EarthKeepers
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18:26:15 07/03/09
Interfaith Respect Series #4: Jewish Dr. Michael Grossman on Rabbi Hillel, Safed, Mystics, Kabbalah
[LESS INFO] 9 VIEWS | ADDED 22:26:15 07/03/09
The EarthKeeper “Interfaith Respect” video series continues with a look at the Jewish faith with Dr. Michael Grossman of Ishpeming, Michigan.
The video ends with a drum solo and singing by Northern Michigan University student Emmanuel Shayo.
The series is brought to you buy the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team and the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute and its related environment projects like the interfaith Earth Healing Initiative, the interfaith Upper Peninsula (U.P.) EarthKeeper Team and more.
Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the U.P. EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.
On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each other’s faiths:
“The richness of religious diversity must be upheld ... faith should bring us together.”
The video series began with a three part look at Islam (see links below) and now the Jewish faith.
Future videos will include Baha’i, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more).
In this video we feature Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom, a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI. After Dr. Grossman's talk, you will hear NMU student Emmanuel Shayo who played a drum solo and sang.
Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions on April 23, 2009 in an address to NMU students.
The interfaith messages were deliver during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.
The first three videos featured well-known Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, who spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlrien House in Marquette, MI.
Imam Qazwini talked about his life, the Iraq War, the treatment of women in Islam, respect for the environment and the few differences between the world’s major religions. NMU Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.
Parts 1-3 on bliptv & youtube:
Interfaith Respect Series #1 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette:
bliptv
youtube
Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues:
bliptv
youtube
Interfaith Respect Series #3: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini explains Islam and respect for women:
bliptv
youtube
Other Interfaith Respect videos with:
Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette: Speaks about the history of the Baha’i faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.
Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI: Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.
Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each other’s faith.
The mother of three children, Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore was the seedling distribution coordinator for the 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project that was held in connection with Earth Day 2009 and saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009: Fillmore speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project including what it takes to organize the distribution of 12,000 seedlings across a 400-mile area.
United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton IN: Cairns speaks about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion: Speaks in May 2009 about Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones, M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University.
Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.
The interfaith series includes music from the NMU Sacred Planet series: EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums and sang.
The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.
The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.
The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.
U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:
People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.
The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
“Indeed, faith should bring us together.”
“That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.”
“That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”
“I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.”
“The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few.”
“We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew.
It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.
It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.”
“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”
And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all - we include the President’s remarks about respect for women’s rights:
President Obama said “the sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.”
“I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”
“Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.”
“Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”
“Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential.
I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.
But it should be their choice.”
“That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”
Related Links:
Rabbi Hillel:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_the_Elder
http://rabbihillel.com
http://www.jewfaq.org/sages.htm
Artwork of Rabbi Hillel:
Rabbi Hillel artwork was “reproduced with cooperation of the Arthur Szyk Society in Burlingame, CA.
By the way, Szyk is pronounced "Schick" (like the razor) and has a Polish origin.
http://www.szyk.org
http://www.szyk.org/szykonline/hillel.html
The Arthur Szyk Society
Not-for-profit organization
1200 Edgehill Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone:
1-650-343-9588 (office)
1-650-579-6014 (fax)
email The Arthur Szyk Society
Special thanks to Allison Chang, the Society Coordinator for the Arthur Szyk Society
email Allison Chang
Zohar:
Wikipedia on Zohar
Jewish Virtual Library on Zohar
Drawing of Zohar on wikipedia:
Title page of first edition of the Zohar, Mantua, 1558 Library of Congress is in the Public Domain because its copyright has expired.
Kabbalah:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/361877/jewish/The-Zohar.htm
Tree of Life (Kabbalah):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_life_(Kabbalah)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_of_life_wk_02.svg
Illustration:
A Public Domain version of the Kabbalistic tree with flaming sword in yellow. (The flaming sword that protects the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life itself.)
Diagram by Morgan Leigh
email Morgan Leigh
Tree of Life:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_of_life_wk_02.svg
Town of Safed (home of Jewish Mystics):
http://jewishmag.com/1mag/safad/safad.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safad
Wikipedia photo of city of Safed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Safed1.jpg
Safed (צפת in Hebrew), a city in northern Israel. Taken by Beny Shlevich (Volland) , on May 29th, 2006.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
Wikipedia map of Safed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_outline_north_haifa.png
Map of North and Haifa districts of Israel
Map by Yan Nasonov from Petah Tikva , Israel , going by the alias Ynhockey because I once played hockey and have had this alias for over 6 years.
Wikipedia user Ynhockey:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ynhockey
Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
11th century manuscript of the Hebrew Bible with Aramaic Targum image used under Creative Commons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Targum.jpg
U.P. EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI
Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:
Religions, people have few differences on bliptv
Religions, people have few differences on youtube
Selfish humans abuse Earth on MIEarth Video Website
Selfish humans abuse Earth on bliptv
Selfish humans abuse Earth on youtube
Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI
Imam Hassan Qazwini website
Lutheran Campus Ministry
http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com
Lutheran Campus Ministry native Species Garden
Lake Superior Interfaith
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette story on national Baha'i website about 2009 tree platning project
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette story on national Baha'i website about Earth Day 2007
Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb)
Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC)
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml
http://www.uua.org
Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI
http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample)
Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI
http://www.upepiscopal.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html
Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:
http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo
Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946
American Buddhist Network:
http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan
http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees
Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168
Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):
http://presbymac.com
http://www.presbysupport.net/mac
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm
Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:
http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767
http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings
MIEarth:
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178
Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:
http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org
Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:
http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com
Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:
http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website:
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources
1-800-326-1197
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
Stories on EarthKeeper projects (2005-2009):
EK Tree Planting final story:
http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/journal/10088
EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html
EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html
EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html
EarthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html
EarthKeeper Column #2 Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003
EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003
Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507
http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html
http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999
http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327
http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com
http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow
Lake Superior Magazine:
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html
National Religion News:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm
http://news.bahai.org/story/449
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918
Catholic News Service Preview Story on 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic Clean Sweep
Presbyterian News Service on 2006 Earth Keeper Electronic Waste Clean Sweep
Presbyterian News Service on 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
United Methodist News Service on EarthKeeper Methodists sharing Michigan Sierra Club White Pine Award
Environment Magazine on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
Environment News Service on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper story says Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit
Story on Earth Keeper Energy Summit in Cedar Tree Institute website
EarthTimes story on EarthKeepers
April 2005 EPA Significant Activites report on EarthKeepers
EPA story on the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers
PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)
Michigan Earth Keepers video: One person can make a difference
2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep video on bliptv
Christian Post article on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project
Presbyterian News Service preview story on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project
The Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during May 2009 thanks to the congregations of over 100 churches and temples.
A garden initiative is among the projects being considered in 2010.
14 Views
17:08:01 06/19/09
Interfaith Respect Series #2: Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues
[LESS INFO] 14 VIEWS | ADDED 21:08:01 06/19/09
Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about the Iraq War and other issues
Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain
On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each other’s faiths: “The richness of religious diversity must be upheld ... faith should bring us together.”
In that spirit, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI begins a series of videos from a wide range of faiths.
These videos include Baha’i, Jewish, Muslim, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more.)
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain
We start with three videos with well-know Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini (pictured above) and followed by three videos of Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom (pictured below), a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI.
Blip TV:
Bliptv video #1
Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette
Bliptv video #2
Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues
youtube video #1
Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette
youtube video #2
Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues
Imam Hassan Qazwini photos by Greg Peterson
Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, spoke on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlrien House in Marquette, MI.
Imam Qazwini talks about his life, the Iraq War and the treatment of women in Islam.
(See links below to two previous videos in which Imam Qazwini talks about respect for the environment and the few differences between the world’s major religions.)
Northern Michigan University (NMU) Health & Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini.
Dr. Grossman joined faith leaders from other religions in a April 23, 2009 address to NMU students.
The interfaith messages were delivered during the Sacred Planet series sponsored by the EarthKeeper NMU Student Team led by team leaders Sarah Swanson and Ben Scheelk.
Interfaith graphic, above, by Justice St. Rain
The EarthKeeper Interfaith Respect videos will include:
Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette:
Speaks about the history of the Baha’i faiht, the environment and the EarthKeeper Initiative.
Head Priest Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg of the Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist temple, Marquette, MI:
Speaks about the history of the Buddhist and Zen Buddhist faith, the environment and the EarthKeeper Tree Project.
Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of the Northern Great Lakes Synod for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
Speaks on the environment, interfaith projects and respect for each other’s faith.
Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, seedling distribution coordinator for the EarthKeeper Tree Project, held in connection with Earth Day 2009, that saw the congregations of 100 churches and temples plant over 12,000 trees across the U.P. during May 2009:
Speaks about the Catholic faith, the environment and the tree project.
United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana:
Cairns speaks in May 2009 about what can be learned from the Earth-based Celtic religion plus Celtic Christianity and the environment from Union Community Church (UCC) in Valparaiso, IN.
Dr. Cairns comments are thanks to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones, M.Div., D. Min, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University.
Dr. Cairns is the co-founder of the nonprofit Turtle island Project, a research professor with the Chicago Theological Seminary and Theologian in Residence at the Union Community Church.
We will wrap up our interfaith series with music from the NMU Sacred Planet series:
EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant (above) on guitar
NMU student Emmanuel Shayo (above) sings, plays drums
EarthKeeper volunteer Johnnie Bryant sang an original song and NMU student Emmanuel Shayo played the drums.
NMU students and the guest speakers enjoyed homemade herbal tea made with indigenous plants that were collected and and brewed by EarthKeeper volunteer and naturalist Tom Reed, who has served as volunteer social worker with numerous Cedar Tree Institute projects.
The EarthKeepers are an interfaith environment group involving over 150 churches and temples across northern Michigan.
The EarthKeeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) and Zen Buddhist.
The EarthKeepers have ties to several other faiths including the Evangelical Covenant Church and Japanese Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network.
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain
U.S. President Barack Obama interfaith quotes from Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 2009:
"People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul."
"The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt."
"And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq."
"Indeed, faith should bring us together."
"That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews."
"That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster."
"I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world."
"The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few."
"We should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew.
It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.
It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today."
"All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer."
And because the EarthKeepers stand for the equal treatment of all - we include the President’s remarks about respect for women’s rights:
"The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights."
"I know there is debate about this issue.
I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.
And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous."
"Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead."
"Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world."
"Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential.
I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.
But it should be their choice."
"That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams."
Related Links:
U.P. EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette, MI
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI
Two previous excerpts from the Marquette talk by Imam Hassan Qazwini:
Religions, people have few differences on bliptv
Religions, people have few differences on youtube
Selfish humans abuse Earth on MIEarth Video Website
Selfish humans abuse Earth on bliptv
Selfish humans abuse Earth on youtube
Islamic Center of America, Detroit, MI
Imam Hassan Qazwini website
Lutheran Campus Ministry
http://www.tiredofthiscrap.com
Lutheran Campus Ministry native Species Garden
Lake Superior Interfaith
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette story on national Baha'i website about 2009 tree platning project
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette story on national Baha'i website about Earth Day 2007
Northern Great Lakes Synod, Marquette, MI (Bishop Thomas Skrenes)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
United Methodist Church Marquette District Office (Supt. Grant R. Lobb)
Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC)
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/3754.shtml
http://www.uua.org
Temple Beth Sholom, Ishpeming, MI
http://www.templebethsholom-ishpeming.org/tikkun
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI (Bishop Alexander Sample)
Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, Marquette, MI
http://www.upepiscopal.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Diocese_of_Northern_Michigan
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/bishopkelsey.html
Lake Superior Zendo, Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, Marquette, MI:
http://lakesuperiorzendo.googlepages.com/lakesuperiorzendo
Buddhadharma MahaSangha News:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=1946
American Buddhist Network:
http://americanbuddhist.net/over-12-000-trees-planted-across-northern-michigan
http://americanbuddhist.net/michigan-buddhist-groups-helped-plant-12-000-trees
Buddhist Yahoo Darma Wellness Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dharma-Direct/message/17168
Presbytery of Mackinac (Presbyterian):
http://presbymac.com
http://www.presbysupport.net/mac
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07188.htm
Quakers Lake Superior Friends, Marquette, MI:
http://www.quakerfinder.org/quaker/near/MI/Marquette/11767
http://www.northernyearlymeeting.org/meetings
MIEarth:
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=368
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=253
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=252
http://www.miearth.org/play.php?vid=178
Celtic Christianity Today, founded by Rev. Dr. George Cairns:
http://www.celticchristianitytoday.org
Union Community Church in Valpraiso, IN:
http://unioncommunitychurchucc.blogspot.com
Rev. Dr. Gregory Augustus Jones:
http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website:
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources
1-800-326-1197
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
Stories on EarthKeeper projects (2005-2009):
EK Tree Planting final story:
http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/journal/10088
EarthKeeper Column #7 by Rev. Jon Magnuson: Bequeathing a Sacred Planet
EarthKeeper Column #6 by Catholic member Kyra Fillmore: Growing Faith:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527268.html
EarthKeeper Column #5 by co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson: Seeds, Signs and Symbols
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526935.html
EarthKeeper Column #4 by Presbyterian member Jill Martin: The Giving Tree
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526579.html
E arthKeeper Column #3 by Carl Lindquist: Great Lakes Ripple Effect
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526285.html
EarthKeeper Column #2 Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525918.html?nav=5003
EarthKeeper Column #1 by Rev. Jon Magnuson:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/525642.html?nav=5003
Some of the Earthkeeper stories over the years:
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512057.html
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/511861.html?nav=5052
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/527270.html?nav=5001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNGjxirmK4
http://blip.tv/file/2108308
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/story.aspx?id=295080
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=290507
http://www.lscbc.com/news.php?id=509
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/507618.html?nav=5002
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/512306.html
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/526750.html
http://www.americancatholic.org/news/newsreport.aspx?id=999
http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=6082
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Blog/News-Blog-Archive.aspx?a=327
http://cmonletsplantatree.blogspot.com
http://network.earthday.net/profiles/blogs/its-underway-update-rainbow
Lake Superior Magazine:
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/295/295award.html
National Religion News:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_84803_ENG_HTM.htm
http://news.bahai.org/story/449
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=6044
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5918
Catholic News Service Preview Story on 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic Clean Sweep
Presbyterian News Service on 2006 Earth Keeper Electronic Waste Clean Sweep
Presbyterian News Service on 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
United Methodist News Service on EarthKeeper Methodists sharing Michigan Sierra Club White Pine Award
Environment Magazine on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
Environment News Service on 2007 Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep
Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper story says Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit
Story on Earth Keeper Energy Summit in Cedar Tree Institute website
EarthTimes story on EarthKeepers
April 2005 EPA Significant Activites report on EarthKeepers
EPA story on the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers
PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)
Michigan Earth Keepers video: One person can make a difference
2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep video on bliptv
Christian Post article on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project
Presbyterian News Service preview story on 2009 EarthKeeper Tree Project
The Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during May 2009 thanks to the congregations of over 100 churches and temples.
A garden initiative is among the projects being considered in 2010.
296 Views
09:34:51 06/04/09
Interfaith Respect Series #1: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini
[LESS INFO] 296 VIEWS | ADDED 13:34:51 06/04/09
Interfaith Respect Series #1: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette, MI
Interfaith Respect has long been a goal of the Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Team in northern Michigan.
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain
On June 4, 2009 President Barack Obama said in Cairo, Egypt that people from different religions should respect each other’s faiths: “The richness of religious diversity must be upheld ... faith should bring us together.”
In that spirit, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI begins a series of videos from a wide range of faiths.
These videos include Baha’i, Jewish, Muslim, Zen Buddhist and Christian (Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and more.)
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain
We start with three videos with well-know Muslim Imam Hassan Qazwini and followed by three videos of Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom, a Jewish Synagogue in Ishpeming, MI.
Blip TV:
Bliptv video #1
Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2 Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette
Bliptv video #2
Bliptv Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues
youtube video #1
Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini talks about his life during fall 2008 visit to Marquette
youtube video #2
Interfaith Respect Series #2: Islamic Center of America Imam Hassan Qazwini discusses the Iraq War and other issues
35 Views
09:42:14 05/13/09
Over 12,000 trees planted across northern Michigan in early May 2009 by U.P.EarthKeepers
[LESS INFO] 35 VIEWS | ADDED 13:42:14 05/13/09
Over 12,000 trees planted by Northern Michigan interfaith EarthKeepers during early May across 400 miles of northern Michigan and Minocqua, Wisconsin
Raging forest fires underline importance of planting trees
Earth Day 2009: First tree planted and blessed by northern Michigan bishops and faith leaders on Earth Day 2009 near shores of Lake Superior at Presque Isle in Marquette
(Marquette, Michigan) - Northern Michigan residents planted more than 12,000 trees in early May across a 400-mile area of the Upper Peninsula and in northern Wisconsin during the 2009 interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project.
White Spruce and Red Pine seedlings measuring 12 to 16 inches tall were given to over 100 churches and temples in all 15 Upper Peninsula (U.P.) counties and Minocqua, WI, said Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore of Marquette, the project distribution coordinator.
"We hope these trees grow strong and tall," Fillmore said.
EarthKeeper volunteers planted the 12,000 trees by homes, camps, parks, American Indian reservations and many other places with help from hundreds of chilren ranging in age from two-years-old to twenty-two.
In a tragic irony, within hours of the last trees being planted two raging forest fires erupted in Marquette and Alger counties. In Marquette County, 33 structures were destroyed including 12 homes.
In Baraga County, an EarthKeeper tree planter was preparing to bury a cousin at the Pinery Cemetery when the wildfire ripped through the Native American cemetery destroying 45 spirit houses. Fortunately there were no deaths or serious injuries reported. Untold thousands and thousands of trees were burned in the forest fires.
The fires underline the need for people to plant trees and remove dead underbrush from around your home.
"My kids and I had a great time packing trees and planting trees," said Carl Lindquist, who has a son Nels, 13, and a daughter Ingrid, 11, and is executive director of the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette. "I think everyone likes to feel like they are part of something much bigger than they are."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers), plus the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership, the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute, and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.
Three Native American sisters and their mom volunteered at the Marquette tree distribution center. The girls planted trees behind their Gwinn, MI home hoping to attract more wildlife to what has turned into a nature preserve of sorts with a wide variety of wild animals and birds.
"We've decided to do a wildlife sanctuary in our backyard because we already have deer and many other animals come," said Pamella Vincent, 17, a senior at Gwinn High School. "It will be really cool to see different animals come because of the trees."
In the eight-acre area, "we already have Sand Hill Cranes, and deer and coyotes there, so we are trying to get more animals to come," said Paige Vincent, 14, an eighth grader at Gwinn Middle School.
The youngest sister, Gilbert Elementary School sixth grader Paula Vincent, 12, said she has spotted cranes and "had popcorn in my hand and a crow came to eat out of my hand.
The Vincent family are members of St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Harvey, MI.
The girl’s mom Theresa Vincent said her great-grandpa was a Cherokee chief in Maryland who was joined by other relatives in walking the "Trail of Tears" into the Appalachian foothills. Vincent said she has taught her daughters about the respect Native Americans have for the land and wildlife.
"We're here to help keep the earth green and the trees are important," Theresa Vincent said. The family believes it's important to "keep in touch with Mother Earth" in ways that include "recycling, reducing (energy consumption) and reusing" manmade products.
The sisters said Americans Indians have always respected the environment.
"It's always been tradition for natives that if you take something away from the earth, you have to give it back - or give a blessing - so normally we would give tobacco or (in this case) plant trees," Paige Vincent said. "We're planting trees to give back to Mother Nature."
The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, Superior Watershed Partnership, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses.
Some groups and individuals have donated money to help the tree project including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Western U.P. Chapter 30918 in Ironwood, MI.
The EarthKeepers is "focused on how the faith communities can work together" despite theological differences, said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes.
