to read more about the program

P R E S B Y T E R I A N S
Breaking the Chains:
Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation
April 17, 2015
Compassion, Peace, and Justice
Training Day Program
Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Compassion, Peace, and Justice Ministry
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry Programs
Contents
James N. Jarvie Commonweal Service
Facility Map
p.4
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Conference Schedule
p.5
Presbyterian Hunger Program
Welcome Letter: Presbyterian Mission Agency
p.6
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
Welcome Letter: Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry
p.7
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
Today’s Keynote Speakers p.8
Presbyterian Office of Public Witness
Workshop Descriptions
p.9-12
Self-Development of People
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
p.13
Social Witness Ministries:
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
p.13
Child Advocacy
Sustainable Event Measures
p.14
Environmental Ministries
Trade Fair
p. 15
Mission Responsibility Through Investment
Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association
Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
Making God’s Community Livable For All
pcusa.org/cpj
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Facility Map
Facility Map
Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day
April 17, 2015
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
8:00 Registration (Foyer – Main Level)
Coffee and light breakfast (Radcliffe Room – Main Level)
8:30 – 10:35 Welcome, A Day of Worshipful Work, (Main Sanctuary –
Second Level)
Sermon: Lockdown!
Rev. Alonzo Johnson, Mission Associate, Presbyterian
Peacemaking Program
Testimony: Gail Tyree
Testimony: Eric LaCompte
Questions and Response of the People
10:45 – 12:00 Workshop Session 1
12:10 – 1:10 Lower Level)
Lunch (Radcliffe Room – Main Level and Park Level Main –
Greetings from Rev. J Herbert Nelson and Sara Lisherness
Luncheon Discussion – Networking for Advocacy
1:20 – 2:35
Workshop Session 2
2:45 – 4:00
Workshop Session 3
4:10 – 4:30
Sending (Main Sanctuary – Second Level)
Thank you for coming!
Save the Date for next year
April 15, 2016
“Guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)
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5
Welcome from the Presbyterian Mission Agency
Welcome from the Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry
Linda Valentine, Executive Director
Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ!
On behalf of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, it is my privilege to welcome you
to the fifth annual Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day. We welcome
you, too, to Washington, DC, where our Presbyterian passion for mission joins
hands with our historic commitment to advocacy.
As Presbyterian Christians who stand firmly in the Reformed tradition, we are
called to faithful engagement with every aspect of life—political, economic,
social, as well as religious. And as heirs of John Calvin, we honor and uphold
Linda Valentine
our denomination’s strong commitment to education, which holds the power
Executive Director
to break the chains of economic, gender, and racial injustice. In a timely and
critical acknowledgment of the role of early intervention in helping to break these
vicious cycles, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, with the unanimous affirmation of the 221st General
Assembly (2014), launched an important new initiative, Educate a Child, Transform the World.
Working with partners in this country and around the globe, we are striving to offer at-risk children
a future many of them never thought possible—a future outside of the criminal justice system, the
mines, and the streets. A future built on hope and possibilities.
On behalf of all our ministry colleagues, we welcome you to
this year’s Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day. The
Office of Public Witness, the host ministry for this blessed
event since 2011, is pleased that you’ve chosen to join us
in our nation’s capital to worship, listen and learn from one
another on how the church can turn the tragedy of mass
incarceration and exploitation into a triumph.
A well-known prayer of Teresa of Avila reads, in part, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no
hands but yours; no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must
look out on the world.” As we spend this day—and the Ecumenical Advocacy Days which follow—
focusing on our role as Christians in the public arena, we pray that we may become a people set on
fire to do the work of advocacy. To be not only the hands, feet, and eyes, but also a voice speaking out
for the voiceless of this world.
Several years ago during a presbytery visit, I saw a powerful video of a remarkable ministry in which
children and their prison inmate fathers were reunited for a family picnic. As I watched the moving
scenes of caring volunteers bringing in eager children—then saw those same children leaving their
fathers behind as the festivities ended—tears streamed down my face.
