Thursday, June 26, 2008

Better World Shopper

A few weeks ago after our staff meeting at a local coffee shop, Allen, Erica and I went into Longfellow Books in Monument Square. I saw a book in the window that I was looking for in the store. I knew it was a shopping guide for a better world. Eventually I found it in the "Green" Section: The Better World Shopping Guide: Every Dollar makes a difference.

I went back and forth about whether or not to buy it then and there and whether it was a good use of my money even though I knew it would help me to use my money better. It is even printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink. That was pretty convincing though in the end I decided not to get it...that day.

I came home and looked it up online. I found that you can even download a version to your ipod and avoid the paper all together.

It is increasingly clear to me that where and how I use my money influences the rest of the world, either by supporting good practices or supporting bad practices. Companies are influencing the world, the environment, and all world citizens through their actions. We need to be aware of our complicity in this system. We don't have to support companies and practices that oppress others and destroy our environment.

In the graphic, you can see the different changes you can make in your own habits that can really make a difference. Their website says:
The above list includes the 10 things that you can change in your life which will make the most difference for people and the planet. If you're having trouble knowing where to begin making changes, start here!

Some of them you might think of and some would not be necessarily on the top of my head. I downloaded the free version to check out the ipod compatibility, but I am planning on getting my hands on the whole thing soon. That probably means another trip to Longfellow Books, but I better walk or take the bus as I begin to take more seriously my life on this planet I call home. I believe that's what God wants from me...how about you?

Monday, June 23, 2008

Charlie at Hannaford

Those of you who shop at Hannaford may remember the guy who sat on the bench in the front of the store. Whenever I saw him there, I thought how wonderful it was that the store management let him claim that space for his own. The people there were more wonderful than I ever imagined.

I was really thankful when Alison mentioned during our prayer time that Charlie had died. It is a sacred act to remember those who are no longer with us, particularly those who maybe don't have a family or a community to remember them.

Erica sent this wonderful article about Charlie that made me cry. People are truly beautiful.

It makes me think, who can I get to know as a friend. There are so many people I don't think I would have anything in common with. There are so many people that I can't imagine being friends with. Maybe these are the people who have the most to teach me if I would just open my life to them.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Tree by Leaf Concert July 9th

Join New Light on Wednesday, July 9th at 8pm for the Tree by Leaf concert.

Portland will kick off it's Sunset Folk Series at the Western Prom Park with this folk quartet self described as "honest to God local music."

Check out the Tree by Leaf website to read some great reviews, and to hear some of their music to prepare yourself for this awesome show!

Bring your friends and enjoy the summer night in Portland with this free outdoor experience!!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

We can change the world

This week in our LIFE Groups we are watching: Amazing Grace, The Movie
It is an inspiring film about how we can use our faith to change the world.



If a group of people could influence a country to end the slave trade, what could we as followers of Jesus do today to change the world? End the war? End poverty? Find homes for all the orphans? End HIV/AIDS and Malaria? All of the above?

Tuesday, June 10, 2008



We watched this video recently at our LIFE Group Gatherings. We reflected on our use of money and imagined how we can live generously both individually and as a community.

I found this video very challenging and moving. How can we change the world so that everyone has enough? What does it mean for your life?