"Religious differences are a huge factor in many parts of life and certainly there are big differences between different religious communities," said Bishop Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members.
Skrenes asked "where is it that we can find ways to work together?"
"Nature is one of those places and EarthKeepers has provided us the opportunity to again renew our relationship with people who are very different in some ways and yet very similar," said Skrenes, an original signer of the EarthKeeper Covenant.
Volunteer Johnny Bryant delivered 3,000 seedlings - one fourth of the entire planting effort - from a Marquette warehouse to Messiah Lutheran Church that served as the Marquette County distribution center for 25 churches and temples.
In a parking lot of the Marquette distribution center, the trees were blessed by numerous other faith traditions as the seedlings were picked up including a Catholic and Jewish blessing.
After speaking in Hebrew, Dr. Michael Grossman, a member an Ishpeming Synagogue, translated what he had said into English and explained some of the Jewish beliefs about protecting the environment.
"We have blessings for everything in Judaism, so I just blessed the trees," said Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming. "We are grateful to God for bringing trees from the earth - when we eat we bless the bread - when we drink wine we bless the fruit."
"Trees are symbolic of life," Grossman said. "Trees are very important in Judaism as I am sure they are important to all faith traditions."
Grossman then planted the trees at several locations in west Marquette County and in the city of Negaunee with help from two employees from his office.
"We jumped at the chance to help plant the trees," said Rachel Riley, 25, hile standing next to fellow volunteer Kim McCarthy, 35, both of Negaunee. After the long winter, "I've been meaning to get out and do some work."
Gail Griffith of Marquette, the EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair, brought trees to her congregation at the Marquette Unitarian Universalist Church (MUUC).
The MUUC planted seedlings in a Memorial Garden on their property near Harvey, MI and other trees as a future noise buffer to the heavy M-28 traffic that passes by their meeting house. The MUUC donated some of their trees to youth projects including 30 seedlings to a 4-H group.
‘We had a blessing of the trees as part of our service," Griffith said.
Powell Township students (above) in the first through fourth grades planted about 30 seeedlings donated by the UU congregation.
In Big Bay, MI, the first through fourth graders at Powell Township Schools planted about 30 of the UU trees at several locations including in the schoolyard and at near-by Perkins Park.
“The students really took on a great deal of empathy for the trees - they carefully placed them in the holes, tucked the dirt around, created moats, stood up the sticks,” said teacher Kathy Wright. “Most kids visit their trees faithfully, sometimes leaving little special rocks or giving the trees and extra drink.”
The students and teachers “thank the Unitarian Universalist congregation for the opportunity to connect with our Mother Earth, and for the vehicle to teach our kids about the value of trees and earth stewardship,” Wright said.
MUUC member Nancy Irish the planting was more fun than work.
"We were digging and watering," Irish said. "We talked about how big they would be 20 years from now, and how we might drive by and remember the day that 12,000 trees were planted all across the U.P."
Northern Michigan Quakers planted approximately 50 trees during the EarthKeeper project.
The Lake Superior Friends is one of two U.P. Quaker groups in northern Michigan (the other is Keweenaw Friends Meeting in Houghton).
David McCowen of Lake Superior Friends said at one of their recent meetings a seven-year-old girl said planting trees is one way to respect the planet.
"I think it is important to help the earth by planting trees, because it is giving and good for the earth," the youngster said.
In accordance with their religion, the Quakers quietly support the EarthKeepers and seldom publicly discuss their daily actions that show respect for the earth, wildlife and people, McCowen said.
One of the basic testimonials of the Quakers is "Simplicity of Living," McCowen said. "A modern outgrowth of that testimonial is care for the environment."
"Being planters of the trees helps us personally take part in continuing that creation," McCowen said. "Here in the UP it is easy to take trees for granted, but trees are a major part of the surroundings that we love."
"The technical benefits of trees are well known: carbon sequestration, sound buffers, wind breaks, wildlife habitat, fuel source, cellulose fiber source," McCowen said. "But faith communities have the privilege and responsibility of unselfishly considering the natural environment as being inherently desirable."
Lake Superior Friends Meeting member Jim Smit of Harvey said that "stewardship of the earth finds its roots in the biblical account of creation."
"Adam's job was to cultivate a garden filled with beautiful trees that produced good fruit," Smit said.
"Six times in the creation story the writer pauses to say that God looked at what he had made, and behold, it was very good," Smit said, adding "the implication is that we are meant to celebrate the earth and protect it."
Smit said an example of Quaker views on the environment was explained during the Faith and Practice book written based on the North Pacific Yearly Meeting that reads in part: "We are obliged to cherish the earth, and to protect all its resources in a spirit of humble stewardship, committed to the right sharing of these resources among people everywhere."
"Friends use questions or queries to approach issues of faith, implying that each of us is a seeker after truth," Smit said.
The Faith and Practice book from the Friends' (Quaker's) 1972 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting questioned human impact on the environment: "Are you concerned that our increasing power over nature should not be used irresponsibly but with reverence for life and with a sense of the splendor of God's continuing creation?"
McCowen said passages in the Bible books of Genesis, Isaiah and Leviticus reflect the Quaker view on nature, land and the Earth:
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." - Genesis 1:31
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12
"Your land must not be sold on a permanent basis, because you do not own it; it belongs to God, and you are like foreigners who are allowed to make use of it." - Leviticus 25:23
In Chocolay Township, seven-year-old Isabelle Gostomski was dressed in her finest Sunday dress as she and her father planted a seedling in their front yard.
"I got it from church and it's a tree - today was my first communion and I got this for a present." said Gostomski, the daughter of Jennifer and Greg Gostomski. The family attends St. Louis the King parish in Harvey, MI.
Several faith leaders gave examples how the tree is used in religion in both a literal way and in a figurative way as in the "tree of life."
Whiling hosting a planting party on a Bah` holy day, Steve Lockwood showed the amateur foresters "some trees that he planted that are twenty years old and they were a lot taller than me," said Eve McCowen, 12, about her fourth participation in a hands-on EarthKeeper environment project.
12-year-old Eve McCowen of Marquette, a veteran of several EarthKeeper projects, helps plant trees. (Photo by Dennis McCowen)
"I knew they (the seedlings) might be really big trees in 20 years," said the home-schooled sixth grader who is more active in community projects than many of her public school peers including Girl Scouts, piano, cross-country skiing, being in the outdoors and always the enthusiastic Earth Keeper volunteer. She is the daughter of Dennis and Lisa McCowen of Marquette, MI.
Eve remembers well being a nine-year-old unloading cars and stacking broken computers almost a big as she was during the 2006 EarthKeeper Electronic (e-waste) Clean Sweep that garnered over 320 tons of e-waste across the Upper Peninsula.
The next year Eve dumped countless bags of old medicines and personal products like shampoo into the proper containers during the 2007 Earth Keeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep that saw over one ton of pills turned in by northern Michigan residents. The e-waste was recycled and the pharmaceuticals destroyed using EPA guidelines to ensure the medicines were not flushed only to end up in America's drinking water.
The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bah`s of Marquette are among the congregations of over 100 churches and temples from ten faith traditions who planted 12,000 trees across 400 miles of northern Michigan during early May 2009.
"If we cut down all the trees there wont be any more trees," Eve McCowen said. "The animals can't live in nests in trees if there are no trees."
Bah`s took turns using a heavy steel rod to poke planting holes in the soil and planted the seedlings," she said. "After we put the tree in the ground and we put dirt around it."
Eve said she realized that logging was necessary to provide paper for schools and wood to build homes, but added "some people just have fun cutting down tree."
If you cut down a tree you have to replace a tree," she said. "When you breathe we get oxygen from the trees and the trees pick up your carbon dioxide and turns it into oxygen."
Trees and the environment are much more than a cause to Bah`s because "this world and nature is the embodiment of the name of God, the creator, the maker," said Marquette Bah` local chair Dr. Rodney Clarken while explaining the Bah` faith to NMU students during the "Sacred Planet" series sponsored by the NMU Earth Keeper Student Team.
"When we look at nature, we see the name of God reflected in all of God's creation - but in nature particularly we see that image of God in the same way we see the image of God in the human being," Clarken told the students.
There are about 40 Bah's in the Marquette area, 144,000 in the United States and six million around the world, said Clarken, the director of the NMU School of Education, associate dean of Teacher Education and professor.
Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest, told the NMU Sacred Planet forum how 2,500 years ago "the Buddha sat under a tree" called the Bodhi Tree until he discovered "the root of suffering - and how to rid one's self of suffering."
"The leaf of the Bodhi Tree is one of the symbols of Buddhism, said Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Zen Buddhist temple in Marquette, MI. "It's shaped a little bit like a poplar leaf but it's got kind of a little tail - like a heart with a tail."
"It's said the descendants of this Bodhi Tree are still alive, probably because we want them to be alive. We want this connection between us and the Buddha 2,500 years ago," said Lehmberg, who is also an English professor at Northern Michigan University.
"The natural world is very important in Buddhism, particularly in Zen," said Lehmberg, the co-chair of the EarthKeeper Implementation Team.
Rev. Lehmberg told the forum a story about Dogen, a Japanese Monk who founded Zen Buddhism in the Thirteenth Century.
"When Dogen would dip water from a stream or a well to drink, he would always pour half of it back," Lehmberg said. "He would pour half of it back as a sign of respect for the natural world, as a symbol that he is a part of the natural world and must treat that natural world with great care."
Lehmberg said that "Lake Superior Zendo was honored to once again participate with other EarthKeeper congregations in this important work."
"We must - we absolutely must - care for mother earth," Lehmberg said.
"Human life, literally and figuratively, is inseparable from mother earth," Lehmberg said. "We are inextricably threaded to her - in caring for her, we care for ourselves."
Negaunee Township resident Ronald Heikkila spent several days this week planting 31 red pine seedlings around his home.
"What you do is to try not to get roots in their," Heikkila said while planting tree number seven.
"Look at all the nightcrawlers," Heikkila said "I can't believe the quality of this soil - if you wanted to go fishing here would be the place to come."
"I am going to get some good topsoil and put it in their - and if it rains a little bit, it's going to settle the soil," said Heikkila, his hands covered in black dirt.
On Sunday (May 3), eight Copper Country residents including two elementary school children, planted 12 trees in the 16-acre Calumet Township Waterworks Park on the shores of Lake Superior.
"We received permission from the Calumet township supervisor, Paul Lehto, to plant the trees," said Susan Rokicki. "We gave three (seedlings) to township treasurer, Debra Aubin, to plant in her yard."
"We supported the trees with sticks to keep them visible and safe," Rokicki said. "We will return from time to time to see if our dozen need anything."
A natural fit with the interfaith EarthKeepers, some of the planters are members of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist Network's Copper Range district.
The three SGI members are Susan Rokicki, Jorge Kurita and Jean Larson; plus friends Margo McCafferty-Rudd, Joseph Mihal and Maureen Tobin, and children Max Rudd and Rebecca Naumenko.
The SGI Buddhist network "actively promotes peace, culture and education through personal transformation and social responsibility, originating in Japan," said Rokicki, who is restoring a Norwegian Lutheran Church in Calumet and is a Lutheran church pianist/organist.
"We are one of the originators of the Earth Charter and the act of planting and dedicating trees is embedded in our tradition," Rokicki said.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Father Bob Aldrich blessed seedlings at the St. James Episcopal Church. Some of the trees were planted in front of the church by by Father Aldrich with help from Rev. Larry Rice, deacon; and sexton David Cook, said Pam Briglio, the St. James office administrator.
In Escanaba, MI EarthKeeper volunteers - from the First Presbyterian Church and the Central United Methodist Church - separated and bagged 1,000 trees.
In Cornell, 100 red pines were planted Wednesday night (May 6) at a camp about 12 miles from Escanaba owned by Paul and Denise DeHaan, who are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.
"We planted approximately 100 trees on an area of clear cut land," said Presbyterian Earth Keeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township.
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Paul DeHann said his daughter Maggie "will remember planting these trees and come out here as an adult to see them quite a bit bigger."
DeHann gave strict instructions his daughter that the planted area would now be off limits to ORVs because the trees needed protection to grow. Jill and her husband Hal Martin then walked along the Ford River to check out the water levels.
A member of First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba, Martin said on May 3 children at her church "planted three trees into planters in the sanctuary."
Martin said a young girl jumped over a planted seedling so that when the tree was big she could say: "I jumped over that tree."
"The message was that seedlings are like child trees, when we plant them, we nurture them and watch them grow up to be big and we love the kids and trees like crazy," Martin said.
"Many people told me they were going straight out to camp or the farm to plant the trees," Martin said.
A Presbyterian member of the EarthKeeper team, Martin said the project made her feel "like the tree lady this year."
Martin said Monday (May 4) a young man playing tennis shouted out: "Hey, I planted my trees."
"Many people paused in thought when I suggested that a Red Pine could live 400 years," said Martin, an environmental scientist with Wilcox Professional Services in Escanaba. "It is a wonderful feeling when you know that 400 years into the future this simple act in God's creation could still be here as testament to our faith."
In Marquette, Lutheran Pastor Tim Bernard blessed the same group of trees three times on Sunday (May 3) during two services at Messiah Lutheran Church and one service at St. Mark's Lutheran Church.
"These trees have been blessed three times which is a very Trinitarian number - they will grow profusely and abundantly," Rev. Bernard joked at the final service evoking laughter from the congregation.
Dozens of second grade children ages 7 and 8 spent the week planting seedlings they were given Saturday (May 2) during a rehearsal of their first communion the next day at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette.
"Dear God, bless these trees in the name of all that is holy and divine - Amen," said Rev. Monsignor John "Jed" E. Jenkins while forming the sign of the cross and sprinkling holy water on the seedlings that were then given to the children. "We sprinkle them with this holy water as a sign of the blessing."
Giving trees to the St. Michael students to commemorate their first communion "is sponsored by our Christian Service Committee here at the parish," said Sally Luft of Marquette, a committee member. "The committee sees to the needs of the concerns of our environment and of the needy among us."
In Sagola, MI, a rainbow appeared over the Grace Presbyterian Church as about 30 EarthKeeper volunteers spent three hours bagging 1,500 seedlings.
The trees were blessed by Rev. David Anderson and then prepared to be delivered or picked up by seven other churches including Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and a non-EarthKeeper but welcomed congregation - the Mission Covenant Church in Foster City.
The Presbyterian and Catholic volunteers in Sagola came in all ages and included three generations of one family. Young children were taught by adults how to properly bag the seedlings and as the night ended the kids scurried around the church picking up pine needles to help with the clean up.
Sue Piasini of Sagola said her two-year-old grandson Mason Anderson planted trees at his home in Felch and on Tuesday (May 5) outside her office at the North Dickinson Head Start Center.
"Mason put every tree into every whole he was told - he was so cute," Piasini said. "He watered the trees with the watering can."
Mason is the son of Fawn and Steve Anderson of Felch.
At the North Dickinson Nordic Head Start, students planted trees with help from preschool assistant classroom coordinator Mary Beth Schuiteman of Kingsford, MI and preschool classroom coordinator Sue Piasini.
Above photos by Alex Schuiteman
Schuiteman is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Piasini is a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola and was coordinator of the distribution of 1,500 trees to churches of several faiths in Dickinson County.
Schuiteman is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Piasini is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Sagola and coordinated the distribution of 1,500 trees to numerous churches of various faiths in Dickinson County.
A group of volunteers planted several trees in Michigamme, MI at the United Methodist Church Camp Michigamme.
Late Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan Bishop James Kelsey was remembered at several events during the tree planting including at the Page Center. One of the bishop's favorite places, the Kelsey Cottage is named in his honor at the recreation and retreat area in Little Lake, MI.
Members of the Episcopal Ministry Discernment Team representing the 27 congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan gathered at the center on May 2 “for a time of reflection and fellowship.”
Two red pine trees were planted on either side of the main entry to the Kelsey cottage, one seedling was planted in memory of Bishop Kelsey, and the second as symbol of diocese renewal.
Members present included Nancy Auer, Judy Britton, Susan Harries, Mary Johnson, Kathy Lenten, Charlie Piper, Rayford Ray, Suzanne Ray, Sharon Stenglein, Mary Sullivan, and Bob Trautman.
Bishop Kelsey, one of the founders of the EarthKeepers and the first signer of the interfaith EarthKeeper Covenant, was killed in a June 2007 traffic accident that claimed two lives.
"I think he'd try to find a place for a tree in his own yard for one and he'd want to plant one at the Page Center at one at the office," said Jane Cisluycis, Diocesan Operations Coordinator. "He'd be really pleased. Since his mantra was about inclusiveness, the fact that the circle is widening would have been really important to him."
Kelsey would be "pleased that the EarthKeepers are getting stronger and continuing and more people are getting involved - it hasn't stopped," said Kathy Lenten a member of the diocese Episcopal Ministry Support Team.
The EarthKeeper Tree Project "had people of all ages and faiths working together towards another common goal; improving the Great Lakes environment that we live in," said Lindquist, who co-founded the EarthKeeper Initiative with Rev. Jon Magnuson, the executive director of the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette.
"Every EarthKeeper project furthers the long term Great Lakes protection and restoration goals of the Superior Watershed Partnership," Lindquist said.
The tree projects fits well with the goals of the Superior Watershed Partnership including its other projects like protecting water quality and preventing erosion, said Natasha Koss, Superior Watershed Partnership development director.
Trees are a "symbol of life and they represent something that is living and something we can easily put into the ground," Koss said.
Trees are a sign "of how well the environment is doing," said Larry Pagel, Messiah Lutheran Church congregation president. Humans "are connected to the earth through our trees."
In addition to providing oxygen, trees have practical benefits like offering recreational opportunities including providing shade on a hot day, said Pagel, an NMU business professor.
That simple act of sitting under trees is a uniquely human desire that will be fulfilled for centuries to come because of the planting project, said Bishop Skrenes.
"Just think of the people that will sit under these trees, admire these trees, look at these trees and breathe the oxygen produced by these trees - just think of all those people for centuries ahead," Skrenes said.
Experts say 12,000 mature trees absorb 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen to support 24,000 humans.
EarthKeeper background:
This is the fifth year that the U.P. EarthKeepers have launched an Earth Day environment project.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 U.P. residents turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P. Most of the items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that prevented over 3 million pounds of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, Lindquist said.
Related Links:
Interfaith EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute
This rainbow appeared late in the day on April 30, 2009 over the Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola as an interfaith group prepared seedlings for planting. It was taken by many as a sign that the 2009 interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project was a good thing being done by people who care. (Photo by Jessica Schultz)
The 2009 Sacred Planet series sponsored by the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team
31 Views
17:43:09 04/24/09
EarthKeeper Earth Day 2009 #2: Faith leaders prepare to plant 12,000 trees across U.P.
[LESS INFO] 31 VIEWS | ADDED 21:43:09 04/24/09
Earth Day 2009 & The interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Tree Project: Faith leaders bless and plant the first of 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula
The Earth Day 2009 interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project "Blessing of the Trees" ceremony was held next to the pavillion at Presque Isle, a popular Marquette, Michigan nature area - that is surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior. Faith leaders blessed a three-foot native species white spruce - the first of 12,000 trees to be planted across the Upper Peninsula on May 9 at over 100 churches and temples. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
On Earth Day 2009 near the shores of Lake Superior, northern Michigan bishops and other faith leaders explain the connection between religion and protecting the environment to Marquette reporters including from two TV stations - WBUP/WBKP TV 5&10 and WLUC TV-6 - and two newspapers - the Mining Journal in Marquette and the U.P. Catholic. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
(Marquette, Michigan) - Despite a major snowstorm a day earlier, bishops and leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities planted the first of 12,000 trees during an Earth Day ceremony on the shores of Lake Superior.