My tears reminded me of the powerful promise in the Book of Revelation that when God’s new
heaven and new earth are revealed, God will “wipe every tear” from our eyes. Through ministries of
education, outreach, compassion, and reconciliation in the name of Jesus Christ, there is so much
that we can do together—with God’s help—to wipe away tears right now.
May your presence here—and your advocacy efforts in church and culture—not only help to
quell such tears, but also work to alleviate the consequences of mass incarceration and systems of
exploitation and address their root causes. Recognizing that God is God of all of life, the Presbyterian
Mission Agency, along with our partners, strives to inspire, equip, and connect all Presbyterians to
witness and advocate in Christ’s name. We give thanks that you are among our partners.
Sara Lisherness
Today’s workshops will focus on some of the ways that individuals and congregations can make an
impact in their community and nation. We will explore:
• P
artnering with others to address human trafficking through human rights, a victim-centered
approach that puts the rights of trafficked persons at the center of advocacy and assistance
efforts;
• Challenging the current trend of incarceration in the US with education as an alternative, a
fundamental heritage of Presbyterianism;
• Best practices for church engagement in prison ministry, and
• The “resource curse” and why countries with great oil, gas, and other extractive industries are
often the poorest due to corporate exploitation of natural resources.
That’s just a small sampling of the issues we’ll explore as we seek out theologically based solutions
to the tragedy of systemic exploitation and incarceration. Presbyterians have a deep and rich history
of engagement in public life, so it’s our prayer that you will connect with other Presbyterians today,
and our ecumenical brothers and sisters this weekend, who are also committed to justice and peace.
Our collective witness will make a difference and together we can begin to lay the groundwork for
solutions in the midst of a broken world and truly make God’s community livable for all.
Faithfully in Christ,
Sara Pottschmidt Lisherness
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J. Herbert Nelson
Director,
Director, Office of
The U.S. holds nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners and
Compassion,
Peace
Public Witness
yet makes up only five percent of the world’s population. & Justice Ministry
People in all corners of the globe are trapped in detention
centers, prisons, and factories used for political or economic
profit. As Presbyterians and people of hope, we are reminded that Jesus’ radical message was one of
liberation for all and the restoration of right relationships.
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson
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Speakers
Workshop Sessions with Room Assignments
Rev. Alonzo Johnson
Session 1: 10:45–12:00
The Church Addresses Human Trafficking
The Rev. Alonzo Johnson is the new Mission Associate with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Alonzo has concluded his service as the pastor/head of staff of Oak Lane Presbyterian Church in
Philadelphia, PA. He is a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) and is
currently a candidate for his Doctor of Ministry degree at LPTS. He is passionate about peacemaking
and social justice issues and has rich experience in urban ministry with a focus on mentoring youth in
the arts.
Eric LeCompte
Eric LeCompte is the Executive Director of Jubilee USA Network and represents a civil society coalition
of 75 US member organizations, 400 faith communities and 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA
Network has won criticalglobal financial reforms and more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the
world’s poorest people. He serves on expert working groups to the United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human
Rights. Eric has more than 15 years of experience working with faith-based organizations to impact
global policy on poverty, conflict and human rights. Eric serves on several boards of faith-based and
antipoverty organizations as well as institutions that work for greater financial transparency, including
the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, where he serves on the
executive board.
