Sept. 7, 2009 issue
Fewer cars, care for Earth
Alternative transport part of emphasis on creation stewardship
By Sheldon C. GoodPage:
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HARLEYSVILLE, Pa. — Cars in the parking lot at Salford Mennonite Church were more sparse than usual Aug. 23.
Salford members tend a garden on the church property. It produces food for church and community members. — Photo by John Ruth
Normally, this might be discouraging, but not this Sunday. People were encouraged to alter their transportation to church as part of a worship service focused on environmental stewardship.
About half of the estimated 225 attendees carpooled, while 19 walked, one ran and 15 biked.
Pastor Mim Book said it was the congregation’s first worship service devoted to creation care.
“From time to time we touch on themes related to care of the creation in sermons, but to have a whole service so coherently devoted to this theme pushed some of us beyond our comfort zone,” she said.
Heiki-Lara Nyce and her family were pushed. It was their first family bike ride.
“We felt the boys were now old enough to do a bike ride on a busy road,” said Nyce, who used to ride a bike to work when she lived in Seattle. “The boys loved it, and so did I. I just felt in tune with the outdoors and with God. It was a very spiritual morning for me.”
The Nyce family rode 2.5 miles along Route 113 from Telford to Harleysville and received Cliff energy bars for their efforts, as all bikers did. Those who walked were given a compact fluorescent light bulb, while carpoolers received breath mints.
Book was pleased with the congregation’s flexibility.
“The broad involvement by so many people in practical ways was wonderful,” said Book, who walked a mile to church.
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