Standing on a hillside surrounded by huge pine trees two bishops and several other faith leaders blessed a three-foot native species white spruce tree and took turns putting shovels full of dirt into the hole.
With a cold wind blowing and icy waves of Lake Superior crashing in the background, the Earth Day 2009 late afternoon blessing of the trees ceremony was held on Presque Isle - that is surrounded on three sides by the largest freshwater lake on the planet.
The storm dumped up to 20 inches of snow in parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, however several weeks of mild weather ensured the ground was not frozen.
Anticipating the cold April weather, organizers earlier decided to plant the rest of the trees on Sunday, May 3 when the weather is more appropriate for planting the 12,000 12-to-16-inch seedlings at numerous locations across northern Michigan including 100 churches and temples.
Superior Watershed Project Executive Director Carl Lindquist explain how his nonprofit organizations has handled some of the technical aspects of the many EarthKeeper projects since 2004. The EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder, Lindquist said EarthKeeping ideas are spreading to other communities. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
The concept of "EarthKeeping goes beyond the Upper Peninsula" because throughout the Great Lakes states "we're having a ripple effect" as people and groups "are replicating the work that the EarthKeepers have done here," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "They are patterning their events after some of the successful programs we have had here."
Leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities gathered in the Presque Isle Pavillion to speak to those gathered for the Earth Day 2009 event.
EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson, the NMU Lutheran Campus Ministry pastor, talks about the effectiveness of faith communities to turn out volunteers for environment projects (Photo by Greg Peterson)
"This is very much a marvelous moment in the life of our work together as faith communities," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder.
"This is another step in our interfaith work," Magnuson said. "We have found an expression of our faith in very, very hands-on work like this the EarthKeeping Tree Project."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers) with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the NMU EK Student Team.
Meanwhile, the next day Thurs., April 23, several EarthKeeper faith leaders spoke about the project and protecting the environment to students at Northern Michigan University.
It was the final of numerous "Sacred Planet" events on campus sponsored by the NMU EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.
NMU EK leaders Ben Sheelk, speaking above, and Sarah Swanson joined faith leaders for the Earth Day tree blessing, coordinated the Sacred Planet series, and the entire team will help plant the 12,000 trees.
Singing, drums and guitar music were a big part of the final Sacred Planet lecture series at NMU.
Those speaking at NMU were Dr. Michael Grossman of Jewish Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming; Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of the Zen Buddhist temple Lake Superior Zendo; Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, the project faith community communications coordinator; and Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette. (Above photos by Greg Peterson) The faith leaders spoke to members of the Marquette media inside the Presque isle Pavillion just prior to the tree blessing ceremony.
All humans "are called to be steward's of God's creation - and no matter what faith tradition we come from that responsibility lies with us human creatures," said Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample speaks to reporters prior to the tree blessing on Earth Day 2009. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
"Those of us endowed with intelligence and with the ability to choose good and avoid evil," said Bishop Sample, who oversees 94 U.P. parishes and missions with 61,000 members.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample, pictured center in front of the tree, holds a blue bible he used during the blessing of the trees on Earth Day 2009. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
Holding an open bible, Bishop Sample said the book of Revelations "speaks of the life-giving power of water and how the tree draws its life from the water."
Bishop Sample said he grew up in the desert southwest and "didn't see a lot of water" or the "beauty of the forests and trees."
Sample said "I truly thought I had entered paradise" when he moved with his family to the Upper Peninsula at the age of 17.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of Marquette speaks to the media, above, on Earth Day 2009 and a short time later leads a blessing outside, below, for the first of 12,000 trees that the interfaith EarthKeepers will plant across northern Michigan on May 3. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
"This whole movement has focused on how the faith communities can work together to preserve this great gift that we have here in the Upper Peninsula - this great watershed and it's wonderful combination of lakes and streams - and forests everywhere," said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes.
"Trees cover the earth and trees are part of healing the earth," said Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members.
The Earth Keeper's ten faith communities have "various ways of doing things and looking at life" but "come together for this important task," said United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb.
United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb told the media that the EarthKeeper Tree Project will be planting thousands of gifts for the next generation. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
"We are glad to be part of EarthKeepers," said Lobb, whose district has 8,372 parishioners and 60 northern Michigan congregations.
"Planting a tree is a gift for the next generation and the generation beyond that," Lobb said. "We are going to be giving thousands of gifts for the generations to come."
Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, the EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair, is pictured above talking about the environment and the Zen Buddhist faith.
The head priest for the Lake Superior Zendo temple in Marquette, Lehmberg is pictured below adding soil to the base of the tree, and blessing the tree with folded hands. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
The head priest for Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple, said "the trees - in effect - will be planting us."
"We consider ourselfs very fortunate to be participating with EarthKeepers - if we are going to accomplish anything we (all faiths) need to come together," said Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair.
Baha'is believe that "nature is to be respected and protected as a divine trust for which we all answerable," said Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette.
"How great it is to be in this beautiful community of Marquette in these very beautiful surroundings" and "celebrate together with our friends, colleagues and our co-religionists in our various faiths traditions" while "saving and celebrating of God's creation," Clarken said.
There are about 40 Bah's in the Marquette area, 144,000 in the United States and six million around the world., Clarken said.
REMEMBERING LATE EPISCOPAL BISHOP JIM KELSEY, THE ULTIMATE EARTHKEEPER
Two employees of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan couldn't help reflect on what the event would have meant to late Bishop James Kelsey, one of the founders of the EarthKeepers and the first signer of the interfaith EarthKeeper Covenant.
"I think he'd try to find a place for a tree in his own yard and he'd want to plant one at the Page Center and at one at the office," said Jane Cisluycis, Diocesan Operations Coordinator. "He'd be really pleased."
"Since his mantra was about inclusiveness, the fact that the circle is widening would have been really important to him," said Cisluycis, referring to the recent addition of another faith tradition to the EarthKeepers "The more people included the better."
Pictured above on top left, Jane Cisluycis, Diocesan Operations Coordinator; and Kathy Lenten a member of the diocese Episcopal Ministry Support Team; are pictured sharing a smile while remembering late Bishop Jim Kelsey.\
Bishop Kelsey loved God, his family, his friends, the EarthKeepers, his serene Page Center, people and life.
Bishop Kelsey would be "pleased that the EarthKeepers are getting stronger and continuing and more people are getting involved - it hasn't stopped," said Kathy Lenten a member of the diocese Episcopal Ministry Support Team.
Kelsey was killed in a traffic accident about six weeks after he and thousands of Episcopalians participated the April 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep.
On Sunday June 3,2007, Kelsey had visited services at diocese churches in the far eastern U.P. when he lost control of his vehicle on the long drive home. He is fondly remembered as the "Earth Bishop."
Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC) celebrant coordinator Nancy Irish said "the image of people of all ages and faiths across the Upper Peninsula planting 12,000 trees in their respective sacred spaces is a most beautiful and fitting one to us - if an image were a sound it would be like a glorious interfaith choir singing to our pretty planet."
"The connection with and stewardship of the earth is central to Unitarian Universalism," Irish said.
Imitating the adults who were covering the spruce roots with shovels full of dirt, a 6-year-old boy grabbed the shovel and put in his share of soil into the hole.
Dakota "Cody" Farwell is the son of Frank and Laura Farwell, who are members of St.Paul's Episcopal Church in Marquette. The family moved to Marquette from Madison,Wisconsin in 2006.
"Cody loves trees," said Laura, a former adjunct professor and Fortune 500 business consultant who now volunteers with the Labrador Education and Rescue Network.
Cody said "trees are good - they are plants."
"I shoveled a scoop of dirt," the precocious youngster said apparently enjoying the excitement he created in the crowd including smiles on the faces of the faith leaders.
The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses, said Lindquist, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder.
In addition to providing oxygen trees are important for other scientific, economic and practical reasons from soil health to being "fun for children to climb," said Presbyterian Earth Keeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township.
"They have a substantial cooling effect on summer temperatures particularly the deciduous trees," said Martin, an environmental scientist with Wilcox Professional Services in Escanaba.
"They are also important from a biological integration standpoint - they help sustain the ecological web from the soil organisms to birds that nest in their trees," Martin said.
"Trees are a big part of the economic commerce of this part of the world," Martin said. "The upper Midwest is very tightly integrated to the forest as a sustainable resource."
"Presbyterians view ourselves as servants in gods world and this effort is service to sustaining God's world, " said Martin, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.
Respecting a tree: SWP Executive Director Carl Lindquist digs a hole for the blessing of the spruce tree and after the ceremony makes sure the soil and other conditions are perfect. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
It is not too late to request trees, organizers said.
"We cannot guarantee the number or species of trees but we want all faith communities to participate," said Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, the project's communications coordinator for faith communities.
"This is about more than putting trees in the ground it's an expression by the faith communities of love and care for God's creation."
Experts say 12,000 mature trees absorb 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen to support 24,000 humans.
This is the fifth year that the U.P. EarthKeepers have launched an Earth Day environment project.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 U.P. residents turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P.
Most of the items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced.
The Media: Two Marquette newspapers and two Marquette TV stations covered the blessing of the trees on Earth Day 2009.
The EarthKeepers thank all the national, state and local media who have spread the word about our projects over the past five years, (Photos by Greg Peterson)
Unable to attend the blessing ceremony and living two hours from Marquette, Episcopal EarthKeeper team member Nancy Auer of Houghton, MI said there are good reasons to plant trees "in a region of the country known for trees" including minimizing the effects of logging.
"We harvest those trees," Auer said. "Every tree has value in that they absorb our carbon emissions and those carbon emissions are increasing therefore we need more trees."
"God asks us to be stewards the earth and it can be as simple as planting a tree," Auer said.
David McCowen, a member of Lake Superior Friends one of two Quaker groups in the U.P., said trees provide "wind breaks, wildlife habitat, fuel source, and a cellulose fiber source."
McCowen said "it is easy to take trees for granted" in the U.P. because "trees are a major part of the surroundings that we love."
"Faith communities have the privilege and responsibility of unselfishly considering the natural environment as being inherently desirable," McCowen said.
An annual Jewish holiday celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees in Israel at the start of spring, said Dr. Constance Arnold, president of the board for Temple Beth Sholom.
"Tu B'Shvat is a very ancient holiday we observe yearly," said Arnold. "This is a reminder of the importance of trees."
Arnold said Tu B'Shvat marks the "New Year of Trees"and Jewish customs include tree planting and eating dried fruits and nuts during an evening meal.
"We get together on that day and have something to eat from as many of the fruits of the tree as you can come up with," Arnold said. "We bring apricots, cherries, olives, dates, pomegranates and cinnamon."
The EarthKeeper Tree Planting Project is "another opportunity to work cooperatively with God and nature to replenish the earth," said Pastor Dave Anderson of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola and chaplain for the Dickinson County Healthcare System.
The EarthKeeper Covenant signer on behalf of all northern Michigan Presbyterians, Rev. Anderson said planting trees is important because "there is so much harvesting going on just for profitability" and planting a tree "can stand in contrast to a materialistic mindset."
"Trees can be enjoyed for their beauty and charm, without always having to be seen for their market value," Anderson said. "Let's plant this year to beautify the Earth and to enjoy God's creation for the right reasons."
Andersons' Southern U.P. church is going green in many ways and the congregation can't wait to help.
"I am thrilled about this - when my kids were little they planted trees," said Sue Piasini, a member of Grace Presbyterian in Sagola and the mother of four grown children. "Now the tree they planted are huge - they're about 20 feet tall."
Planting the trees is "like coming full circle," said Piasini, a Presbyterian EarthKeeper team member from Channing, Michigan.
"We're so lucky and blessed to live in beautiful area" with beautiful forests, said Piasini, who is helping coordinate the tree project for numerous Dickinson County churches of all faiths including in Felch, Kingsford and Iron Mountain "We're going to plant one tree in our church yard and dedicate it and inspire our people" and the rest of their share of the seedlings will be given to church members and others.
"Our church is going green and we are getting rid of all Styrofoam cups and plates" used during the weekly coffee hour after the service," Piasini said. "You can't imagine all the Styrofoam that is thrown away."
"We are only going to use biodegradable paper products," said Piasini, adding the church is trying to arrange a free energy audit to with a "goal to be more energy efficient."
Catholic EarthKeeper team member Linda O'Brien said "from the beginning of time God has called us to be good stewards of the earth."
"Our Catholic tradition allows us to embrace the EarthKeeper Tree Project as a way to continue our good stewardship of the earth," O'Brien said.
Congregations can still request trees by calling Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, the project faith community communications coordinator, at 906-228-2388.
For tree planting information contact the SWP at 906-228-6095.
Related Links:
Interfaith EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI and its environment projects:
Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project: Native American and Marquette area teens protecting pollinators project:
Zaagkii TV on youtube
Zaagkii Project Story Part 1 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project Story Part 2 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project hailed as success by U.S. Forest Service
Zaagkii Project blog on wordpress
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Non-profit Interfaith Earth Healing Initiative : Numerous environment projects across the Great Lakes Basin in cooperation with the EPA, American Indian Tribes and local governments
http://www.EarthHealingInitiative.org
Earth Healing TV on youtube
Earth Healing TV on bliptv
Earth Healing Initiative was part of the first EPA Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge with youtube and bliptv videos.
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Cedar Tree Institute : Founder of EarthKeeper Initiative , Earth Healing Initiative , Manoomin Project and Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
EarthKeeper TV on youtube has EarthKeeper and Manoomin Project including stories and a Manoomin Project music video & more
Manoomin Project story in Indian Country Today
Manoomin Project Story in World Magazine
Turtle Island Project : Respecting the heritage, culture and rights of Native Americans and other Indigenous Peoples and the environment
http://www.TurtleIslandProject.org
Turtle Island TV on blip tv
Turtle Island TV on youtube
Turtle Island Project myspace page
Turtle Island Project blog on wordpress
Turtle Island Project on MSN
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources:
1-800-326-1197
Justice St Rain:
justice@special-ideas.com
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
67 Views
16:37:47 04/24/09
EarthKeeper Earth Day 2009 #1: Northern Michigan faith leaders bless, plant first of 12,000 trees
[LESS INFO] 67 VIEWS | ADDED 20:37:47 04/24/09
Earth Day 2009 & The interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper Tree Project: Faith leaders bless and plant the first of 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula
The Earth Day 2009 interfaith EarthKeeper Tree Project "Blessing of the Trees" ceremony was held next to the pavillion at Presque Isle, a popular Marquette, Michigan nature area - that is surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior. Faith leaders blessed a three-foot native species white spruce - the first of 12,000 trees to be planted across the Upper Peninsula on May 9 at over 100 churches and temples. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
On Earth Day 2009 near the shores of Lake Superior, northern Michigan bishops and other faith leaders explain the connection between religion and protecting the environment to Marquette reporters including from two TV stations - WBUP/WBKP TV 5&10 and WLUC TV-6 - and two newspapers - the Mining Journal in Marquette and the U.P. Catholic. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
(Marquette, Michigan) - Despite a major snowstorm a day earlier, bishops and leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities planted the first of 12,000 trees during an Earth Day ceremony on the shores of Lake Superior.
Standing on a hillside surrounded by huge pine trees two bishops and several other faith leaders blessed a three-foot native species white spruce tree and took turns putting shovels full of dirt into the hole.
With a cold wind blowing and icy waves of Lake Superior crashing in the background, the Earth Day 2009 late afternoon blessing of the trees ceremony was held on Presque Isle - that is surrounded on three sides by the largest freshwater lake on the planet.
The storm dumped up to 20 inches of snow in parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, however several weeks of mild weather ensured the ground was not frozen.
Anticipating the cold April weather, organizers earlier decided to plant the rest of the trees on Sunday, May 3 when the weather is more appropriate for planting the 12,000 12-to-16-inch seedlings at numerous locations across northern Michigan including 100 churches and temples.
Superior Watershed Project Executive Director Carl Lindquist explain how his nonprofit organizations has handled some of the technical aspects of the many EarthKeeper projects since 2004. The EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder, Lindquist said EarthKeeping ideas are spreading to other communities. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
The concept of "EarthKeeping goes beyond the Upper Peninsula" because throughout the Great Lakes states "we're having a ripple effect" as people and groups "are replicating the work that the EarthKeepers have done here," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "They are patterning their events after some of the successful programs we have had here."
Leaders from northern Michigan's largest faith communities gathered in the Presque Isle Pavillion to speak to those gathered for the Earth Day 2009 event.
EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder Rev. Jon Magnuson, the NMU Lutheran Campus Ministry pastor, talks about the effectiveness of faith communities to turn out volunteers for environment projects (Photo by Greg Peterson)
"This is very much a marvelous moment in the life of our work together as faith communities," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder.
"This is another step in our interfaith work," Magnuson said. "We have found an expression of our faith in very, very hands-on work like this the EarthKeeping Tree Project."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddist, Quakers) with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the NMU EK Student Team.
Meanwhile, the next day Thurs., April 23, several EarthKeeper faith leaders spoke about the project and protecting the environment to students at Northern Michigan University.
It was the final of numerous "Sacred Planet" events on campus sponsored by the NMU EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team.
NMU EK leaders Ben Sheelk, speaking above, and Sarah Swanson joined faith leaders for the Earth Day tree blessing, coordinated the Sacred Planet series, and the entire team will help plant the 12,000 trees.
Singing, drums and guitar music were a big part of the final Sacred Planet lecture series at NMU.
Those speaking at NMU were Dr. Michael Grossman of Jewish Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming; Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of the Zen Buddhist temple Lake Superior Zendo; Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, the project faith community communications coordinator; and Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette. (Above photos by Greg Peterson) The faith leaders spoke to members of the Marquette media inside the Presque isle Pavillion just prior to the tree blessing ceremony.
All humans "are called to be steward's of God's creation - and no matter what faith tradition we come from that responsibility lies with us human creatures," said Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample speaks to reporters prior to the tree blessing on Earth Day 2009. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
"Those of us endowed with intelligence and with the ability to choose good and avoid evil," said Bishop Sample, who oversees 94 U.P. parishes and missions with 61,000 members.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette Bishop Alexander K. Sample, pictured center in front of the tree, holds a blue bible he used during the blessing of the trees on Earth Day 2009. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
Holding an open bible, Bishop Sample said the book of Revelations "speaks of the life-giving power of water and how the tree draws its life from the water."
Bishop Sample said he grew up in the desert southwest and "didn't see a lot of water" or the "beauty of the forests and trees."
Sample said "I truly thought I had entered paradise" when he moved with his family to the Upper Peninsula at the age of 17.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes of Marquette speaks to the media, above, on Earth Day 2009 and a short time later leads a blessing outside, below, for the first of 12,000 trees that the interfaith EarthKeepers will plant across northern Michigan on May 3. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
"This whole movement has focused on how the faith communities can work together to preserve this great gift that we have here in the Upper Peninsula - this great watershed and it's wonderful combination of lakes and streams - and forests everywhere," said Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes.
"Trees cover the earth and trees are part of healing the earth," said Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members.
The Earth Keeper's ten faith communities have "various ways of doing things and looking at life" but "come together for this important task," said United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb.
United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb told the media that the EarthKeeper Tree Project will be planting thousands of gifts for the next generation. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
"We are glad to be part of EarthKeepers," said Lobb, whose district has 8,372 parishioners and 60 northern Michigan congregations.
"Planting a tree is a gift for the next generation and the generation beyond that," Lobb said. "We are going to be giving thousands of gifts for the generations to come."
Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, the EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair, is pictured above talking about the environment and the Zen Buddhist faith.
The head priest for the Lake Superior Zendo temple in Marquette, Lehmberg is pictured below adding soil to the base of the tree, and blessing the tree with folded hands. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
The head priest for Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple, said "the trees - in effect - will be planting us."
"We consider ourselfs very fortunate to be participating with EarthKeepers - if we are going to accomplish anything we (all faiths) need to come together," said Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair.