Gail Tyree
Gail Tyree is currently the Director of Community Partnerships with Planned Parenthood Greater
Memphis Region (PPGMR). She is a veteran faith, labor, political and community organizer with over
30 years of experience. Her experience includes: Executive Director of the historic AFSCME Local 1733,
International Representative for the Workers United Labor Union; campaign director and Organizer
with Grassroots Leadership and currently serves on their Board of Directors, former campaign director
for the Southern Faith Labor and Community Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee; project labor organizer
with the Communications Workers of America, and organizing instructor for the Mid-South Peace
and Justice Center. A former AFL-CIO Teaching Fellow and a graduate of Southern Empowerment
Project 2005 Advance Leadership Preparation Initiative. Gail Tyree was a 2011 Soros Justice Fellow
with Grassroots Leadership. She worked to help create a network of organizations and individuals in
the southeast U.S. who can respond quickly and effectively to stop for-profit private prisons, jails,
or detention centers from moving into their communities. She currently serves on the board of the
Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association (PHEWA) and the Presbyterian Criminal Justice
Network (PCJN). She is a member of Liberation Community Church and a committed voice to faith,
labor and community organizing.
Today’s Theme: Breaking Chains
Everywhere people are facing severe human rights violations for political and economic gain. •
•
•
•
T
he United States holding nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners.
Y
oung children forced to work in mineral mines in the Congo.
A
frican Farmers forced off their land as part of corporate land grabbing.
L
ow-income people in the United States whose education has been systemically neglected
How can we the church turn these tragedies into triumphs? As people of Hope, we are reminded that Jesus’ radical message was one of liberation for all and
restoration of right relationships. Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, networking and
mobilization with other Christians, we will face the reality of mass incarceration and corporate
exploitation, and call for national policies that bring liberation both to the prisoner and to a world in
need of restoration – all culminating with EAD’s Congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.”
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Human trafficking—modern-day slavery—is a multidimensional threat, one that deprives men, women
and children of the most basic of their human rights. From sex trafficking to debt bondage, from the
tomato fields to the mining industry, it is a complex phenomenon—lucrative, widespread and growing.
Explore how the PC(USA) is partnering with others to address human trafficking through human rights,
a victim-centered approach that puts the rights of trafficked persons at the center of all advocacy
and assistance efforts. Find out what works, what doesn’t, and how you can be part of a movement for
justice for trafficked persons.
Workshop Leader: Ryan Smith, Presbyterian Representative to the United Nations, Compassion,
Peace, and Justice
Lincoln Chapel – Main Level
Earth Care and the Exploitation of the Environment
How we care for the earth and its species influences how we care for other human beings. The way
we interact with the world around us can be a model of exploitation (environmental racism, increasing
poverty by lack of natural resources, climate change disasters affecting the most vulnerable). Or, our
relationships and interactions can be healing and just, faithful to God’s call to “serve and preserve” the
earth (Genesis 2:15). Hear from a local Presbyterian Church on how being an Earth Care Congregation
has transformed their congregation. Learn about current environmental legislation, the COP-21, and
ways you can influence significant commitments on carbon reduction and climate change that will take
place this year and have impact for years to come.
Workshop Leaders: Ruth Farrell, Coordinator, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Rev. David Keply, Providence
Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA (a PCUSA Earth Care Congregation)
John Quincy Adams Room – Main Level
Grassroots Responses to the Mass Incarceration Crisis
A strong grassroots movement is essential to effectively challenging and ending the mass incarceration
crisis currently faced by the United States. Without this foundation, there can be no lasting political
solutions. In addition to learning the basics of community organizing, workshop participants will be
introduced to existing successful grassroots initiatives against mass incarceration; links between the
“war on drugs” and mass incarceration; the school to prison pipeline; and prison privatization and the
role it has played in the expansion of the prison industrial complex. “Grassroots responses . . .” will be
led by Gail Tyree, a Soros Justice Fellow and experienced community organizer (She most recently
organized on behalf of Planned Parenthood against Tennessee’s Amendment One), and Robert
Brashear, community activist and pastor of West Park Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which is itself,
deeply engaged in the issues of its local community.
Workshop Leaders: Gail Tyree and Robert Brashear, Presbyterian Criminal Justice Network (PCJN) a network
of PHEWA
Main Sanctuary – Second Level
How to Become a Welcoming Church to Returning Citizens
What is a welcoming church? What is the role for churches in the lives of returning citizens and their
families? When does this process start? How do you know if your church is being successful? These
are just a few questions to open us up in dialog to continue into a discussion. We will build a tool box
together.
