Join the Advent Conspiracy!

As a continuation of our discussions of wealth and poverty, as a community we've decided to respond by making changes in the way we celebrate Christmas this year.

We're joining the Advent conspiracy.

Check out this video we watched in last week's LIFE Groups...



Can you believe that in the United States alone, we spend $450 billion a year on Christmas? As a community, we've committed to the four principles of the Advent Conspiracy:

• worship fully
• spend less
• give more
• love all

As part of our preparations for Christmas this year, we're going to support a project that provides access to clean water for people who have none. Specifically, the challenge we're undertaking is to give to this cause the same amount we spend on gifts for family and friends -- that is, to match our spending dollar for dollar. Most likely, that means spending less on gifts, since few of us can afford to double our typical Christmas spending, but it also means being more generous. We may also support a local cause as well -- that's a conversation we've just begun.

What do you think? Wanna conspire with us? Join the Advent Conspiracy!

World Fair Trade Day - May 10

World Fair Trade Day is May 10. Endorsed by the International Fair Trade Association, a global association consisting of over 300 fair trade organizations, World Fair Trade Day calls on all of us to participate by purchasing fair trade products and encouraging conventional companies to sell more fair trade goods.

We visited in England this year during their "Fair Trade Fortnight." We were struck by how many fairtrade products existed even in the mainstream retail market. The US is way behind on this one.

I just came across this challenge from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). They have a dream that during the next year--from this year's World Fair Trade Day until next year's day--we can make a difference in the market for Fair Trade Products which in turn makes a big difference for all people who produce products that we consume. See the 100-Ton Fair Trade Challenge. (there are other fair trade coffees besides Equal Exchange-including some of Coffee By Design coffees)

Here are some details and facts about what Fair Trade means for global relations and economic justice.

This is a significant way that we can impact the world--through the things we purchase.

Any ideas about how New Light might support Fair Trade?