Baha'is believe that "nature is to be respected and protected as a divine trust for which we all answerable," said Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Marquette.
"How great it is to be in this beautiful community of Marquette in these very beautiful surroundings" and "celebrate together with our friends, colleagues and our co-religionists in our various faiths traditions" while "saving and celebrating of God's creation," Clarken said.
There are about 40 Bah's in the Marquette area, 144,000 in the United States and six million around the world., Clarken said.
REMEMBERING LATE EPISCOPAL BISHOP JIM KELSEY, THE ULTIMATE EARTHKEEPER
Two employees of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan couldn't help reflect on what the event would have meant to late Bishop James Kelsey, one of the founders of the EarthKeepers and the first signer of the interfaith EarthKeeper Covenant.
"I think he'd try to find a place for a tree in his own yard and he'd want to plant one at the Page Center and at one at the office," said Jane Cisluycis, Diocesan Operations Coordinator. "He'd be really pleased."
"Since his mantra was about inclusiveness, the fact that the circle is widening would have been really important to him," said Cisluycis, referring to the recent addition of another faith tradition to the EarthKeepers "The more people included the better."
Pictured above on top left, Jane Cisluycis, Diocesan Operations Coordinator; and Kathy Lenten a member of the diocese Episcopal Ministry Support Team; are pictured sharing a smile while remembering late Bishop Jim Kelsey.\
Bishop Kelsey loved God, his family, his friends, the EarthKeepers, his serene Page Center, people and life.
Bishop Kelsey would be "pleased that the EarthKeepers are getting stronger and continuing and more people are getting involved - it hasn't stopped," said Kathy Lenten a member of the diocese Episcopal Ministry Support Team.
Kelsey was killed in a traffic accident about six weeks after he and thousands of Episcopalians participated the April 2007 EarthKeeper Pharmaceutical Clean Sweep.
On Sunday June 3,2007, Kelsey had visited services at diocese churches in the far eastern U.P. when he lost control of his vehicle on the long drive home. He is fondly remembered as the "Earth Bishop."
Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MUUC) celebrant coordinator Nancy Irish said "the image of people of all ages and faiths across the Upper Peninsula planting 12,000 trees in their respective sacred spaces is a most beautiful and fitting one to us - if an image were a sound it would be like a glorious interfaith choir singing to our pretty planet."
"The connection with and stewardship of the earth is central to Unitarian Universalism," Irish said.
Imitating the adults who were covering the spruce roots with shovels full of dirt, a 6-year-old boy grabbed the shovel and put in his share of soil into the hole.
Dakota "Cody" Farwell is the son of Frank and Laura Farwell, who are members of St.Paul's Episcopal Church in Marquette. The family moved to Marquette from Madison,Wisconsin in 2006.
"Cody loves trees," said Laura, a former adjunct professor and Fortune 500 business consultant who now volunteers with the Labrador Education and Rescue Network.
Cody said "trees are good - they are plants."
"I shoveled a scoop of dirt," the precocious youngster said apparently enjoying the excitement he created in the crowd including smiles on the faces of the faith leaders.
The trees were purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses, said Lindquist, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder.
In addition to providing oxygen trees are important for other scientific, economic and practical reasons from soil health to being "fun for children to climb," said Presbyterian Earth Keeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township.
"They have a substantial cooling effect on summer temperatures particularly the deciduous trees," said Martin, an environmental scientist with Wilcox Professional Services in Escanaba.
"They are also important from a biological integration standpoint - they help sustain the ecological web from the soil organisms to birds that nest in their trees," Martin said.
"Trees are a big part of the economic commerce of this part of the world," Martin said. "The upper Midwest is very tightly integrated to the forest as a sustainable resource."
"Presbyterians view ourselves as servants in gods world and this effort is service to sustaining God's world, " said Martin, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.
Respecting a tree: SWP Executive Director Carl Lindquist digs a hole for the blessing of the spruce tree and after the ceremony makes sure the soil and other conditions are perfect. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
It is not too late to request trees, organizers said.
"We cannot guarantee the number or species of trees but we want all faith communities to participate," said Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, the project's communications coordinator for faith communities.
"This is about more than putting trees in the ground it's an expression by the faith communities of love and care for God's creation."
Experts say 12,000 mature trees absorb 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen to support 24,000 humans.
This is the fifth year that the U.P. EarthKeepers have launched an Earth Day environment project.
From 2005-2007, over 15,000 U.P. residents turned in more than 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P.
Most of the items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced.
The Media: Two Marquette newspapers and two Marquette TV stations covered the blessing of the trees on Earth Day 2009.
The EarthKeepers thank all the national, state and local media who have spread the word about our projects over the past five years, (Photos by Greg Peterson)
Unable to attend the blessing ceremony and living two hours from Marquette, Episcopal EarthKeeper team member Nancy Auer of Houghton, MI said there are good reasons to plant trees "in a region of the country known for trees" including minimizing the effects of logging.
"We harvest those trees," Auer said. "Every tree has value in that they absorb our carbon emissions and those carbon emissions are increasing therefore we need more trees."
"God asks us to be stewards the earth and it can be as simple as planting a tree," Auer said.
David McCowen, a member of Lake Superior Friends one of two Quaker groups in the U.P., said trees provide "wind breaks, wildlife habitat, fuel source, and a cellulose fiber source."
McCowen said "it is easy to take trees for granted" in the U.P. because "trees are a major part of the surroundings that we love."
"Faith communities have the privilege and responsibility of unselfishly considering the natural environment as being inherently desirable," McCowen said.
An annual Jewish holiday celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees in Israel at the start of spring, said Dr. Constance Arnold, president of the board for Temple Beth Sholom.
"Tu B'Shvat is a very ancient holiday we observe yearly," said Arnold. "This is a reminder of the importance of trees."
Arnold said Tu B'Shvat marks the "New Year of Trees"and Jewish customs include tree planting and eating dried fruits and nuts during an evening meal.
"We get together on that day and have something to eat from as many of the fruits of the tree as you can come up with," Arnold said. "We bring apricots, cherries, olives, dates, pomegranates and cinnamon."
The EarthKeeper Tree Planting Project is "another opportunity to work cooperatively with God and nature to replenish the earth," said Pastor Dave Anderson of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola and chaplain for the Dickinson County Healthcare System.
The EarthKeeper Covenant signer on behalf of all northern Michigan Presbyterians, Rev. Anderson said planting trees is important because "there is so much harvesting going on just for profitability" and planting a tree "can stand in contrast to a materialistic mindset."
"Trees can be enjoyed for their beauty and charm, without always having to be seen for their market value," Anderson said. "Let's plant this year to beautify the Earth and to enjoy God's creation for the right reasons."
Andersons' Southern U.P. church is going green in many ways and the congregation can't wait to help.
"I am thrilled about this - when my kids were little they planted trees," said Sue Piasini, a member of Grace Presbyterian in Sagola and the mother of four grown children. "Now the tree they planted are huge - they're about 20 feet tall."
Planting the trees is "like coming full circle," said Piasini, a Presbyterian EarthKeeper team member from Channing, Michigan.
"We're so lucky and blessed to live in beautiful area" with beautiful forests, said Piasini, who is helping coordinate the tree project for numerous Dickinson County churches of all faiths including in Felch, Kingsford and Iron Mountain "We're going to plant one tree in our church yard and dedicate it and inspire our people" and the rest of their share of the seedlings will be given to church members and others.
"Our church is going green and we are getting rid of all Styrofoam cups and plates" used during the weekly coffee hour after the service," Piasini said. "You can't imagine all the Styrofoam that is thrown away."
"We are only going to use biodegradable paper products," said Piasini, adding the church is trying to arrange a free energy audit to with a "goal to be more energy efficient."
Catholic EarthKeeper team member Linda O'Brien said "from the beginning of time God has called us to be good stewards of the earth."
"Our Catholic tradition allows us to embrace the EarthKeeper Tree Project as a way to continue our good stewardship of the earth," O'Brien said.
Congregations can still request trees by calling Catholic EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore, the project faith community communications coordinator, at 906-228-2388.
For tree planting information contact the SWP at 906-228-6095.
Related Links:
Interfaith EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI and its environment projects:
Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project: Native American and Marquette area teens protecting pollinators project:
Zaagkii TV on youtube
Zaagkii Project Story Part 1 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project Story Part 2 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project hailed as success by U.S. Forest Service
Zaagkii Project blog on wordpress
---
Non-profit Interfaith Earth Healing Initiative : Numerous environment projects across the Great Lakes Basin in cooperation with the EPA, American Indian Tribes and local governments
http://www.EarthHealingInitiative.org
Earth Healing TV on youtube
Earth Healing TV on bliptv
Earth Healing Initiative was part of the first EPA Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge with youtube and bliptv videos.
---
Cedar Tree Institute : Founder of EarthKeeper Initiative , Earth Healing Initiative , Manoomin Project and Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
EarthKeeper TV on youtube has EarthKeeper and Manoomin Project including stories and a Manoomin Project music video & more
Manoomin Project story in Indian Country Today
Manoomin Project Story in World Magazine
Turtle Island Project : Respecting the heritage, culture and rights of Native Americans and other Indigenous Peoples and the environment
http://www.TurtleIslandProject.org
Turtle Island TV on blip tv
Turtle Island TV on youtube
Turtle Island Project myspace page
Turtle Island Project blog on wordpress
Turtle Island Project on MSN
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources:
1-800-326-1197
Justice St Rain:
justice@special-ideas.com
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
66 Views
21:15:11 04/20/09
WBUP TV UGN News: MI EarthKeepers to plant 12,000 trees for Earth Day 2009
[LESS INFO] 66 VIEWS | ADDED 01:15:11 04/21/09
The WBUP/WPKP Channel 5 & 10 news department in Marquette, Michigan helped promote the latest interfaith Earth Keepers Project.
The Upper Great Lakes News (UGN) Network did a story on Upper Peninsula Earth Keepers who will plant 12,000 trees across northern Michigan in honor of Earth Day 2009.
The story includes an interview with Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair.
The Earth Keepers thank reporter Lindsey Cramer and the rest of the UGN Team.
WBUP/WBKP TV - UGN
WBUP/WBKP TV on Wikipedia
Lindsey Cramer
Lindsey at lscbc.com
Channel 10
WBUP-TV
(906)-225-5700
Planting 12,000 Trees: Interfaith Upper Peninsula EarthKeeper team to plant a forest for Earth Day 2009
(Marquette, Michigan) - The Upper Peninsula interfaith EarthKeepers will create the equivalent of a forest for Earth Day 2009 as 12,000 trees are planted by about 100 churches and temples across northern Michigan.
The public is invited to an Earth Day 2009 blessing of the trees ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 next to the Presque Isle pavilion. The bishops and other leaders from ten faith traditions will plant the first of 12,000 12 to 16 inch White Spruce and Red Pine trees.
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website
"The EarthKeeper project this year is one where people from across the Upper Peninsula will see tangible results of their earth stewardship," said Gail Griffith, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "I hope that congregations involve their young people in their planning and planting."
The EarthKeeper team includes ten faith traditions with over 150 participating churches/temples, the nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute (CTI), and the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team.
Founded in 2004, the Earth Keeper Covenant has been signed by the bishops/leaders of ten faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Zen Buddhist and the Lake Superior Friends (Quakers).
"Each year the staff at the Superior Watershed Partnership looks forward to helping the EarthKeepers coordinate an event," said Carl Lindquist, SWP executive director. "It's fun and it helps further our long term protection and restoration goals for local watersheds and the Great Lakes."
The trees have been purchased or donated by the U.P. EarthKeeper team, SWP, Holli Forest Products, the Forestland Group, Plum Creek Timber Company and Meister's Greenhouses.
On Saturday, May 2 northern Michigan churches and temples participating in the project will pick up their share of the trees at local conservation district offices and have been asked to bless the seedlings before planting at numerous locations the next day (Sunday, May 3) assisted by the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team and other volunteers.
Pictured holding the a list of EarthKeeper Initiative accomplishments and plans through 2009 are Ben Scheelk (left), the new Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team project coordinator from the Student Leader Fellowship Program and Sarah Swanson (right), the former NMU EK project director who is leaving for Nicaragua. The students held an "Eco-Christmas" in December 2008 and are helping with the planting of 12,000 trees for Earth Day2009 and will be planting community gardens at Upper Peninsula churches and temples. The NMU EK students were part of a Marquette ceremony on Thursday (Nov. 13) 2008 as the Michigan Sierra Club presented its "White Pine Award" to the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers.(Photo by Greg Peterson, Cedar Tree Institute)
"Our interfaith tree planting effort is more than another conservation project," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, CTI executive director and EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "With prayers, hymns and the blessing of 12,000 seedlings, it's a gentle proclamation of a new consciousness and commitment among our faith communities to care for God's creation."
Organizers said congregations can still request trees.
"We cannot guarantee the number or species of trees but we want all faith communities to participate," said Catholic EarthKeeper team member Kyra Fillmore, the project's communications coordinator for faith communities. "This is about more than putting trees in the ground it's an expression by the faith communities of love and care for God's creation."
Catholic EarthKeeper team member Linda O'Brien said "from the beginning of time God has called us to be good stewards of the earth."
"Our Catholic tradition allows us to embrace the EarthKeeper Tree Project as a way to continue our good stewardship of the earth," O'Brien said.
Pictured in the rear, left to right, are David McCowen of Lake Superior Friends (Quakers); Rev. Jon Magnuson, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder and executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute; Dr. Jon Rebers, chair of the Sierra Club Central U.P. Group; Dr. Rodney Clarken, leader of the Marquette Baha'i Community and one of the original signers of the EarthKeeper Covenant; Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist temple; Nancy Irish, a representative of the Marquette Unitarian Universalist congregation; Natasha Koss, a representative of the Superior Watershed Partnership; (front) Sarah Swanson, the outgoing Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team project director; and Ben Scheelk, the new NMU EK project coordinator from the Student Leader Fellowship Program. (Photo by Greg Peterson, Cedar Tree Institute)
Lindquist said the trees "will be wrapped individually in a plastic bag with planting instructions."
"Kids love helping to plant trees," said Lindquist, EarthKeeper Initiative co-founder. "We encourage people to take them home or camp and to plant them as soon as possible and to water them."
The positive environment effects of 12,000 mature trees includes absorbing 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and producing enough oxygen to support 24,000 human beings, according to a treebenefits.com calculator.
The faith leaders participating in the projects said they hope their congregations will request trees.
"To the Catholic community of the Upper Peninsula, I speak words of encouragement to participate fully in this EarthKeepers project," said Bishop Alexander K. Sample, Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette.
Bishop Sample said trees have a connection to the "Easter season."
"We have just celebrated Christ's victory over death, accomplished through the tree of his cross," said Bishop Sample, who oversees 94 U.P. parishes and missions with 61,000 members. "These new trees that will be planted can symbolize for us the new life that the Lord has won for us."
Northern Great Lakes Synod Lutheran Bishop Thomas A. Skrenes said "trees matter" and encouraged Sunday school classes, confirmation classes, men and women groups and others to plant as many trees as possible.
"What a privilege to put your hands into God's soil and help a tree to grow," said Bishop Skrenes, the head of 94 U.P. Lutheran congregations with 40,000 members. "You can grow a forest."
One tree can provides many positive benefits "such as improving air quality, stabilizing the soil, providing shade, and giving beauty to our sight, to name just a few," said United Methodist Church (UMC) Marquette District Superintendent Grant R. Lobb.
"I have always believed that planting a tree is a gift for the next generation," said Lobb, whose district has 8,372 parishioners and 60 northern Michigan congregations. "Environmental health has always been a concern for United Methodists, so I am confident that many of the (U.P. UMC) congregations will continue their support of the EarthKeeper work, and will join in this wonderful goal of planting thousands of trees across our beautiful landscape."
An annual Jewish holiday celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees in Israel at the start of spring, said Dr. Constance Arnold, president of the board for Temple Beth Sholom.
"Tu B'Shvat is a very ancient holiday we observe yearly - this year it fell on February 9," said Arnold. "This is a reminder of the importance of trees."
The holiday marks the "New Year of Trees"and customs include tree planting and eating dried fruits and nuts during an evening meal.
"We get together on that day and have something to eat from as many of the fruits of the tree as you can come up with," Arnold said. "We bring apricots, cherries, olives, dates, pomegranates and cinnamon."
The EarthKeeper Tree Planting Project is "another opportunity to work cooperatively with God and nature to replenish the earth," said Pastor Dave Anderson of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola, MI and chaplain for the Dickinson Co. Healthcare System.
"There is so much harvesting going on just for profitability, that a planting like this can stand in contrast to a materialistic mindset," said Rev. Anderson, who signed the EarthKeeper Covenant on behalf of all northern Michigan Presbyterians. "Trees can be enjoyed for their beauty and charm, without always having to be seen for their market value,"
"Let's plant this year to beautify the Earth and to enjoy God's creation for the right reasons," Rev. Anderson said.
The connection between trees and a healthy world has long been taught in the Bah' Faith, said Dr. Rodney H. Clarken, chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bah's of Marquette. There are about 40 Bah's in the Marquette area, 144,000 in the United States and six million around the world., Clarken said.
Clarken cited the works of well-known Bah` conservationist Richard St. Barbe Baker of England who is nicknamed the "Man of the Trees." A forester and author who inspired millions to protect what he called the "green mantle" of trees, St. Barbe brought "a message of preserving the natural environment especially trees,"said Clarken.
"Baker had an almost mystical vision about the vital role the world's forests play in the survival of mankind," Clarken said. Baker, who died in 1982 at the age of 92, said his lifelong protection of trees was rooted in his Bah` Faith, said Clarken.
As a young man working in a Canadian lumber camp, Baker witnessed the quick ruin of ecosystems when topsoil disappeared in the wind and rain after the clear-cutting of virgin forests, Clarken said.
From inspiring the planting of many thousands of seedlings in Africa to protecting the California Redwoods to his efforts to restore millions of acres of the Sahara Desert, Baker's entire life was dedicated to protecting forests right up until a few days before his death when he planted his last tree at the University of Saskatchewan, Clarken said.
The head priest for Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist Temple, said "we absolutely must care for mother earth."
"Human life, literally and figuratively, is inseparable from mother earth," said Reverend Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, EarthKeeper Implementation Team co-chair. "We are inextricably threaded to her. In caring for her, we care for ourselves."
Planting trees is a "simple and meaningful way to put our environmental concern into action" because they "serve as lungs, shelter, inspiration, comfort, and sustenance for other living creatures," said Nancy Irish, celebrant/coordinator for the Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
"Planting trees together in our respective sacred spaces is like singing to our planet in a multi-generation, interfaith chorus," Irish said. "The Earth is what we all have in common and this common act of stewardship can only deepen awareness of that commonality."
Trees provide "wind breaks, wildlife habitat, fuel source, and a cellulose fiber source," said David McCowen, a member of Lake Superior Friends, one of two Quaker groups in the U.P.
"Here in the UP it is easy to take trees for granted, but trees are a major part of the surroundings that we love," McCowen said. "Faith communities have the privilege and responsibility of unselfishly considering the natural environment as being inherently desirable."
Episcopal EarthKeeper team member Nancy Auer of Houghton, MI said there are good reasons to plant trees "in a region of the country (the UP) known for trees" including logging.
"We harvest those trees," Auer said. "Every tree has value in that they absorb our carbon emissions and those carbon emissions are increasing therefore we need more trees."
"God asks us to be stewards the earth and it can be as simple as planting a tree," Auer said.
In addition to providing oxygen trees are important for other scientific, economic and practical reasons from soil health to being "fun for children to climb," said Presbyterian Earth Keeper Jill Martin of Ford River Township.
"They have a substantial cooling effect on summer temperatures particularly the deciduous trees," said Martin, an environmental scientist with Wilcox Professional Services in Escanaba.
