Simpler Living

Restoring our Relationship with God and Creation

Simpler Living ministry seeks a Christian response to environmental degradation, climate change and our rampant consumerism by embracing the Gospel’s call to live more simply. We are grateful for your interest. Our committee meets at least once each month and currently directs all of our activities. We have a larger group of members who work on projects of their own choosing and/or are kept informed of our activities. Please consider joining our effort in whatever capacity you can. Thank you.

Mission Statement:

Simpler Living is a creation care ministry that is growing the Kingdom of God in Christ. Through worship, witness and service in community, Simpler Living promotes and practices sustainable, simple living practices at home, within our congregation, community and the world.

Goals:

a. To discern and balance our inner and outer spiritual journey with the ecological, economic, and social justice needs of individuals, St. Paul’s Cathedral family, the community and the world.

b. To put simpler living into practice and “Be the change we hope to see.”

c. As creation care stewards, advocate for a healthier, safer, and more vibrant environment, now and for future generations.

Simpler Living Projects:

• Write monthly paragraph in SPC bulletin
  
• Collect resources for use by SL group and church members
  
• Produce and sell fair trade canvas bags with SPC logo
  
• Staff garden produce giveaway/swap table after services
  
• Staff SL table twice monthly after worship in courtyard, with bags for sale, education materials re: Simpler Living
  
• Work with SPC staff to “green” cathedral
  
• Network with other churches, community-based organizations, government agencies, etc. regarding simpler living issues

Possible future projects:

• Organize celebration of Earth Day/Creation Sunday
  
• Organize tour of green homes
  
• Organize “Bike to Church/Alternative Transportation” day at SPC
  
• Promote organic “Victory Gardens”
  
• Coordinate “slow food” potlucks
  
• Create recycling drop-off at SPC for batteries, electronics, etc.
  
• Promote day without plastic bags in San Diego
  
• Coordinate SL program with Religious Education
  
• Organize small group book studies
  
• Show films on SL topics

Contact:

Philip Petrie, Convener, Simpler Living Committee
(619) 298-0464
petriep@hotmail.com 

Recommended Websites and Documents:

Ten Ways to Go Green and Save Green

“Healing Our Planet Earth: Stewardship of the Earth”, by The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, HOPE Conference, Seattle, Washington; 4/12/2008
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_96440_ENG_HTM.htm 

Earth Ministry – Caring for all Creation, programs, issues and resources for individuals and families, congregations, clergy and lay leaders, ecumenical and interfaith partners; http://www.earthministry.org/individuals-families

The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN) Caring for God's Creation: Called to be Stewards, part of the Episcopal Church, USA http://eenonline.org/

Worldwatch Institute: Vision for a Sustainable World. http://www.worldwatch.org

Christian Simplicity
http://www.christiansimpleliving.org/LiveDangerously.htm

Simpler Living Forum:  Watch the Forum that launched Simpler Living ministry at St. Paul's Cathedral in May of 2009.