The mission of the Green Team of the Diocese of Southwest Florida is to live out the scriptural imperative to care for this fragile earth, our island home, God’s perfect creation and gift to humankind. We provide information and resources to our diocese on how to live sustainably in our homes and in our churches by conserving resources, recycling, and making wise choices of products and services.

We are in agreement with Resolution A045 passed at the 2009 General Convention.

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention ask the Church to restrict the use of bottled water at General Convention and at other Church-sponsored activities where safe, because of the extreme negative environmental impact that attends its production; and be it further

Resolved, That every baptized Christian be encouraged to practice simple energy and water conservation techniques so that, by working together, we may restore the beauty of God's creation and ensure that this resource may again be available to all God's children in abundance.

Diocesan Green Team Conveners:
Deacons Fran McKinney and Kathy Gilpin
Board:
Deacons Jane Kelly and Rick Leanillo; Judy Stark, Robert Wright
Advisors: The Rev. Canon Michael Durning, Archdeacon Dennis McManis
 

In 2009, the deacons in our diocese presented a workshop at diocesan convention called "Greening our Congregations." Afterward, a Diocesan Green Team was formed and will be presenting a workshop at convention in 2010 titled "Leaner and Greener: Financial and Creation Stewardship."

In an age when our planet, as well as our economy, is facing serious issues,  the faith community has a great responsibility to encourage and make wise choices and foster sustainability in our homes and churches.

Downloadable resources:

Click on the links below to download handout materials from each section of the 2009 workshop; Included are:

• MDGs and Creation Stewardship, by the Rev. Gary Cartwright
• The Planet and Spirituality, by the Rev. Tom Thoeni
• Are you Eco-smarter than a 5th grader? by the Rev. Kathy Gilpin
• Eco Mindfulness for Gatherings by Regina Koda
• Parish Energy Audit by Rob Wright
   

Cutting down on plastic
We are selling stainless steel water bottles for $10. For more information, contact the Rev. Fran McKinney at sfranmckinney@aol.com.

Gulf liturgical resources
The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has collected original prayers and liturgies for use as the Gulf oil spill catastrophe continues.