"They are also important from a biological integration standpoint - they help sustain the ecological web from the soil organisms to birds that nest in their trees," Martin said.
"Trees are a big part of the economic commerce of this part of the world," Martin said. "The upper Midwest is very tightly integrated to the forest as a sustainable resource."
"Presbyterians view ourselves as servants in gods world and this effort is service to sustaining God's world, " said Martin, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.
A Dickinson County church that's going green in many ways is participating in the tree planting project.
"I am thrilled about this - when my kids were little they planted trees," said Sue Piasini, a member of Grace Presbyterian in Sagola and the mother of four grown children. "Now the tree they planted are huge - they're about 20 feet tall."
Planting the trees is "like coming full circle," said Piasini, a Presbyterian EarthKeeper team member from Channing, Michigan.
"We're so lucky and blessed to live in beautiful area" with beautiful forests, said Piasini, who is helping coordinate the tree project for numerous Dickinson County churches of all faiths including in Felch, Kingsford and Iron Mountain "We're going to plant one tree in our church yard and dedicate it and inspire our people" and the rest of their share of the seedlings will be given to church members and others.
"Our church is going green and we are getting rid of all Styrofoam cups and plates" used during the weekly coffee hour after the service," Piasini said. "You can't imagine all the Styrofoam that is thrown away."
"We are only going to use biodegradable paper products," said Piasini, adding the church is trying to arrange a free energy audit to with a "goal to be more energy efficient."
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website
This is the fifth year that the U.P. EarthKeepers have launched an Earth Day environment project.
From 2005-2007, about 15,000 U.P. residents turned in over 360 tons of household hazardous waste at a dozen collection sites across the U.P. Most of the items were recycled and the remainder was properly disposed under federal guidelines including electronic waste like electronic waste like computers, monitors and printers plus cell phones, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and vehicle batteries.
Last year the EarthKeepers provided a household energy conservation checklist that resulted in over 3 million pounds of carbon being reduced, Lindquist said.
In past projects, the EarthKeepers have partnered with numerous groups including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Keweenaw Bay Indian community.
Congregations that have not yet requested trees should call Fillmore at 906-228-2388. For tree planting technical questions contact the SWP at 906-228-6095.
---
Interfaith EarthKeeper Team
Nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI and its environment projects:
Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project: Native American and Marquette area teens protecting pollinators project:
Zaagkii TV on youtube
Zaagkii Project Story Part 1 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project Story Part 2 Indian Country Today newspaper
Zaagkii Project hailed as success by U.S. Forest Service
Zaagkii Project blog on wordpress
---
Non-profit Interfaith Earth Healing Initiative : Numerous environment projects across the Great Lakes Basin in cooperation with the EPA, American Indian Tribes and local governments
http://www.EarthHealingInitiative.org
Earth Healing TV on youtube
Earth Healing TV on bliptv
Earth Healing Initiative was part of the first EPA Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge with youtube and bliptv videos.
---
Cedar Tree Institute : Founder of EarthKeeper Initiative , Earth Healing Initiative , Manoomin Project and Zaagkii Wings & Seeds Project:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
EarthKeeper TV on youtube has EarthKeeper and Manoomin Project including stories and a Manoomin Project music video & more
Manoomin Project story in Indian Country Today
Manoomin Project Story in World Magazine
Turtle Island Project : Respecting the heritage, culture and rights of Native Americans and other Indigenous Peoples and the environment
http://www.TurtleIslandProject.org
Turtle Island TV on blip tv
Turtle Island TV on youtube
Turtle Island Project myspace page
Turtle Island Project blog on wordpress
Turtle Island Project on MSN
Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources:
1-800-326-1197
Justice St Rain:
justice@special-ideas.com
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
99 Views
21:56:48 01/30/09
2009 Fair Trade, Nicaragua Coffee Farmers #3: Organic coffee beans, Nicaraguan women are respected
[LESS INFO] 99 VIEWS | ADDED 02:56:48 01/31/09
Northern Michigan University students Sarah Swanson and Lisa McCarthy stand near the mouth of Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua. Members of Lutheran Campus Ministry, the students were with a group of Americans participating in a Lutheran World Relief study project.
(Marquette, Michigan) - While Upper Peninsula residents endured an arctic blast, two Northern Michigan University students started the New Year learning about Fair Trade during the peak of the coffee growing season in Nicaragua.
Three videos of the student's presentation about their Nicaragua trip were produced by Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University and the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI.
-------
Video #1
Role of faith communities, Nicaragua coffee farmers, and coffee cooperatives in Fair Trade movement; Northern Michigan University students talk about work that goes into growing coffee including wet mills, dry mills and the process of quality/taste testing called “cupping.”
Video #2
The Fair Trade movement efforts of Lutheran World Relief, Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
A look at Fair Trade Principals including prohibiting child labor, protecting the environment, the need for fair wages and help the entire community (not just coffee farming families).
The students describe staying with coffee farming families in a small village in a mountainous area, interacting with the children and some of the interesting and inspiring people they met.
Video #3
The students describe how the women of Nicaragua are treated with respect, the importance of families and the environmental protection efforts of one Nicaragua’s organic farmers.
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(Photos at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by Greg Peterson)
Since their return on January 12, Lisa McCarthy and Sarah Swanson have begun a series of presentations at U.P. churches to encourage Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee that ensures poor Nicaraguan farmers don't lose money in the labor-intensive industry of coffee production.
From staring into the mouth of the Masaya Volcano to traveling narrow mountain roads to stay with coffee-farming families to picking beans and participating in all phases of coffee production, the trip was a myth-shattering experience.
The students are the latest of hundreds of faith community representatives traveling to Central American over the last decade with Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to get a quick course on Fair Trade while erasing misconceptions about Nicaragua's hard-working low-income farmers who take pride in their coffee.
Known for loving a strong cup of hot coffee, U.P. residents are the perfect audience for the two students who were impressed by the work ethic and friendliness of Nicaraguans.
The Fair Trade movement was born during the "coffee crisis of 1990s" when prices "really imploded - it was terrible," said Swanson, 20, an NMU junior majoring in speech language and hearing sciences.
The fluctuating market price for Nicaraguan coffee in early January 2009 was $1.13 per pound, said Swanson, who is a native of Rapid River, MI.
Both students are members of NMU Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) and their trips were funded by U.P. parishes and donors.
The students met with other groups involved in the Fair Trade effort including Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
"Equal Exchange was the first Fair Trade distributor of coffee in the United States," said McCarthy, 19, an NMU sophomore majoring in photography.
Citing the Underground Railroad run by churches during the American Civil War and sanctuary for refugees during the war in El Salvador, Rev. Jon Magnuson of Marquette said the Fair Trade movement was started by "churches to create an alternative economy to the one that was oppressing small farmers.
"It's a part of the church's work, part of the faith community's mission and a part people don't know about,' said Magnuson, who is the NMU LCM campus pastor.
"Sarah and Lisa are going to be encouraging churches to sell Fair Trade coffee and chocolate in their basements," said Rev. Magnuson.
Some U.P. Lutheran churches have been on board for years.
"Fair Trade Coffee sold at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette is sold at cost," said Messiah member John Carlson of Marquette. "This is a ministry for helping this program of Fair Trade."
"During the coffee crisis they had to bring it (the coffee) through Canada," said McCarthy, a native of Greenville, WI. "They had to go through all these measures to get it (the coffee) here."
The students said Nicaraguan coffee producers seek respect for their heritage, and want foreigners to understand what goes into growing that coffee they love each morning.
Nicaraguans hope emissaries like the NMU students will spread the word about Fair Trade far and wide thus getting people to only buy coffee originating from democratically-run cooperatives that represent the farmers.
Lead by his children, a Nicaraguan coffee farmer carries a heavy sack of beans on his shoulders. They are on the way to his local democratically-run cooperative.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"One thing we can do is respect them," said McCarthy during a recent presentation at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marquette that was attended by residents from 18 to 80 years old and as far away as Rapid River. "It was really great to go on this trip because it's hard to respect a faceless thing.
"You buy the coffee and respect Fair Trade but going there and seeing that and knowing the work that goes into one cup of coffee - brings it home," McCarthy said. It's important for Americans to know "the amount of work that goes into everything."
LWR "really stresses the accompaniment model that they use with all their programs - They are not just throwing money at them,"Swanson said. LWR works with Nicarguans "to find out what these farmers want and the things that the need" to accomplish their individual dreams.
Americans sometimes mistakenly think that Nicaraguans "want all the things that we have," said Swanson.
"Most Nicaraguan farmers have never tasted their quality coffee because it's way more beneficial for them to ship it out, than for them to drink even a cup," McCarthy said. "They drink the bad quality stuff."
"One of the new projects" for the farmers is "trying to get people in Nicaragua to buy high quality coffee because that's a whole other market they haven't touched."
The students received a history lesson on Nicaragua and assistance from employees of the Center for Global Education in Managua including program coordinator and interpreter Juan Carlos Lopez and study abroad facilitator Joe Connelly.
Lopez and Connelly, who host numerous ecotourism study project coffee tours each year, "came with us on our trip and added to our experience by sharing with us what they know from working there," Swanson said.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
McCarthy and Swanson were happy to learn that "women in Nicaragua are known as being strong women." Something they learned first hand and was more impressive to the pair than even the current status of women's rights in the U.S.
Instead of receiving an expected lecture from men at the co-ops, the students were greeted by a female co-op board secretary, who "spoke to us so passionately and with such great knowledge, that is just blew me away," McCarthy said. "I saw in-person that it's not a factor if you are a man or a women."
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"Even though it has been fought for here (in the U.S.) it's still part of our culture that the man is the alpha male," McCarthy said.
"Just seeing that and seeing her was one of the more impactful things for me," McCarthy said, adding she was impressed with "how proud they (women) are of the co-op."
A Nicaraguan woman is raking the coffee beans for even drying at SOLCAFE
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
LWR stresses respect for the Nicaraguan farmers who are not looking for a handout rather a fair wage for their hard work.
‘They envision a world where all people live in justice, dignity and peace," said Swanson, who told the story of a young women repaying a $200 loan used to buy a home.
"You could see how this was helping her maintain her dignity because she was paying is back," Swanson. "She wanted to buy her house - they don't want it to be handouts from people.
The students visited the SolCaf dry mill, one of several cooperatives representing Nicaraguan coffee growers; who have an agreement with the Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte (CECOCAFEN), an organization that buys Fair Trade coffee and organizes its distribution around the world
After arriving in the Nicaraguan capitol of Managua, the group visited the cities of Matagalpa, and Jinotega.
A popular tourist attraction is the Masaya Volcano National Park.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
Riding with 11 other American visitors, the tour included "a very bumpy bus ride up these very scary roads" to a "mountain village of La Reyna" about 3 hours from the capitol, said Swanson, adding they stayed with host families many of which had numerous children.
The students were thankful for interpreters because they don't speak Spanish.
The students experienced a culture shock underlining the disparity in the wages Americans enjoy versus Latin American countries yet the hospitality was overwhelming.
"It was such a change," said Swanson, who plans to attend graduate school for speech pathology leading to career as a speech therapist.
"Going into their little tiny houses and they gave up three beds for us - they have eight people living in the house (and) were so hospitable to us," Swanson said.
"It's basically two rooms with a main room," Swanson said. "Most of the kitchens were outside with their woodstoves."
The goal of a Lutheran World Relief project "is to build 125 simple but decent houses" for the coffee farmers or their families, McCarthy said. ‘They already had 50 built."
McCarthy is impressed with the realistic dreams that's sparked hands-on community action by the co-ops, farmers and other residents are working together to improve their lives.
The Children of Nicaragua: Like kids around the world, the students did not need an interpreter to communicate with the children of Nicaragua. Smiling and eager to play games, the Nicaraguan children played with their American houseguests. Child labor is prohibited under Fair Trade principals however some children are allowed to work at their family coffee farm at certain times of the year. Many children follow in their parents footsteps and become coffee growers. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"The community is just so involved in the schooling for the children, brand new housing and every aspect of surviving," said McCarthy.
Basic principals of Fair Trade coffee include a guaranteed minimum price for farmers, some profits used help all residents and their children, beans must be purchased from a democratically-run cooperative of small farmers, farmers receive credit up front because "it can be lengthy time" between planting and sale, safe environmental standards are met during the entire process, no child labor and following strict safe environmental standards
Fair Trade is needed to ensure a minimum price paid to the farmers for their beans "no matter what the market price is" because often times the market price of the coffee "will drop below a price where the farmers are making money," said Swanson. A lot of the time "farmers are actually losing money on their crops."
Sarah Swanson picks a coffee bean. The beans are surround by a "cherry." (Nicaragua photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"It's hard for farmers to hold onto their coffee and wait for a better price" because their crops "can go bad," Swanson said. "It's better security for the farmers."
The minimum price includes a premium "that goes into social programming for the farmers and the (coffee) cooperatives," Swanson said.
"The cooperatives disperse the social premium to the community."
"Even people who are part of the community (but) are not part of the cooperative benefit" from the social premium, Swanson said. For example, "They help get kids school supplies."
The coffee beans "must be bought from a democratically-run organization of small farmers," she said.
"Credit is offered to the farmers ahead of time before they actually deliver their coffee because there is a lot of expense that goes into this process," Swanson said. "The farmers won't see their profits for quite a while - until it gets exported and sold. That can be quite a while."
"With Fair Trade the buyers are giving 60 percent of the price of the coffee to the farmers up front to help them with all their costs," Swanson said.
Another Fair Trade principal "is that environmental standards are met in the production of the coffee (during) the whole process," Swanson said. "The 12 most harmful chemicals are banned and not used in the process at all."
"Labor standards are also met for the worker who are involved in the whole process," Swanson said. "Children can work there if they are with their family, as long as it doesn't interfere with their schooling."
"It isn't child labor," Swanson said.
The students saw "whole families" working in coffee farming jobs because "school wasn't in session and they don't start (school) again until February," said McCarthy, adding the two-month main harvesting season ends in the next few weeks.
Some of the Nicaraguan youth "go off to college and different things but the majority of them want to stay and help" their families harvest coffee, Swanson said.
The students said organic coffee farmers have a deep abiding respect for the Earth and the health of humans.
As members of the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team, the students were touched by the story of farmer Martin Vincente Padilla, a father of four who grows organic coffee and avocadoes in Matagalpa.
"Farmers come to him to get training on how to farm organic grain," McCarthy said.
"He said being an organic farmer isn't just something you do, you have to change you ideas and thoughts about farming," McCarthy said. "To be an organic farmer, you can't just go through the process."
"He was just so proud of everything he had and how his family has struggled for their land because there are big huge coffee companies directly next to him - surrounding him and his land."
"He had to fight for seven years in court to keep his land and take back what they had taken from him," McCarthy said. The neighboring farms are not organic "so he put up barriers like rows of coffee to absorb all the chemicals so they don't get to his."
"It was so amazing, he had an area for livestock, an area of growing fruit trees," McCarthy said.
"Everything was self-sustaining on the land, they don't have to go out to get anything, any food, anything, He grows everything there. He makes his own organic fertilizer from the remains of the coffee cherries. It was just amazing to see."
The NMU students "visited 5 farms and the dry mills and the wet mills," McCarthy said.
"They had this basket (pictured above) and put it around their waste with a strap," McCarthy said, while gesturing a circle around her waste. "And they just pick and (the coffee cherries) just fall in."
"They start from the bottom and work up on the coffee plant and move down the row," McCarthy said.
"Some of the plants get really tall and you have to bend them over and pick them (the coffee cherries) off," said McCarthy while using her hands to simulate how the coffee pickers reach for the top of the plant and bend it toward their basket.
"They are pretty tall plants, probably about six to seven feet tall," Swanson said.
Saying "we got to pick the coffee cherries," McCarthy admitted their coffee harvesting abilities were modest at best, adding even the Nicaraguan children were "10 times better" at picking beans.
"At the first (coffee) co-op we went to we picked for an hour and got 30 pounds," McCarthy said. "There were 14 of us and the average coffee picker there can pick 100 pounds in a hour."
The coffee trees "grow seven-feet tall and there are beans all the way up," McCarthy said.
"There are little stems that you are not supposed to pull off the plant because it stunts the next year's growth."
"We were pretty good at that" said Swanson of the stems, causing the audience to laugh because it underlined the extra time it took for the American students to pick the coffee cherries.
"This is up in the mountains and then they carry the one hundred pound bags back down on their shoulders (pictured above) like this all day," McCarthy said.
"Some of the people had horses that they would bring from home and they would rig up little wooden holders on there (for the coffee bean sacks) but most of the people would carry them down right on the back of their neck," Swanson said.
The "wet milling process takes the cherry off of the coffee bean," McCarthy said. "They ferment it for 16 hours in a huge vat and it goes through this whole system where it peals off the cherry part."
Nicaragua Wet Mill photos by Lisa McCarthy
Coffee beans are surrounded by a sweet tasty cherry that the students enjoyed, Swanson said.
The depulping process creates "honey water" that "pollutes things if you let it all go in one spot," Swanson said.
"So they have to spray it or disperse it using buckets so they are not killing all the plant life."
"They kept the remains of the cherries in a big pile and let them ferment," McCarthy said. "Then farmers will use it as fertilizer for coffee plants."
McCarthy said "after the cherries have been removed" the coffee beans "sit out in the sun, depending on how sunny it is, for five to eight hours."
"That's just to get a lot of the wetness off it" because the beans had been in vats of water, McCarthy said. "There could be rotting if there is too much water."
"When they send it to the dry mill they can not have it too wet because in the transferring from their farms to the dry mill - which could take half a day to get there - there could be rotting."
The farmers do "some quality control" before shipping the coffee beans including "they pick out cherry remains that remain on the beans" and "any beans that are effected by bugs and boring insects," McCarthy said.
"Most of the farms had or were getting a wet mill so that more of the processing could be done there. And it would be cheaper to send just to the dry mill - than to a wet mill and then to a dry mill and shipping," McCarthy said. "So they let it sit out in the sun."
"Farmers from all over this area" drop off their beans at the mills, McCarthy said. "They are all small farmers so its not like huge semis full of coffee it just basically the backs of pickup trucks."
"They unload it (coffee beans) and label it in fields" said McCarthy, adding the coffee is taste tested to help farmers grow better coffee in the future.
"They do quality control" and "give feedback later (to farmers) on how their coffee tastes and what they can do to make it better," McCarthy said.
While machines test the loads of dried coffee into a warehouse, some of the beans are examined by field supervisors who "take the parchment layer of the coffee bean off with his hands to test it to see how moist it is under that."
With five women on each side of conveyor belts in warehouses "the coffee beans are sorted by color" and "the bad beans are removed," McCarthy said.
The women must work fast and intensely to keep up with the large flow of beans, McCarthy said.
"In the same warehouse where they were taking the parchment off with machinery, they also have a roasting machine," Swanson said.
The "medium-roasted" ground coffee is tested for aroma at "cupping labs" where the coffee is taste tested.
There are intense competitions to rate "cuppers" because "it's actually a very prestigious position," said McCarthy, adding they met the "second best cupper" in Nicaragua.
Swanson showed the audience an intricate chart that the cuppers use to grade coffee.
"First they grind the coffee beans to test for aroma, and then they add hot water and test for aroma again," McCarthy said. "There is a whole point system for aroma, flavor, body, acidity and then the whole balance."
"They slurp the coffee on a spoon and spit it out," McCarthy said. "For the cupping they always roast it at medium roast" because a darker roast sometimes "covers up the imperfections."
The flavor, quality and differences of coffee such as "shade grown" can be affected by a wide variety of regional soil conditions, water, elevation and even the type of fruit plants it's grown next to like banana trees, McCarthy said.
To ensure the coffee beans "are evenly dried" Nicaraguan "women rake the fields all day in the hot sun" at drying mills," McCarthy said.
