Last month we kicked off the 2019-2020 Green Team at our August organizational meeting. While we are still in the planning stages for the upcoming year, there will be many opportunities for members of St. Matthew to become involved in advancing our mission “to reveal the connection of our congregation and community to God’s presence in the natural world.”
The third annual Meatless Monday Potluck will be held Monday, October 21, 6:30 PM. Reducing meat consumption for just one day a week has a multitude of benefits – for both personal health and the health of our planet. Plan to join us and try something new! Check out these simple and delicious meat-free recipe ideas and flex your culinary muscles. Please watch for a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
Also in October, we will be hosting a table at the Save the Environment of Moorestown (STEM) Annual Fall Open Space Festival at Strawbridge Lake (date to be deter-mined). Come check it out and join in the festivities, which include canoe/kayak rentals, live music, refresh-ments, contests, environmental exhibitors and displays, kids’ activities and crafts, live animals and more!
In November (date to be determined), we will again join NJ Farmers Against Hunger for their annual Thanksgiving packing event. We will be packing fresh produce for distribution to local food banks, including our own Thanksgiving baskets for Bridge of Peace. The event is great fun (including hot chocolate, cider and donuts), and open to all congregation members (especially suitable for families with children in grades 3-12. Please consider volunteering for this rewarding holiday service event!
We are also planning programs for Adult Forum and Sunday school, and will be submitting a first draft sustainability plan to Council. If you would like to have the Green Team come and talk with your Ministry or committee about our work, or about environmental issues in general, please contact us. To learn more, join the Green Team, or sign up for upcoming events, please contact Brian Lestini. Also check out our webpage and follow the SMLC Facebook page. We are always looking for volunteers and new members! Our next meeting will be Monday, September 9 at 7 PM. —Brian Lestini, chair