Workshop Leaders: George Kerr, Executive Director START at Westminster, a harm reduction program
in Washington DC, Westminster Presbyterian Church DC and Katitia Pitts, Executive Director, Calvary
Healthcare, and Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church.
Lincoln Parlor – Main Level
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Workshop Sessions with Room Assignments
Workshop Sessions with Room Assignments
Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship
with America’s Native Peoples
Equipping Prophets not Extracting Profits
A powerful interactive exercise presented by Paula Palmer, a Quaker from Boulder, CO. Through a
participatory process, we trace the historic and ongoing impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery, the 15thcentury justification for European subjugation of non-Christian peoples. Our goal is to raise our level
of knowledge and concern about these impacts, recognize them in ourselves and our institutions, and
explore how we can begin to take actions toward “right relationship.” In the Doctrine of Discovery, we
find the roots of injustice. In the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we find the
seeds of change. How can we nurture these seeds to bring forth the fruits of right relationship among
all peoples? A Resource Kit gives suggestions for continued study, reflection, and action. See www.
boulderfriendsmeeting.org/ipc-right-relationship
Workshop Leader: Paula Palmer, a travelling Friend who has deep experience on issues affecting indigenous
peoples.
Workshop Leader: Bryce Wiebe, Manager, Office of Special Offerings
Park Level Main - Basement Area
John Quincy Adams Room – Main Level
Session 2: 1:20 – 2:35
Church Engagement in Active Prison Ministry - Practical Examples from the
Hudson River Presbytery in New York
Prolonged Occupation and Palestinian Children
In this workshop the Hudson River Presbytery’s Prisoner Partnership Program (PPP) will share its many
years of practical engagement in various prison related activities in several of the 62 state prisons New
York State. These programs range from bible studies, prisoner correspondence and art based selfdevelopment programs to higher education academic training as well as reentry programs for prisoner
returning to society, and advocacy engagement. The presentation will include voices from the inside
through video material recorded in recently released documentary material from rehabilitation programs
at Sing Sing as well as Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (max. for women), clearly demonstrating the
humanity of people behind bars and their potential for redemption. Workshop Leader: Hans Hallundbaek, Prison Ministry Coordinator, Hudson River Presbytery
Main Sanctuary – Second Level
Choosing Education Over Incarceration: Offering A Choice - Providing A Chance
This workshop will introduce the new education initiative approved by the 221st General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The PCUSA Office of Public Witness is charged with the
responsibility of implementing this initiative. The workshop will challenge the current trend of
incarceration in the US with the alternative of education which is fundamental to the heritage of
Presbyterianism.
Workshop Leader: J. Herbert Nelson, Office of Public Witness
Radcliffe Room – Main Level
Ending Detention of Immigrant Families: Modern Day Internment
The U.S. Government reinstituted its use of family detention centers in response to the arrival of
thousands of women and children seeking asylum from Central America last year. Now, in addition, to
the thousands of beds that hold migrants who are caught up in immigration proceedings, our country
has 4,000 new detention beds being used to keep women and children asylum seekers behind bars while
their claims of relief are heard. The same companies that benefit from the detention of persons across
the U.S. stand to benefit from this appalling practice; Geo and the Corrections Corporation of America.
Learn about this latest expansion of the private prison industry in immigration detention, what local
congregations and the national church are doing together to address the immediate humanitarian needs
of these Central American families and strategies to advocate for the end of family detention.
Workshop Leaders: Kelly Allen, University Presbyterian Church, Teresa Waggener, Office of Immigration
Issues and Susan Krehbiel, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Park Level Main – Basement Level
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While it may seem that countries rich in natural resources may be rich. That isn’t true. The “resource
curse” shows us that countries with great oil, gas and other extractive industries are often the poorest,
with less economic growth and worse development outcomes than countries with far fewer resources. In
fact, countries with rich natural deposits are often plagued by corruption, civil war, human rights abuses,
authoritarian governments, land grabs and environmental degradation – because powerful sectors want
to control the profits.