"The women wear bandanas and hats because it is so incredibly warm."
During the Fair Trade talk in Marquette, the audience laughed when both students admitted they are not regular coffee drinkers - to say the least.
But when in Denmark or in this case Nicaragua.:
"We tried it," Swanson said.
McCarthy said "I don't drink caffeine (but) I drank coffee all week."
She explained that in a cupping room there were different qualities of coffee to sample with a rating of "zero to 100 - and anything above a 90 (rating) is rare to find."
"We cupped stuff between 80 and 86, so they did not give us any 40s just to throw us off," said McCarthy, laughing with the audience.
The Nicaraguan trip and its lessons had a bigger impact on the students than they could ever get reading books or attending class.
The experience has turned both into eloquent spokespersons for the Fair Trade movement.
To that end, the pair will be giving presentations to groups across northern Michigan in upcoming months to explain the hardships endured by Nicaraguan farmers thus convincing Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee even if it costs a few pennies more than a bargain brand grown by farmers who don't enjoy labor, economic and environmental protections.
A Lutheran pastor, Magnuson said most Upper Peninsula churches "are pretty good with an outreach of compassion - but weak at works of justice - we've got a ways to go."
"There's a wonderful Jewish saying that the universe is held up - that God holds up the universe with two pillars - one is compassion , we all know that, but the other one is justice.
Just about everywhere the group traveled, they saw tributes to Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
In recent years over 150 U.P. churches and temples have been active in environmental justice through the Earth Keeper Initiative, and Fair Trade efforts by are among the latest efforts by their congregations to promote human rights in foreign countries.
Background on Lutheran World Relief:
Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves.
LWR's work in Nicaragua focuses on those in the rural areas of Matagalpa and Jinotega, both coffee producing regions.
With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies.
LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
To learn more about LWR Study Tours, please visit:
http://www.lwr.org/study
Related links & Info:
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at Northern Michigan University (NMU)
LCM at NMU Newsletter
Lake Superior Interfaith Communications website
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS)
NGLS Background
Lutheran World Relief Study Tour entitled NICARAGUA: Pour Justice to the Brim on January 5-12, 2009
Fair Trade:
Wikipedia on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on Fair Trade Certification Mark
Global Exchange website on Fair Trade
Catholic Relief Services on Fair Trade
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
Transfair USA/Fair Trade
The United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on World Fair Trade Organization
Coal Train Coffee House on Fair Trade
Equal Exchange and Center for Global Education:
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange Fair Trade page
Wikipedia on Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange on the History of Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange story on Procuring Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange on Fair Trade Coffee with conscience
Equal Exchange Video #1
Equal Exchange Video #2
SolCaf:
SolCaf processing plant
CECOCAFEN in Nicaragua joins together 1,900 coffee farmers and exports more than 4 million pounds per year of its members' coffee
English:
The Organization of Northern Coffee Cooperatives
Spanish:
“Central de Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte”
Equal Exchange on CECOCAFEN
Transfair USA on CECOCAFEN
Alternativa 3 website on CECOCAFEN
Global Exchange of CECOCAFEN
Information about Nicaragua coffee cooperatives:
Fair Trade.org on coffee coops
Catholic Relief Services on coffee coops
Equal Exchange on coffee coops
U.S. Aid on coffee coops
Just Coffee on coffee coops
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign on coffee coops
Center for Global Education
Center for Global Education universities
Center for Global Education universities in Michigan & NMU
Fair Trade Principals
Fair Trade principles include:
Fair prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Direct trade: Importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to strengthen their organizations and become competitive players in the global economy.
Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to use their Fair Trade revenues.
Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
Environmental sustainability: The Fair Trade certification system strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), promotes integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility, and limits the use of harmful agrochemicals in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
Click here to be updated Fair Trade projects or participate in Lutheran World Relief Action Center
Lutheran World Relief
Wikipedia on Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief stories on Fair Trade & coffee:
Back to Fair Trade
LWR on coffee justice
A Hill of Beans
Thanks to God and Fair Trade we're not starving
Lutherans Pursue Good Coffee, Fairly
Brewing Faith and Coffee
Coffee: A Bitter Cup?
Fair Trade: A Taste of Justice
Tanzanian Jubilee Coffee
LWR Handcraft Project
LWR Chocolate Project
Fair Trade vs. Free Trade:
Global Policy.org on Free Trade
Milwaukee Journal article Dec. 2002 on Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino:
Managua monument to Sardino
Wikipedia on Sardino
Wikipedia on Managua, Nicaragua
Nicaragua Organic Farmer Martin Vincente Padilla:
LWR Blog article on Padilla
War in El Salvador and Churches including Lutheran World Relief and others:
LWR on War in El Salvador
El Salvador Solidarity
Lutheran churches and El Salvador
Lutheran Zephyr story on War in El Salvador
Civil War Underground Railroad and Churches:
Living the Underground Railroad
Plymouth Church
Living Library
Living Library #2
Passage to Freedom
Jewish belief in compassion and justice:
Mercy, Loving, kindness, and Peace: A Jewish Affirmation of Respect for Life by Janet Podell
Jewish Journal on Justice & Mercy
Tiscapa Lagoon:
Wikipedia on Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve in Managua, Nicaragua
NMU LCM related websites and other events/projects:
Lake Superior Interfaith story on the Lothlorian Blessing of the Garden Ceremony
ELCA website on NMU LCM
Current TV on 2008 visit by Imam to NMU LCM
Gather article on Garden Blessing for native plants at NMU LCM
BlipTV Video of Lutheran youth raising money through environment projects for NMU LCM
Current TV page for all NMU video & print stories
NMU LCM
Lothlrien House
701 W.College Ave.
Marquette, Michigan
49866
Northern Michigan University (NMU) - Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) - of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
"We are a spiritual community bound together by a cross and an empty tomb, gentle and respectful of individual freedom and dignity. A creative, thinking, and prophetic community called to lives of celebration, compassion and justice. Quiet servants, opening doors, making connections, supporting one another."
Fair Trade: ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS) and NMU Lutheran Campus Ministry
Pastor Tim Bernard has been on the forefront of the Fair Trade effort in the Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS).
Increasing numbers of Lutheran parishes across North America are building networks and connections with small farming villages in Central America, establishing distribution of coffee that honors better working conditions and higher wages for the poor in developing countries.
Staff
Carolyn Jean, Ministry Associate
Jon Magnuson, Campus Pastor
Student Leaders
Jenna Geueke (jgeueke at nmu.edu)
Andrew Foster
Sarah Swanson
Earthkeepers
Kira Fillmore
Sarah Swanson
Board of Directors
Rev. Tim Bernard
Michael Broadway
Peter Claybaker, Treasurer
Rev. Virginia Eggert
Rev. Warren Geier, Chair
Jackie Greising, Secretary
Helen Koski
Leslie Putman
Jill Krah, Financial Secretary
Jenna Geueke, Vice Chair
Worship: Wed. 9:00 pm
Sunday Student Suppers:
6 p.m. St. Mark's Lutheran Church
E-mail NMU LCM
email Sarah Swanson
email Lisa McCarthy
53 Views
21:31:55 01/30/09
2009 Fair Trade, Nicaragua Coffee Farmers #2: NMU students on Lutheran World Relief study tour
[LESS INFO] 53 VIEWS | ADDED 02:31:55 01/31/09
Northern Michigan University students Sarah Swanson and Lisa McCarthy stand near the mouth of Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua. Members of Lutheran Campus Ministry, the students were with a group of Americans participating in a Lutheran World Relief study project.
(Marquette, Michigan) - While Upper Peninsula residents endured an arctic blast, two Northern Michigan University students started the New Year learning about Fair Trade during the peak of the coffee growing season in Nicaragua.
Three videos of the student's presentation about their Nicaragua trip were produced by Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University and the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI.
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Video #1
Role of faith communities, Nicaragua coffee farmers, and coffee cooperatives in Fair Trade movement; Northern Michigan University students talk about work that goes into growing coffee including wet mills, dry mills and the process of quality/taste testing called “cupping.”
Video #2
The Fair Trade movement efforts of Lutheran World Relief, Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
A look at Fair Trade Principals including prohibiting child labor, protecting the environment, the need for fair wages and help the entire community (not just coffee farming families).
The students describe staying with coffee farming families in a small village in a mountainous area, interacting with the children and some of the interesting and inspiring people they met.
Video #3
The students describe how the women of Nicaragua are treated with respect, the importance of families and the environmental protection efforts of one Nicaragua’s organic farmers.
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(Photos at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by Greg Peterson)
Since their return on January 12, Lisa McCarthy and Sarah Swanson have begun a series of presentations at U.P. churches to encourage Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee that ensures poor Nicaraguan farmers don't lose money in the labor-intensive industry of coffee production.
From staring into the mouth of the Masaya Volcano to traveling narrow mountain roads to stay with coffee-farming families to picking beans and participating in all phases of coffee production, the trip was a myth-shattering experience.
The students are the latest of hundreds of faith community representatives traveling to Central American over the last decade with Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to get a quick course on Fair Trade while erasing misconceptions about Nicaragua's hard-working low-income farmers who take pride in their coffee.
Known for loving a strong cup of hot coffee, U.P. residents are the perfect audience for the two students who were impressed by the work ethic and friendliness of Nicaraguans.
The Fair Trade movement was born during the "coffee crisis of 1990s" when prices "really imploded - it was terrible," said Swanson, 20, an NMU junior majoring in speech language and hearing sciences.
The fluctuating market price for Nicaraguan coffee in early January 2009 was $1.13 per pound, said Swanson, who is a native of Rapid River, MI.
Both students are members of NMU Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) and their trips were funded by U.P. parishes and donors.
The students met with other groups involved in the Fair Trade effort including Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
"Equal Exchange was the first Fair Trade distributor of coffee in the United States," said McCarthy, 19, an NMU sophomore majoring in photography.
Citing the Underground Railroad run by churches during the American Civil War and sanctuary for refugees during the war in El Salvador, Rev. Jon Magnuson of Marquette said the Fair Trade movement was started by "churches to create an alternative economy to the one that was oppressing small farmers.
"It's a part of the church's work, part of the faith community's mission and a part people don't know about,' said Magnuson, who is the NMU LCM campus pastor.
"Sarah and Lisa are going to be encouraging churches to sell Fair Trade coffee and chocolate in their basements," said Rev. Magnuson.
Some U.P. Lutheran churches have been on board for years.
"Fair Trade Coffee sold at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette is sold at cost," said Messiah member John Carlson of Marquette. "This is a ministry for helping this program of Fair Trade."
"During the coffee crisis they had to bring it (the coffee) through Canada," said McCarthy, a native of Greenville, WI. "They had to go through all these measures to get it (the coffee) here."
The students said Nicaraguan coffee producers seek respect for their heritage, and want foreigners to understand what goes into growing that coffee they love each morning.
Nicaraguans hope emissaries like the NMU students will spread the word about Fair Trade far and wide thus getting people to only buy coffee originating from democratically-run cooperatives that represent the farmers.
Lead by his children, a Nicaraguan coffee farmer carries a heavy sack of beans on his shoulders. They are on the way to his local democratically-run cooperative.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"One thing we can do is respect them," said McCarthy during a recent presentation at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marquette that was attended by residents from 18 to 80 years old and as far away as Rapid River. "It was really great to go on this trip because it's hard to respect a faceless thing.
"You buy the coffee and respect Fair Trade but going there and seeing that and knowing the work that goes into one cup of coffee - brings it home," McCarthy said. It's important for Americans to know "the amount of work that goes into everything."
LWR "really stresses the accompaniment model that they use with all their programs - They are not just throwing money at them,"Swanson said. LWR works with Nicarguans "to find out what these farmers want and the things that the need" to accomplish their individual dreams.
Americans sometimes mistakenly think that Nicaraguans "want all the things that we have," said Swanson.
"Most Nicaraguan farmers have never tasted their quality coffee because it's way more beneficial for them to ship it out, than for them to drink even a cup," McCarthy said. "They drink the bad quality stuff."
"One of the new projects" for the farmers is "trying to get people in Nicaragua to buy high quality coffee because that's a whole other market they haven't touched."
The students received a history lesson on Nicaragua and assistance from employees of the Center for Global Education in Managua including program coordinator and interpreter Juan Carlos Lopez and study abroad facilitator Joe Connelly.
Lopez and Connelly, who host numerous ecotourism study project coffee tours each year, "came with us on our trip and added to our experience by sharing with us what they know from working there," Swanson said.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
McCarthy and Swanson were happy to learn that "women in Nicaragua are known as being strong women." Something they learned first hand and was more impressive to the pair than even the current status of women's rights in the U.S.
Instead of receiving an expected lecture from men at the co-ops, the students were greeted by a female co-op board secretary, who "spoke to us so passionately and with such great knowledge, that is just blew me away," McCarthy said. "I saw in-person that it's not a factor if you are a man or a women."
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"Even though it has been fought for here (in the U.S.) it's still part of our culture that the man is the alpha male," McCarthy said.
"Just seeing that and seeing her was one of the more impactful things for me," McCarthy said, adding she was impressed with "how proud they (women) are of the co-op."
A Nicaraguan woman is raking the coffee beans for even drying at SOLCAFE
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
LWR stresses respect for the Nicaraguan farmers who are not looking for a handout rather a fair wage for their hard work.
‘They envision a world where all people live in justice, dignity and peace," said Swanson, who told the story of a young women repaying a $200 loan used to buy a home.
"You could see how this was helping her maintain her dignity because she was paying is back," Swanson. "She wanted to buy her house - they don't want it to be handouts from people.
The students visited the SolCaf dry mill, one of several cooperatives representing Nicaraguan coffee growers; who have an agreement with the Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte (CECOCAFEN), an organization that buys Fair Trade coffee and organizes its distribution around the world
After arriving in the Nicaraguan capitol of Managua, the group visited the cities of Matagalpa, and Jinotega.
A popular tourist attraction is the Masaya Volcano National Park.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
Riding with 11 other American visitors, the tour included "a very bumpy bus ride up these very scary roads" to a "mountain village of La Reyna" about 3 hours from the capitol, said Swanson, adding they stayed with host families many of which had numerous children.
The students were thankful for interpreters because they don't speak Spanish.
The students experienced a culture shock underlining the disparity in the wages Americans enjoy versus Latin American countries yet the hospitality was overwhelming.
"It was such a change," said Swanson, who plans to attend graduate school for speech pathology leading to career as a speech therapist.
"Going into their little tiny houses and they gave up three beds for us - they have eight people living in the house (and) were so hospitable to us," Swanson said.
"It's basically two rooms with a main room," Swanson said. "Most of the kitchens were outside with their woodstoves."
The goal of a Lutheran World Relief project "is to build 125 simple but decent houses" for the coffee farmers or their families, McCarthy said. ‘They already had 50 built."
McCarthy is impressed with the realistic dreams that's sparked hands-on community action by the co-ops, farmers and other residents are working together to improve their lives.
The Children of Nicaragua: Like kids around the world, the students did not need an interpreter to communicate with the children of Nicaragua. Smiling and eager to play games, the Nicaraguan children played with their American houseguests. Child labor is prohibited under Fair Trade principals however some children are allowed to work at their family coffee farm at certain times of the year. Many children follow in their parents footsteps and become coffee growers. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"The community is just so involved in the schooling for the children, brand new housing and every aspect of surviving," said McCarthy.
Basic principals of Fair Trade coffee include a guaranteed minimum price for farmers, some profits used help all residents and their children, beans must be purchased from a democratically-run cooperative of small farmers, farmers receive credit up front because "it can be lengthy time" between planting and sale, safe environmental standards are met during the entire process, no child labor and following strict safe environmental standards
Fair Trade is needed to ensure a minimum price paid to the farmers for their beans "no matter what the market price is" because often times the market price of the coffee "will drop below a price where the farmers are making money," said Swanson. A lot of the time "farmers are actually losing money on their crops."
Sarah Swanson picks a coffee bean. The beans are surround by a "cherry." (Nicaragua photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"It's hard for farmers to hold onto their coffee and wait for a better price" because their crops "can go bad," Swanson said. "It's better security for the farmers."
The minimum price includes a premium "that goes into social programming for the farmers and the (coffee) cooperatives," Swanson said.
"The cooperatives disperse the social premium to the community."
"Even people who are part of the community (but) are not part of the cooperative benefit" from the social premium, Swanson said. For example, "They help get kids school supplies."
The coffee beans "must be bought from a democratically-run organization of small farmers," she said.
"Credit is offered to the farmers ahead of time before they actually deliver their coffee because there is a lot of expense that goes into this process," Swanson said. "The farmers won't see their profits for quite a while - until it gets exported and sold. That can be quite a while."
"With Fair Trade the buyers are giving 60 percent of the price of the coffee to the farmers up front to help them with all their costs," Swanson said.
Another Fair Trade principal "is that environmental standards are met in the production of the coffee (during) the whole process," Swanson said. "The 12 most harmful chemicals are banned and not used in the process at all."
"Labor standards are also met for the worker who are involved in the whole process," Swanson said. "Children can work there if they are with their family, as long as it doesn't interfere with their schooling."
"It isn't child labor," Swanson said.
The students saw "whole families" working in coffee farming jobs because "school wasn't in session and they don't start (school) again until February," said McCarthy, adding the two-month main harvesting season ends in the next few weeks.
Some of the Nicaraguan youth "go off to college and different things but the majority of them want to stay and help" their families harvest coffee, Swanson said.
The students said organic coffee farmers have a deep abiding respect for the Earth and the health of humans.
As members of the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team, the students were touched by the story of farmer Martin Vincente Padilla, a father of four who grows organic coffee and avocadoes in Matagalpa.
"Farmers come to him to get training on how to farm organic grain," McCarthy said.
"He said being an organic farmer isn't just something you do, you have to change you ideas and thoughts about farming," McCarthy said. "To be an organic farmer, you can't just go through the process."
"He was just so proud of everything he had and how his family has struggled for their land because there are big huge coffee companies directly next to him - surrounding him and his land."
"He had to fight for seven years in court to keep his land and take back what they had taken from him," McCarthy said. The neighboring farms are not organic "so he put up barriers like rows of coffee to absorb all the chemicals so they don't get to his."
"It was so amazing, he had an area for livestock, an area of growing fruit trees," McCarthy said.
"Everything was self-sustaining on the land, they don't have to go out to get anything, any food, anything, He grows everything there. He makes his own organic fertilizer from the remains of the coffee cherries. It was just amazing to see."
The NMU students "visited 5 farms and the dry mills and the wet mills," McCarthy said.
"They had this basket (pictured above) and put it around their waste with a strap," McCarthy said, while gesturing a circle around her waste. "And they just pick and (the coffee cherries) just fall in."
"They start from the bottom and work up on the coffee plant and move down the row," McCarthy said.
"Some of the plants get really tall and you have to bend them over and pick them (the coffee cherries) off," said McCarthy while using her hands to simulate how the coffee pickers reach for the top of the plant and bend it toward their basket.
"They are pretty tall plants, probably about six to seven feet tall," Swanson said.
Saying "we got to pick the coffee cherries," McCarthy admitted their coffee harvesting abilities were modest at best, adding even the Nicaraguan children were "10 times better" at picking beans.
"At the first (coffee) co-op we went to we picked for an hour and got 30 pounds," McCarthy said. "There were 14 of us and the average coffee picker there can pick 100 pounds in a hour."
The coffee trees "grow seven-feet tall and there are beans all the way up," McCarthy said.
"There are little stems that you are not supposed to pull off the plant because it stunts the next year's growth."
"We were pretty good at that" said Swanson of the stems, causing the audience to laugh because it underlined the extra time it took for the American students to pick the coffee cherries.
"This is up in the mountains and then they carry the one hundred pound bags back down on their shoulders (pictured above) like this all day," McCarthy said.
