Blogs

I had a great time earlier this week visiting with more than 30 folks who turned out for "Texas Toast Events"--a new speaker series for Hill Country communities.

Tuesday's event took place on the campus of Texas Tech University in Junction. We talked about the proposed coal plants and how people can be involved in the legislative process even if they can't come to Austin. Attendees were especially interested in renewable alternatives to coal-fired generation and the economic development potential of renewables for the western half of the state.

According to Kim Paxson, the series is a nonpartisan forum for discussing a wide variety of topics of interest to Hill Country residents. Some topics will be legislative/policy oriented, while others will be more "hands-on."

Two weeks from tomorrow, Texans and other Americans will engage in the national ritual of “the busiest shopping day of the year.” Have you decided what gift you will give the planet this year?

The candles we light, the songs we sing, the foods we eat, and the stories we tell  during the holiday season all serve to remind us of how intimately connected we are with the whole of creation. It’s a great opportunity to deepen our faith and take intentional steps to care for the environment.

Texas Interfaith Power and Light is offering a fun, easy way for families and congregations to bring environmental stewardship into celebrations of Advent and Hannukah. Our new “Lightbulb Kits” complement the candle-lighting traditions that go with the season—and unlike the candles in your wreath or menorah, our high-quality compact fluorescent bulbs will burn steadily for years!

The lesson for the week here at Texas Impact has been relationships, relationships, relationships. Whether it’s lobbying a legislator on an issue or getting other organizations to work with you on a campaign, the public policy process seems to boil down to connection.

    The Southwest Texas UMC held its Annual Conference in Corpus Christi this past week. The Texas Impact display and materials were a vital part of the Conference Board of Church & Society - Peace with Justice display.  Our focus this year was on Citizenship & Advocacy Projects for Congregations which was also the focus of our resolution. We also offered large baskets of peanuts in the shell to promote "healthy" church snacks.  It keeps folks coming back and standing by the display eating, talking and shelling their peanuts...into a large recycle bag.