This workshop will explore the use and corporate exploitation of natural resources across the
globe, and how partnership between those in the developing world and those in industrialized countries
can secure release from corporate captivity for all. By amending purchasing practices, engaging bad
corporate citizens, and supporting activists in the developing world, we seek a world where the benefits
of vast resources are not held by so few.
How are Palestinian children affected by Israel’s prolonged military occupation of the West Bank,
including East Jerusalem, and Gaza? This workshop will focus on the widespread and systematic illtreatment and torture of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention, as well as violence against
Palestinian children by Israeli settlers and soldiers. Based on Defense of Children InternationalPalestine’s experience documenting abuses and providing legal aid to children charged in the Israeli
military court system, the presentation will highlight the dual legal systems operating in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory and the disparity between legal protections provided to Palestinian children and
Israeli children.
Workshop Leader: Brad Parker, International Advocacy Officer and Staff Attorney, Defense for Children
International Palestine
Lincoln Chapel – Main Level
Reforming Drug Policy— From war and prison to regulation and rehab
The “war on drugs” has filled our jails, fed drug gangs, corrupted police overseas, militarized police at
home, and put communities of color under constant surveillance. Better state and local responses to a
culture of consumption and addiction are needed; medicinal uses need to be distinguished from serious
dangers; removing profits can reduce the profiteers. Hear from the study team on drug policy reform
authorized by the 2014 General Assembly.
Workshop Leader: Chris Iosso, Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
Lincoln Parlor – Main Level
Session 3: 2:45 – 4:00
Brand H2O: Water Privatization and Clean Water Access
There is plenty of safe, drinkable water for every person on the planet, yet one in four people worldwide
don’t have enough safe drinking water. Many private companies, enabled by governments, have
successfully exploited the need for safe drinking water and turned a human right into a commodity. Absolving themselves from their duty to provide water access for everyone, local governments have
allowed corporations to provide bottled water at a cost and freed themselves from any effort to clean up
contaminated local water sources. While corporations profit, people in poverty must choose polluted
water at the expense of their health, or divert already sparse resources to purchase wasteful, bottled
water. In this interactive workshop we will explore what our faith teaches us about caring for our water
sources; ensuring that they remain clean and safe, and available through public water systems. We will
connect to water activists and share stories and practices that have been successful in promoting public
access to safe drinking water.
Workshop Leaders: Bryce Wiebe, Manager, Office of Special Offerings, Jessica Maudlin, Presbyterian Hunger
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Welcome from the Presbyterian Mission Agency
Program, and Lauren DeRusha, Corporate Accountability International
John Quincy Adams Room – Main Level
Building the Beloved Community: Resources for Addressing Racism
Addressing mass incarceration and systems of exploitation will require us to dismantle racism. What
resources does the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have to help us analyze and organize to address racism
and build the Beloved Community? Through experiences and conversation, this workshop will introduce
PC(USA) resources and consider ways they might be used.
Workshop Leaders: Sera Chung, associate for gender and racial justice, Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries/
Presbyterian Women; Mark Koenig, director, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, Compassion, Peace,
and Justice
Radcliffe Room – Main Level
Lockdown Indoctrinated
This workshop idea will examine the struggle of inmate acclimation to society after release. Enculturation of violence and “institutionalization” will also be explored. This workshop would also
examine the difficulties in released offenders maintaining homes and employment based on current
laws. Such issues as “Ban the Box,” sexual offenders registry, voting, welfare and employment difficulties
will also be explored. Need for faith and civic community involvement in helping released inmates
readjust in society. Some attention will be given to the phenomenon of the Prison Industrial Complex
and how it contributes to the acceptance of institutionalization and marketing of prison culture.