"Some of the people had horses that they would bring from home and they would rig up little wooden holders on there (for the coffee bean sacks) but most of the people would carry them down right on the back of their neck," Swanson said.
The "wet milling process takes the cherry off of the coffee bean," McCarthy said. "They ferment it for 16 hours in a huge vat and it goes through this whole system where it peals off the cherry part."
Nicaragua Wet Mill photos by Lisa McCarthy
Coffee beans are surrounded by a sweet tasty cherry that the students enjoyed, Swanson said.
The depulping process creates "honey water" that "pollutes things if you let it all go in one spot," Swanson said.
"So they have to spray it or disperse it using buckets so they are not killing all the plant life."
"They kept the remains of the cherries in a big pile and let them ferment," McCarthy said. "Then farmers will use it as fertilizer for coffee plants."
McCarthy said "after the cherries have been removed" the coffee beans "sit out in the sun, depending on how sunny it is, for five to eight hours."
"That's just to get a lot of the wetness off it" because the beans had been in vats of water, McCarthy said. "There could be rotting if there is too much water."
"When they send it to the dry mill they can not have it too wet because in the transferring from their farms to the dry mill - which could take half a day to get there - there could be rotting."
The farmers do "some quality control" before shipping the coffee beans including "they pick out cherry remains that remain on the beans" and "any beans that are effected by bugs and boring insects," McCarthy said.
"Most of the farms had or were getting a wet mill so that more of the processing could be done there. And it would be cheaper to send just to the dry mill - than to a wet mill and then to a dry mill and shipping," McCarthy said. "So they let it sit out in the sun."
"Farmers from all over this area" drop off their beans at the mills, McCarthy said. "They are all small farmers so its not like huge semis full of coffee it just basically the backs of pickup trucks."
"They unload it (coffee beans) and label it in fields" said McCarthy, adding the coffee is taste tested to help farmers grow better coffee in the future.
"They do quality control" and "give feedback later (to farmers) on how their coffee tastes and what they can do to make it better," McCarthy said.
While machines test the loads of dried coffee into a warehouse, some of the beans are examined by field supervisors who "take the parchment layer of the coffee bean off with his hands to test it to see how moist it is under that."
With five women on each side of conveyor belts in warehouses "the coffee beans are sorted by color" and "the bad beans are removed," McCarthy said.
The women must work fast and intensely to keep up with the large flow of beans, McCarthy said.
"In the same warehouse where they were taking the parchment off with machinery, they also have a roasting machine," Swanson said.
The "medium-roasted" ground coffee is tested for aroma at "cupping labs" where the coffee is taste tested.
There are intense competitions to rate "cuppers" because "it's actually a very prestigious position," said McCarthy, adding they met the "second best cupper" in Nicaragua.
Swanson showed the audience an intricate chart that the cuppers use to grade coffee.
"First they grind the coffee beans to test for aroma, and then they add hot water and test for aroma again," McCarthy said. "There is a whole point system for aroma, flavor, body, acidity and then the whole balance."
"They slurp the coffee on a spoon and spit it out," McCarthy said. "For the cupping they always roast it at medium roast" because a darker roast sometimes "covers up the imperfections."
The flavor, quality and differences of coffee such as "shade grown" can be affected by a wide variety of regional soil conditions, water, elevation and even the type of fruit plants it's grown next to like banana trees, McCarthy said.
To ensure the coffee beans "are evenly dried" Nicaraguan "women rake the fields all day in the hot sun" at drying mills," McCarthy said.
"The women wear bandanas and hats because it is so incredibly warm."
During the Fair Trade talk in Marquette, the audience laughed when both students admitted they are not regular coffee drinkers - to say the least.
But when in Denmark or in this case Nicaragua.:
"We tried it," Swanson said.
McCarthy said "I don't drink caffeine (but) I drank coffee all week."
She explained that in a cupping room there were different qualities of coffee to sample with a rating of "zero to 100 - and anything above a 90 (rating) is rare to find."
"We cupped stuff between 80 and 86, so they did not give us any 40s just to throw us off," said McCarthy, laughing with the audience.
The Nicaraguan trip and its lessons had a bigger impact on the students than they could ever get reading books or attending class.
The experience has turned both into eloquent spokespersons for the Fair Trade movement.
To that end, the pair will be giving presentations to groups across northern Michigan in upcoming months to explain the hardships endured by Nicaraguan farmers thus convincing Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee even if it costs a few pennies more than a bargain brand grown by farmers who don't enjoy labor, economic and environmental protections.
A Lutheran pastor, Magnuson said most Upper Peninsula churches "are pretty good with an outreach of compassion - but weak at works of justice - we've got a ways to go."
"There's a wonderful Jewish saying that the universe is held up - that God holds up the universe with two pillars - one is compassion , we all know that, but the other one is justice.
Just about everywhere the group traveled, they saw tributes to Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
In recent years over 150 U.P. churches and temples have been active in environmental justice through the Earth Keeper Initiative, and Fair Trade efforts by are among the latest efforts by their congregations to promote human rights in foreign countries.
Background on Lutheran World Relief:
Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves.
LWR's work in Nicaragua focuses on those in the rural areas of Matagalpa and Jinotega, both coffee producing regions.
With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies.
LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
To learn more about LWR Study Tours, please visit:
http://www.lwr.org/study
Related links & Info:
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at Northern Michigan University (NMU)
LCM at NMU Newsletter
Lake Superior Interfaith Communications website
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS)
NGLS Background
Lutheran World Relief Study Tour entitled NICARAGUA: Pour Justice to the Brim on January 5-12, 2009
Fair Trade:
Wikipedia on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on Fair Trade Certification Mark
Global Exchange website on Fair Trade
Catholic Relief Services on Fair Trade
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
Transfair USA/Fair Trade
The United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on World Fair Trade Organization
Coal Train Coffee House on Fair Trade
Equal Exchange and Center for Global Education:
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange Fair Trade page
Wikipedia on Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange on the History of Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange story on Procuring Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange on Fair Trade Coffee with conscience
Equal Exchange Video #1
Equal Exchange Video #2
SolCaf:
SolCaf processing plant
CECOCAFEN in Nicaragua joins together 1,900 coffee farmers and exports more than 4 million pounds per year of its members' coffee
English:
The Organization of Northern Coffee Cooperatives
Spanish:
“Central de Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte”
Equal Exchange on CECOCAFEN
Transfair USA on CECOCAFEN
Alternativa 3 website on CECOCAFEN
Global Exchange of CECOCAFEN
Information about Nicaragua coffee cooperatives:
Fair Trade.org on coffee coops
Catholic Relief Services on coffee coops
Equal Exchange on coffee coops
U.S. Aid on coffee coops
Just Coffee on coffee coops
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign on coffee coops
Center for Global Education
Center for Global Education universities
Center for Global Education universities in Michigan & NMU
Fair Trade Principals
Fair Trade principles include:
Fair prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Direct trade: Importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to strengthen their organizations and become competitive players in the global economy.
Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to use their Fair Trade revenues.
Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
Environmental sustainability: The Fair Trade certification system strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), promotes integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility, and limits the use of harmful agrochemicals in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
Click here to be updated Fair Trade projects or participate in Lutheran World Relief Action Center
Lutheran World Relief
Wikipedia on Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief stories on Fair Trade & coffee:
Back to Fair Trade
LWR on coffee justice
A Hill of Beans
Thanks to God and Fair Trade we're not starving
Lutherans Pursue Good Coffee, Fairly
Brewing Faith and Coffee
Coffee: A Bitter Cup?
Fair Trade: A Taste of Justice
Tanzanian Jubilee Coffee
LWR Handcraft Project
LWR Chocolate Project
Fair Trade vs. Free Trade:
Global Policy.org on Free Trade
Milwaukee Journal article Dec. 2002 on Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino:
Managua monument to Sardino
Wikipedia on Sardino
Wikipedia on Managua, Nicaragua
Nicaragua Organic Farmer Martin Vincente Padilla:
LWR Blog article on Padilla
War in El Salvador and Churches including Lutheran World Relief and others:
LWR on War in El Salvador
El Salvador Solidarity
Lutheran churches and El Salvador
Lutheran Zephyr story on War in El Salvador
Civil War Underground Railroad and Churches:
Living the Underground Railroad
Plymouth Church
Living Library
Living Library #2
Passage to Freedom
Jewish belief in compassion and justice:
Mercy, Loving, kindness, and Peace: A Jewish Affirmation of Respect for Life by Janet Podell
Jewish Journal on Justice & Mercy
Tiscapa Lagoon:
Wikipedia on Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve in Managua, Nicaragua
NMU LCM related websites and other events/projects:
Lake Superior Interfaith story on the Lothlorian Blessing of the Garden Ceremony
ELCA website on NMU LCM
Current TV on 2008 visit by Imam to NMU LCM
Gather article on Garden Blessing for native plants at NMU LCM
BlipTV Video of Lutheran youth raising money through environment projects for NMU LCM
Current TV page for all NMU video & print stories
NMU LCM
Lothlrien House
701 W.College Ave.
Marquette, Michigan
49866
Northern Michigan University (NMU) - Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) - of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
"We are a spiritual community bound together by a cross and an empty tomb, gentle and respectful of individual freedom and dignity. A creative, thinking, and prophetic community called to lives of celebration, compassion and justice. Quiet servants, opening doors, making connections, supporting one another."
Fair Trade: ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS) and NMU Lutheran Campus Ministry
Pastor Tim Bernard has been on the forefront of the Fair Trade effort in the Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS).
Increasing numbers of Lutheran parishes across North America are building networks and connections with small farming villages in Central America, establishing distribution of coffee that honors better working conditions and higher wages for the poor in developing countries.
Staff
Carolyn Jean, Ministry Associate
Jon Magnuson, Campus Pastor
Student Leaders
Jenna Geueke (jgeueke at nmu.edu)
Andrew Foster
Sarah Swanson
Earthkeepers
Kira Fillmore
Sarah Swanson
Board of Directors
Rev. Tim Bernard
Michael Broadway
Peter Claybaker, Treasurer
Rev. Virginia Eggert
Rev. Warren Geier, Chair
Jackie Greising, Secretary
Helen Koski
Leslie Putman
Jill Krah, Financial Secretary
Jenna Geueke, Vice Chair
Worship: Wed. 9:00 pm
Sunday Student Suppers:
6 p.m. St. Mark's Lutheran Church
E-mail NMU LCM
email Sarah Swanson
email Lisa McCarthy
72 Views
20:19:37 01/30/09
2009 Fair Trade, Nicaragua Coffee Farmers #1: How your morning coffee arrives, Fair Trade Principals
[LESS INFO] 72 VIEWS | ADDED 01:19:37 01/31/09
Northern Michigan University students Sarah Swanson and Lisa McCarthy stand near the mouth of Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua. Members of Lutheran Campus Ministry, the students were with a group of Americans participating in a Lutheran World Relief study project.
(Marquette, Michigan) - While Upper Peninsula residents endured an arctic blast, two Northern Michigan University students started the New Year learning about Fair Trade during the peak of the coffee growing season in Nicaragua.
Three videos of the student's presentation about their Nicaragua trip were produced by Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University and the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI.
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Video #1
Role of faith communities, Nicaragua coffee farmers, and coffee cooperatives in Fair Trade movement; Northern Michigan University students talk about work that goes into growing coffee including wet mills, dry mills and the process of quality/taste testing called “cupping.”
Video #2
The Fair Trade movement efforts of Lutheran World Relief, Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
A look at Fair Trade Principals including prohibiting child labor, protecting the environment, the need for fair wages and help the entire community (not just coffee farming families).
The students describe staying with coffee farming families in a small village in a mountainous area, interacting with the children and some of the interesting and inspiring people they met.
Video #3
The students describe how the women of Nicaragua are treated with respect, the importance of families and the environmental protection efforts of one Nicaragua’s organic farmers.
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(Photos at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by Greg Peterson)
Since their return on January 12, Lisa McCarthy and Sarah Swanson have begun a series of presentations at U.P. churches to encourage Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee that ensures poor Nicaraguan farmers don't lose money in the labor-intensive industry of coffee production.
From staring into the mouth of the Masaya Volcano to traveling narrow mountain roads to stay with coffee-farming families to picking beans and participating in all phases of coffee production, the trip was a myth-shattering experience.
The students are the latest of hundreds of faith community representatives traveling to Central American over the last decade with Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to get a quick course on Fair Trade while erasing misconceptions about Nicaragua's hard-working low-income farmers who take pride in their coffee.
Known for loving a strong cup of hot coffee, U.P. residents are the perfect audience for the two students who were impressed by the work ethic and friendliness of Nicaraguans.
The Fair Trade movement was born during the "coffee crisis of 1990s" when prices "really imploded - it was terrible," said Swanson, 20, an NMU junior majoring in speech language and hearing sciences.
The fluctuating market price for Nicaraguan coffee in early January 2009 was $1.13 per pound, said Swanson, who is a native of Rapid River, MI.
Both students are members of NMU Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) and their trips were funded by U.P. parishes and donors.
The students met with other groups involved in the Fair Trade effort including Equal Exchange and the Center for Global Education.
"Equal Exchange was the first Fair Trade distributor of coffee in the United States," said McCarthy, 19, an NMU sophomore majoring in photography.
Citing the Underground Railroad run by churches during the American Civil War and sanctuary for refugees during the war in El Salvador, Rev. Jon Magnuson of Marquette said the Fair Trade movement was started by "churches to create an alternative economy to the one that was oppressing small farmers.
"It's a part of the church's work, part of the faith community's mission and a part people don't know about,' said Magnuson, who is the NMU LCM campus pastor.
"Sarah and Lisa are going to be encouraging churches to sell Fair Trade coffee and chocolate in their basements," said Rev. Magnuson.
Some U.P. Lutheran churches have been on board for years.
"Fair Trade Coffee sold at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette is sold at cost," said Messiah member John Carlson of Marquette. "This is a ministry for helping this program of Fair Trade."
"During the coffee crisis they had to bring it (the coffee) through Canada," said McCarthy, a native of Greenville, WI. "They had to go through all these measures to get it (the coffee) here."
The students said Nicaraguan coffee producers seek respect for their heritage, and want foreigners to understand what goes into growing that coffee they love each morning.
Nicaraguans hope emissaries like the NMU students will spread the word about Fair Trade far and wide thus getting people to only buy coffee originating from democratically-run cooperatives that represent the farmers.
Lead by his children, a Nicaraguan coffee farmer carries a heavy sack of beans on his shoulders. They are on the way to his local democratically-run cooperative.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"One thing we can do is respect them," said McCarthy during a recent presentation at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marquette that was attended by residents from 18 to 80 years old and as far away as Rapid River. "It was really great to go on this trip because it's hard to respect a faceless thing.
"You buy the coffee and respect Fair Trade but going there and seeing that and knowing the work that goes into one cup of coffee - brings it home," McCarthy said. It's important for Americans to know "the amount of work that goes into everything."
LWR "really stresses the accompaniment model that they use with all their programs - They are not just throwing money at them,"Swanson said. LWR works with Nicarguans "to find out what these farmers want and the things that the need" to accomplish their individual dreams.
Americans sometimes mistakenly think that Nicaraguans "want all the things that we have," said Swanson.
"Most Nicaraguan farmers have never tasted their quality coffee because it's way more beneficial for them to ship it out, than for them to drink even a cup," McCarthy said. "They drink the bad quality stuff."
"One of the new projects" for the farmers is "trying to get people in Nicaragua to buy high quality coffee because that's a whole other market they haven't touched."
The students received a history lesson on Nicaragua and assistance from employees of the Center for Global Education in Managua including program coordinator and interpreter Juan Carlos Lopez and study abroad facilitator Joe Connelly.
Lopez and Connelly, who host numerous ecotourism study project coffee tours each year, "came with us on our trip and added to our experience by sharing with us what they know from working there," Swanson said.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
McCarthy and Swanson were happy to learn that "women in Nicaragua are known as being strong women." Something they learned first hand and was more impressive to the pair than even the current status of women's rights in the U.S.
Instead of receiving an expected lecture from men at the co-ops, the students were greeted by a female co-op board secretary, who "spoke to us so passionately and with such great knowledge, that is just blew me away," McCarthy said. "I saw in-person that it's not a factor if you are a man or a women."
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"Even though it has been fought for here (in the U.S.) it's still part of our culture that the man is the alpha male," McCarthy said.
"Just seeing that and seeing her was one of the more impactful things for me," McCarthy said, adding she was impressed with "how proud they (women) are of the co-op."
A Nicaraguan woman is raking the coffee beans for even drying at SOLCAFE
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
LWR stresses respect for the Nicaraguan farmers who are not looking for a handout rather a fair wage for their hard work.
‘They envision a world where all people live in justice, dignity and peace," said Swanson, who told the story of a young women repaying a $200 loan used to buy a home.
"You could see how this was helping her maintain her dignity because she was paying is back," Swanson. "She wanted to buy her house - they don't want it to be handouts from people.
The students visited the SolCaf dry mill, one of several cooperatives representing Nicaraguan coffee growers; who have an agreement with the Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte (CECOCAFEN), an organization that buys Fair Trade coffee and organizes its distribution around the world
After arriving in the Nicaraguan capitol of Managua, the group visited the cities of Matagalpa, and Jinotega.
A popular tourist attraction is the Masaya Volcano National Park.
(Nicaragua Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
Riding with 11 other American visitors, the tour included "a very bumpy bus ride up these very scary roads" to a "mountain village of La Reyna" about 3 hours from the capitol, said Swanson, adding they stayed with host families many of which had numerous children.
The students were thankful for interpreters because they don't speak Spanish.
The students experienced a culture shock underlining the disparity in the wages Americans enjoy versus Latin American countries yet the hospitality was overwhelming.
"It was such a change," said Swanson, who plans to attend graduate school for speech pathology leading to career as a speech therapist.
"Going into their little tiny houses and they gave up three beds for us - they have eight people living in the house (and) were so hospitable to us," Swanson said.
"It's basically two rooms with a main room," Swanson said. "Most of the kitchens were outside with their woodstoves."
The goal of a Lutheran World Relief project "is to build 125 simple but decent houses" for the coffee farmers or their families, McCarthy said. ‘They already had 50 built."
McCarthy is impressed with the realistic dreams that's sparked hands-on community action by the co-ops, farmers and other residents are working together to improve their lives.
The Children of Nicaragua: Like kids around the world, the students did not need an interpreter to communicate with the children of Nicaragua. Smiling and eager to play games, the Nicaraguan children played with their American houseguests. Child labor is prohibited under Fair Trade principals however some children are allowed to work at their family coffee farm at certain times of the year. Many children follow in their parents footsteps and become coffee growers. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"The community is just so involved in the schooling for the children, brand new housing and every aspect of surviving," said McCarthy.
Basic principals of Fair Trade coffee include a guaranteed minimum price for farmers, some profits used help all residents and their children, beans must be purchased from a democratically-run cooperative of small farmers, farmers receive credit up front because "it can be lengthy time" between planting and sale, safe environmental standards are met during the entire process, no child labor and following strict safe environmental standards
Fair Trade is needed to ensure a minimum price paid to the farmers for their beans "no matter what the market price is" because often times the market price of the coffee "will drop below a price where the farmers are making money," said Swanson. A lot of the time "farmers are actually losing money on their crops."
Sarah Swanson picks a coffee bean. The beans are surround by a "cherry." (Nicaragua photos by Lisa McCarthy)
"It's hard for farmers to hold onto their coffee and wait for a better price" because their crops "can go bad," Swanson said. "It's better security for the farmers."
The minimum price includes a premium "that goes into social programming for the farmers and the (coffee) cooperatives," Swanson said.
"The cooperatives disperse the social premium to the community."
"Even people who are part of the community (but) are not part of the cooperative benefit" from the social premium, Swanson said. For example, "They help get kids school supplies."
The coffee beans "must be bought from a democratically-run organization of small farmers," she said.
