and renovated buildings, conservation landscaping, and food practices. We are also invited to walk the prairie trails of the beautiful 200-acre Retreat.
The training includes a Cool Congregations manual, resource CD, and a Carbon Calculator designed specifically for Iowa.
Click here to register for the workshop.
Click here for a downloadable brochure to print and share with others.
Location:
Co-sponsored by
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat and Congregation of the Humility of Mary.
For more information contact Sarah at coolcongregations@iowaipl.org.
director@iowaipl.org