New
York
Avenue
Presbyterian
Church
New
York
Avenue
Presbyterian
Church
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (NYAPC) of 2014 embodies a rich history built on
the very foundations of the Reformed tradition in this country. NYAPC was formed in 185960, but traces its roots to 1803 as the F Street Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and
another congregation founded in 1820 on the current site, the Second Presbyterian Church.
The powerful story of these two early congregations and the merged church that welcomed
President Abraham Lincoln and his family as pew holders on the first Sunday following his
inauguration in March, 1861—just six months after the dedication of the newly constructed
church—is a story fully intertwined with the history of our denomination, the capital city, and
this country.
Reverend George Docherty preached a Lincoln Day sermon on February 7, 1954, to a
congregation that included President Dwight David Eisenhower. The sermon, titled “One
Nation Under God,” prompted the US Congress to amend the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,
inserting the phrase “under God.”
People have gathered at NYAPC for important demonstrations in the nation’s capital, including
the Poor People’s Campaign in Washington in spring 1968, and protests against the Vietnam
War. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached from the pulpit during the Civil Rights struggles. History
continues to be made by the members and friends who enter NYAPC’s doors today.
Workshop Leader: Alonzo T. Johnson, Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
Park Level Main – Basement Level
The Sanctuary Movement
The Sanctuary Movement of 2014 is a grassroots response by people of faith to get in the way of the
system of mass detention and deportation that separates immigrant families and divides communities.
By sheltering them in their houses of worship, Sanctuary shields family members under immediate threat
of deportation from separation. Immigrant families and faith communities work together to close these
orders of deportation and reunite families. Join us for a workshop on how this movement has grown and
learn firsthand from Presbyterian pastors that have provided Sanctuary to their immigrant neighbors.
Our Ecumenical Partners
Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community, and its
recognized partners and allies, grounded in biblical witness and our shared traditions of justice,
peace, and the integrity of creation. Our goal, through worship, theological reflection and
opportunities for learning and witness, is to strengthen our Christian voice and to mobilize for
advocacy on a wide variety of US domestic and international policy issues.
Workshop Leader: Amy Beth Willis, Office of Public Witness
Lincoln Chapel – Main Level
The School to Prison Pipeline
The inability to obtain decent housing and/or employment once released from prison are just two
of the systemic issues of mass incarceration. This workshop will focus on initiatives from grassroots
communities responding to mass incarceration, how it is impacting them and how they are addressing
the issues.
Workshop Leader: Cynthia White, Self-Development of People
Main Sanctuary – Second Level
What Every Presbyterian Should Know About Drones
Amazon wants to deliver packages with them. They’ve landed on the White House lawn. And they
are the U.S. government’s weapon of choice in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Join us as we consider
how to talk about drones in our congregations. We’ll discuss the ethical, moral and legal issues related
to their use and consider what a Christian response to drones looks like. We’ll review the 2014 General
Assembly resolution “Drones, War and Surveilance” and look at the recent policy recommendations
from the Interfaith Conference on Drone Warfare calling on the U.S. to halt all lethal drone strikes.
Save the date for next year
April 15-18, 2016
Save the Date for next year!
April 17-20, 2015
“Guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)
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Workshop Leader: Carl Horton, Presbyterian Peacemaking Program 12
Lincoln Parlor – Main Level
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Trading Fair
Sustainable Event Measures
Sustainable Event Measures
Compost your waste at this event!
Compost is creative, caring, and cost-effective. Once decomposed, your kitchen scraps are
transformed into a substance that nourishes soil and produces beautiful garden growth. You
save on store-bought fertilizer; landfills are saved from unnecessary food waste. So, rather than
throwing away coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, banana peels, and other fresh vegetable/
fruit scraps, put them in a bucket, take them outside to a garden area (or worm bin!) and
-- after mixing them with sun, moisture, air and some dry matter (dry leaves, hay, shredded
newspaper) -- we’re ready to give back to God’s earth some of what we’ve taken out of it! Be
careful: do not add meat, dairy, fat, cooked foods, or pet droppings to compost. For more on
compost, go to howtocompost.org.
