April 2008 Message from the Pastor

Now the Green Blade Rises

We are reminded of Christ’s resurrection as we see the greening of the creation. Indeed, this Spring has seemed especially brilliant (I probably say this every year, but it’s always true). I don’t recall that the cherry trees in front of the Sanctuary were ever in full bloom for Easter like they were this year. What a glorious season!

Global warming seems to be in the news more and more as we see the apparent impact it has on our fragile planet. It was sad to read this week about the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe becoming less clear because, scientists believe, of climate change. And the rate of change is disturbingly rapid.

Churches are just beginning to get on the band wagon of addressing issues of global warming. I read recently that the Southern Baptist Church, the largest protestant denomination in our country has become much more outspoken about environmental concerns.

I’m happy to report that here at PoP, we finally have our Green Team going and are working to identify our priority concerns. We want to encourage more creation-friendly lifestyles, model green practices in our congregation (probably by being certified in the county as a \“green business\”), exploring possibilities for adding solar panels to our plant and discussing/addressing important policy issues.

On April 20, Earth Sunday, you will hear more about how global warming is having an especially harmful impact on the poorest people and nations. We also celebrate the thought that God is intent on renewing or redeeming the creation and what that means for us.

I hope you will consider joining our Green Team and/or providing input as to what we should consider and act upon as environmentally responsible citizens. Send me an e-mail or tell me personally about your interests.

Just as God causes the green blades of Spring to rise from the dormant soil, may our commitment rise to preserve and protect God’s creation.


Pastor Jim Friedrich