Sacred Greens is Church of the Pilgrims’ urban garden, created to provide healthy, organic
produce for Open Table meals, Pilgrims’ Sunday lunch with homeless and hungry folks. As an
Earth-honoring faith initiative, Sacred Greens thrives with volunteers from Pilgrims, who design
the produce layout, cultivate the soil, plant, water, and harvest. Pilgrims creates its own soil
with members, who fill-up two composts on site. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is also
maintained and used to create organic fertilizer for the garden.
Sacred Greens also includes Sacred Bees, Pilgrims’ Bee Ministry. With a handful of honeybee
hives in the garden, our Sacred Bee ministry is a practical response to colony collapse disorder,
plus the bees are essential to our thriving urban garden. Our hives are maintained by DC
Honeybees, a local non-profit committed to urban beekeeping.
Lunch provided by Corner Bakery
Each lunch will be provided in a labeled, recyclable bag. Please make sure to recycle your lunch
bag!
Corner Bakery uses recycled products whenever possible. All packaging and bottled beverages
are made from recycled products. They recycle in-store and have separate trash bins for paper,
cardboard, and food waste. When asked whether they compost during food preparation, they
said, “not yet.”
Corner Bakery uses locally grown produce whenever possible and has a very strong presence in
the community. Employees volunteer at many local events and host school nights to help local
schools with fundraising.
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Today’s Fair Trade coffee is donated by Equal Exchange, a 25-year-old Fair Trade worker-owned
co-operative, which has partnered with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for over ten years
through the Presbyterian Coffee Project. Equal Exchange offers coffee, tea, chocolate, olive oil,
bananas, and nuts from small farmers in 40 co-ops in 25 countries. For every pound of products
used by congregations, Equal Exchange donates $.15 to the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s
Small Farmer Fund to support farmer cooperatives doing their own development around the
world. Become part of the movement to help small farmers stay on their land, support their
families, and care for the environment. For more information see pcusa.org/fairtrade and
equalexchange.coop/pcusa.
Fair Trade is, well...Fair
Sacred Greens, a program of Church of the Pilgrims, PC(USA), will
receive this event’s compost
“Guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)
Many thanks to Equal Exchange!
One answer for small-scale farmers is fair trade. Fair trade shares the bounty of the coffee
trade with those who grow the crop, helping them build a better future for themselves and their
communities. Through fair trade, farmers earn a fairer share of income, have access to services
that are otherwise unavailable and gain long-term trading partners they can trust. By working
together and pooling their resources to form a cooperative, farmers can sell their coffee directly
to international buyers without relying on middlemen. They receive a fair price that not only
covers their costs of production but guarantees a fair wage for their labors.
Fair trade far surpasses the temporary assistance provided to farmers through charity. Instead,
the ongoing business of long-term, fair trade relationships consistently contributes to the living
conditions of farmers, their families and their communities. Cooperatives use profits from fair
trade coffee sales to establish community development or improvement programs such as
schools, health clinics, and training in areas such as leadership development. Fair trade farmers
tend to use environmentally friendly growing practices — such as organic farming, composting,
and shade growing (interspersing coffee trees among other plants) — all of which benefit the
farmers, the land, and the quality of the coffee.
The Presbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link between congregations and
communities around the world. Churches can now reach out to neighbors overseas not only
with the prayers and offerings we give, but with the goods and products we purchase. A warm
cup of coffee (or tea) in our hands is perhaps the most tangible daily connection we have
with farmers around the world. It represents warmth, hospitality, fellowship, hard work and
life’s pleasures both fine and simple. Buying fair trade through the Presbyterian Coffee Project
ensures that more of the money we spend on coffee reaches the hardworking farmers who
actually grow it.
“Guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)
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