"Credit is offered to the farmers ahead of time before they actually deliver their coffee because there is a lot of expense that goes into this process," Swanson said. "The farmers won't see their profits for quite a while - until it gets exported and sold. That can be quite a while."
"With Fair Trade the buyers are giving 60 percent of the price of the coffee to the farmers up front to help them with all their costs," Swanson said.
Another Fair Trade principal "is that environmental standards are met in the production of the coffee (during) the whole process," Swanson said. "The 12 most harmful chemicals are banned and not used in the process at all."
"Labor standards are also met for the worker who are involved in the whole process," Swanson said. "Children can work there if they are with their family, as long as it doesn't interfere with their schooling."
"It isn't child labor," Swanson said.
The students saw "whole families" working in coffee farming jobs because "school wasn't in session and they don't start (school) again until February," said McCarthy, adding the two-month main harvesting season ends in the next few weeks.
Some of the Nicaraguan youth "go off to college and different things but the majority of them want to stay and help" their families harvest coffee, Swanson said.
The students said organic coffee farmers have a deep abiding respect for the Earth and the health of humans.
As members of the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team, the students were touched by the story of farmer Martin Vincente Padilla, a father of four who grows organic coffee and avocadoes in Matagalpa.
"Farmers come to him to get training on how to farm organic grain," McCarthy said.
"He said being an organic farmer isn't just something you do, you have to change you ideas and thoughts about farming," McCarthy said. "To be an organic farmer, you can't just go through the process."
"He was just so proud of everything he had and how his family has struggled for their land because there are big huge coffee companies directly next to him - surrounding him and his land."
"He had to fight for seven years in court to keep his land and take back what they had taken from him," McCarthy said. The neighboring farms are not organic "so he put up barriers like rows of coffee to absorb all the chemicals so they don't get to his."
"It was so amazing, he had an area for livestock, an area of growing fruit trees," McCarthy said.
"Everything was self-sustaining on the land, they don't have to go out to get anything, any food, anything, He grows everything there. He makes his own organic fertilizer from the remains of the coffee cherries. It was just amazing to see."
The NMU students "visited 5 farms and the dry mills and the wet mills," McCarthy said.
"They had this basket (pictured above) and put it around their waste with a strap," McCarthy said, while gesturing a circle around her waste. "And they just pick and (the coffee cherries) just fall in."
"They start from the bottom and work up on the coffee plant and move down the row," McCarthy said.
"Some of the plants get really tall and you have to bend them over and pick them (the coffee cherries) off," said McCarthy while using her hands to simulate how the coffee pickers reach for the top of the plant and bend it toward their basket.
"They are pretty tall plants, probably about six to seven feet tall," Swanson said.
Saying "we got to pick the coffee cherries," McCarthy admitted their coffee harvesting abilities were modest at best, adding even the Nicaraguan children were "10 times better" at picking beans.
"At the first (coffee) co-op we went to we picked for an hour and got 30 pounds," McCarthy said. "There were 14 of us and the average coffee picker there can pick 100 pounds in a hour."
The coffee trees "grow seven-feet tall and there are beans all the way up," McCarthy said.
"There are little stems that you are not supposed to pull off the plant because it stunts the next year's growth."
"We were pretty good at that" said Swanson of the stems, causing the audience to laugh because it underlined the extra time it took for the American students to pick the coffee cherries.
"This is up in the mountains and then they carry the one hundred pound bags back down on their shoulders (pictured above) like this all day," McCarthy said.
"Some of the people had horses that they would bring from home and they would rig up little wooden holders on there (for the coffee bean sacks) but most of the people would carry them down right on the back of their neck," Swanson said.
The "wet milling process takes the cherry off of the coffee bean," McCarthy said. "They ferment it for 16 hours in a huge vat and it goes through this whole system where it peals off the cherry part."
Nicaragua Wet Mill photos by Lisa McCarthy
Coffee beans are surrounded by a sweet tasty cherry that the students enjoyed, Swanson said.
The depulping process creates "honey water" that "pollutes things if you let it all go in one spot," Swanson said.
"So they have to spray it or disperse it using buckets so they are not killing all the plant life."
"They kept the remains of the cherries in a big pile and let them ferment," McCarthy said. "Then farmers will use it as fertilizer for coffee plants."
McCarthy said "after the cherries have been removed" the coffee beans "sit out in the sun, depending on how sunny it is, for five to eight hours."
"That's just to get a lot of the wetness off it" because the beans had been in vats of water, McCarthy said. "There could be rotting if there is too much water."
"When they send it to the dry mill they can not have it too wet because in the transferring from their farms to the dry mill - which could take half a day to get there - there could be rotting."
The farmers do "some quality control" before shipping the coffee beans including "they pick out cherry remains that remain on the beans" and "any beans that are effected by bugs and boring insects," McCarthy said.
"Most of the farms had or were getting a wet mill so that more of the processing could be done there. And it would be cheaper to send just to the dry mill - than to a wet mill and then to a dry mill and shipping," McCarthy said. "So they let it sit out in the sun."
"Farmers from all over this area" drop off their beans at the mills, McCarthy said. "They are all small farmers so its not like huge semis full of coffee it just basically the backs of pickup trucks."
"They unload it (coffee beans) and label it in fields" said McCarthy, adding the coffee is taste tested to help farmers grow better coffee in the future.
"They do quality control" and "give feedback later (to farmers) on how their coffee tastes and what they can do to make it better," McCarthy said.
While machines test the loads of dried coffee into a warehouse, some of the beans are examined by field supervisors who "take the parchment layer of the coffee bean off with his hands to test it to see how moist it is under that."
With five women on each side of conveyor belts in warehouses "the coffee beans are sorted by color" and "the bad beans are removed," McCarthy said.
The women must work fast and intensely to keep up with the large flow of beans, McCarthy said.
"In the same warehouse where they were taking the parchment off with machinery, they also have a roasting machine," Swanson said.
The "medium-roasted" ground coffee is tested for aroma at "cupping labs" where the coffee is taste tested.
There are intense competitions to rate "cuppers" because "it's actually a very prestigious position," said McCarthy, adding they met the "second best cupper" in Nicaragua.
Swanson showed the audience an intricate chart that the cuppers use to grade coffee.
"First they grind the coffee beans to test for aroma, and then they add hot water and test for aroma again," McCarthy said. "There is a whole point system for aroma, flavor, body, acidity and then the whole balance."
"They slurp the coffee on a spoon and spit it out," McCarthy said. "For the cupping they always roast it at medium roast" because a darker roast sometimes "covers up the imperfections."
The flavor, quality and differences of coffee such as "shade grown" can be affected by a wide variety of regional soil conditions, water, elevation and even the type of fruit plants it's grown next to like banana trees, McCarthy said.
To ensure the coffee beans "are evenly dried" Nicaraguan "women rake the fields all day in the hot sun" at drying mills," McCarthy said.
"The women wear bandanas and hats because it is so incredibly warm."
During the Fair Trade talk in Marquette, the audience laughed when both students admitted they are not regular coffee drinkers - to say the least.
But when in Denmark or in this case Nicaragua.:
"We tried it," Swanson said.
McCarthy said "I don't drink caffeine (but) I drank coffee all week."
She explained that in a cupping room there were different qualities of coffee to sample with a rating of "zero to 100 - and anything above a 90 (rating) is rare to find."
"We cupped stuff between 80 and 86, so they did not give us any 40s just to throw us off," said McCarthy, laughing with the audience.
The Nicaraguan trip and its lessons had a bigger impact on the students than they could ever get reading books or attending class.
The experience has turned both into eloquent spokespersons for the Fair Trade movement.
To that end, the pair will be giving presentations to groups across northern Michigan in upcoming months to explain the hardships endured by Nicaraguan farmers thus convincing Americans to buy Fair Trade coffee even if it costs a few pennies more than a bargain brand grown by farmers who don't enjoy labor, economic and environmental protections.
A Lutheran pastor, Magnuson said most Upper Peninsula churches "are pretty good with an outreach of compassion - but weak at works of justice - we've got a ways to go."
"There's a wonderful Jewish saying that the universe is held up - that God holds up the universe with two pillars - one is compassion , we all know that, but the other one is justice.
Just about everywhere the group traveled, they saw tributes to Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino. (Photos by Lisa McCarthy)
In recent years over 150 U.P. churches and temples have been active in environmental justice through the Earth Keeper Initiative, and Fair Trade efforts by are among the latest efforts by their congregations to promote human rights in foreign countries.
Background on Lutheran World Relief:
Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves.
LWR's work in Nicaragua focuses on those in the rural areas of Matagalpa and Jinotega, both coffee producing regions.
With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies.
LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
To learn more about LWR Study Tours, please visit:
http://www.lwr.org/study
Related links & Info:
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at Northern Michigan University (NMU)
LCM at NMU Newsletter
Lake Superior Interfaith Communications website
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS)
NGLS Background
Lutheran World Relief Study Tour entitled NICARAGUA: Pour Justice to the Brim on January 5-12, 2009
Fair Trade:
Wikipedia on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on Fair Trade Certification Mark
Global Exchange website on Fair Trade
Catholic Relief Services on Fair Trade
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
Transfair USA/Fair Trade
The United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives on Fair Trade
Wikipedia on World Fair Trade Organization
Coal Train Coffee House on Fair Trade
Equal Exchange and Center for Global Education:
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange Fair Trade page
Wikipedia on Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange on the History of Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange story on Procuring Coffee in Nicaragua
Equal Exchange on Fair Trade Coffee with conscience
Equal Exchange Video #1
Equal Exchange Video #2
SolCaf:
SolCaf processing plant
CECOCAFEN in Nicaragua joins together 1,900 coffee farmers and exports more than 4 million pounds per year of its members' coffee
English:
The Organization of Northern Coffee Cooperatives
Spanish:
“Central de Cooperativas Cafetaleras del Norte”
Equal Exchange on CECOCAFEN
Transfair USA on CECOCAFEN
Alternativa 3 website on CECOCAFEN
Global Exchange of CECOCAFEN
Information about Nicaragua coffee cooperatives:
Fair Trade.org on coffee coops
Catholic Relief Services on coffee coops
Equal Exchange on coffee coops
U.S. Aid on coffee coops
Just Coffee on coffee coops
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign on coffee coops
Center for Global Education
Center for Global Education universities
Center for Global Education universities in Michigan & NMU
Fair Trade Principals
Fair Trade principles include:
Fair prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Direct trade: Importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to strengthen their organizations and become competitive players in the global economy.
Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to use their Fair Trade revenues.
Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
Environmental sustainability: The Fair Trade certification system strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), promotes integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility, and limits the use of harmful agrochemicals in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
Click here to be updated Fair Trade projects or participate in Lutheran World Relief Action Center
Lutheran World Relief
Wikipedia on Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief stories on Fair Trade & coffee:
Back to Fair Trade
LWR on coffee justice
A Hill of Beans
Thanks to God and Fair Trade we're not starving
Lutherans Pursue Good Coffee, Fairly
Brewing Faith and Coffee
Coffee: A Bitter Cup?
Fair Trade: A Taste of Justice
Tanzanian Jubilee Coffee
LWR Handcraft Project
LWR Chocolate Project
Fair Trade vs. Free Trade:
Global Policy.org on Free Trade
Milwaukee Journal article Dec. 2002 on Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Csar Sandino:
Managua monument to Sardino
Wikipedia on Sardino
Wikipedia on Managua, Nicaragua
Nicaragua Organic Farmer Martin Vincente Padilla:
LWR Blog article on Padilla
War in El Salvador and Churches including Lutheran World Relief and others:
LWR on War in El Salvador
El Salvador Solidarity
Lutheran churches and El Salvador
Lutheran Zephyr story on War in El Salvador
Civil War Underground Railroad and Churches:
Living the Underground Railroad
Plymouth Church
Living Library
Living Library #2
Passage to Freedom
Jewish belief in compassion and justice:
Mercy, Loving, kindness, and Peace: A Jewish Affirmation of Respect for Life by Janet Podell
Jewish Journal on Justice & Mercy
Tiscapa Lagoon:
Wikipedia on Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve in Managua, Nicaragua
NMU LCM related websites and other events/projects:
Lake Superior Interfaith story on the Lothlorian Blessing of the Garden Ceremony
ELCA website on NMU LCM
Current TV on 2008 visit by Imam to NMU LCM
Gather article on Garden Blessing for native plants at NMU LCM
BlipTV Video of Lutheran youth raising money through environment projects for NMU LCM
Current TV page for all NMU video & print stories
NMU LCM
Lothlrien House
701 W.College Ave.
Marquette, Michigan
49866
Northern Michigan University (NMU) - Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) - of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
"We are a spiritual community bound together by a cross and an empty tomb, gentle and respectful of individual freedom and dignity. A creative, thinking, and prophetic community called to lives of celebration, compassion and justice. Quiet servants, opening doors, making connections, supporting one another."
Fair Trade: ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS) and NMU Lutheran Campus Ministry
Pastor Tim Bernard has been on the forefront of the Fair Trade effort in the Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS).
Increasing numbers of Lutheran parishes across North America are building networks and connections with small farming villages in Central America, establishing distribution of coffee that honors better working conditions and higher wages for the poor in developing countries.
Staff
Carolyn Jean, Ministry Associate
Jon Magnuson, Campus Pastor
Student Leaders
Jenna Geueke (jgeueke at nmu.edu)
Andrew Foster
Sarah Swanson
Earthkeepers
Kira Fillmore
Sarah Swanson
Board of Directors
Rev. Tim Bernard
Michael Broadway
Peter Claybaker, Treasurer
Rev. Virginia Eggert
Rev. Warren Geier, Chair
Jackie Greising, Secretary
Helen Koski
Leslie Putman
Jill Krah, Financial Secretary
Jenna Geueke, Vice Chair
Worship: Wed. 9:00 pm
Sunday Student Suppers:
6 p.m. St. Mark's Lutheran Church
E-mail NMU LCM
email Sarah Swanson
email Lisa McCarthy
48 Views
15:21:32 11/24/08
Earth Keepers reveal 2009 projects; MI Sierra Club honors group with White Pine Award
[LESS INFO] 48 VIEWS | ADDED 20:21:32 11/24/08
Upper Peninsula Earth Keeper Team announced plans for 2009 while accepting the prestigious White Pine Award from the Michigan Sierra Club
The Michigan Sierra Club presented its "White Pine Award" to the Upper Peninsula Earth Keepers on Thursday, Nov. 13 at a ceremony in Marquette.
Pictured in the rear, left to right, are David McCowen of Lake Superior Friends (Quakers); Rev. Jon Magnuson, Earth Keeper Initiative co-founder and executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute; Dr. Jon Rebers, chair of the Sierra Club Central U.P. Group; Dr. Rodney Clarken, leader of the Marquette Baha'i Community and one of the original signers of the Earth Keeper Covenant; Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist temple; Nancy Irish, a representative of the Marquette Unitarian Universalist congregation; Natasha Koss, a representative of the Superior Watershed Partnership; (front) Sarah Swanson, the outgoing Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team project director; and Ben Scheelk, the new NMU EK project coordinator from the Student Leader Fellowship Program.
The Earth Keeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the Cedar Tree Institute, the Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Zen Buddhist.
The U.P. Earth Keepers, involving the congregations of over 150 U.P. churches and temples, held three annual Earth Day collections at dozens of sites across northern Michigan that removed almost 370 tons of household hazardous waste from the environment.
The annual Earth Keeper Clean Sweep collected over one ton of pharmaceuticals and $500,000 in narcotics in 2007; over 320 tons of computers, related equipment and televisions in 2006; and about 45 tons of household hazardous waste like pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and car batteries. Most of the waste turned in by the public at free collections sites was recycled and the rest was properly destroyed following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
(Photo by Greg Peterson, MI news reporter and volunteer media advisor for the Earth Keeper Initiative and the Cedar Tree Institute)
Interfaith Environment Prayer:
God of all Creation, help us see ourselves as one with all Creation - human and non - and particularly with those who live more closely to the land, and are more immediately dependent on it than we are.
Teach us to respect the Creation more than the money we can extract from it. Amen.
Prayer about environment in Nov. 16 edition of EarthWords by Rev. Charlie West, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church on Fair Avenue in Marquette (see more below in related links)
EarthWords is produced by Charlie West Ink
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Earth Keepers reveal 2009 projects; MI Sierra Club honors group with White Pine Award
Upper Peninsula Earth Keepers announce events for 2009 while accepting prestigious White Pine Award from the Michigan Sierra Club
(Marquette, Michigan) - The Upper Peninsula Earth Keepers announced several projects for the next year as they received the Michigan Sierra Club prestigious White Pine Award for past projects that included recycling hundreds of tons of hazardous waste, energy conservation programs and the protection of Lake Superior.
Numerous Earth Keeper Initiative faith leaders, volunteers and student members accepted the award on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 at the Peter White Public Library during a meeting of the Sierra Club Upper Peninsula (U.P.) Group.
"The White Pine Award is intended to recognize a group outside of the Sierra Club which has been doing things to help protect the environment," said Dr. Jon Rebers, chair of the Sierra Club Central U.P. Group.
The U.P. Earth Keepers, involving the congregations of over 150 U.P. churches and temples, held three annual Earth Day collections at dozens of sites across northern Michigan that removed almost 370 tons of household hazardous waste from the environment.
Wide Angle Photo by Dr. Jon Rebers during 2006 2006 electronic waste clean sweep
"Many of you here in town will have heard about the good work the Earth Keepers have been doing - things like an electronic waste collection a couple of years ago, waste pharmaceuticals, and doing things to help encourage people to conserve energy and a whole variety of different (projects) to help improve the environment overall," Rebers said.
The annual Earth Keeper Clean Sweep collected over one ton of pharmaceuticals and $500,000 in narcotics in 2007; over 320 tons of computers, related equipment and televisions in 2006; and about 45 tons of household hazardous waste like pesticides, herbicides, oil-based paint and car batteries.
Most of the waste turned in by the public at free collections sites was recycled and the rest was properly destroyed following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
The Earth Keepers held a 2007 energy summit that helped hundreds of Michigan homes and businesses become energy efficient, and helped organize classical musicians from across the Great Lakes to form the Boreal Chamber Symphony for a Lake Superior Day 2007 concert in Marquette that raised funds to protect the world's largest body of freshwater. All events were free and open to the public.
"We are moving into our fifth year," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, Earth Keeper Initiative co-founder. "We had a transition year last year, so you didn't hear much from us. We were re-organizing."
"Now we are ready to move, you're going to start to hear from us in January and we are going to be mobilizing for our new focus," said Magnuson, executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute.
The Earth Keeper Initiative is co-sponsored by the Cedar Tree Institute, the Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and 10 faith communities: Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Bah', Jewish, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Zen Buddhist.
Interfaith logo by Justice St. Rain (see links below)
Earth Keeper partners include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA Great Lakes National Programs Office in Chicago and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a Wisconsin-based ecumenical not-for-profit that gives grants to all faiths and supports youth.
Several Earth Keeper faith leaders spoke about the connection between the environment and religion.
"Each of our traditions in some ways is trying to honor the creation by preserving it," said Dr. Rodney Clarken, a Bah' and one of the original signers of the Earth Keeper Covenant. "One of the Bah' principles is that each human being is entrusted and is in some way the image of God, just as creation is in some ways the image of god."
"Each of us is to honor and cherish that image," Clarken said. "We can not be pure and holy unless somehow our environment is pure and holy."
"So the extent to which our hearts are clear, we can clear the environment," Clarken said. "To the extent that the environment around us is clear it effects us."
The leader of a Marquette Zen Buddhist temple said "your environment is in trouble right now."
"Zen Buddhists tend to believe in the oneness of all - you are part of your environment - that is absolutely inescapable," said Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo.
"We are pleased to be a member of the Earth Keeper group," said Lehmberg, one of the original signs of the Earth Keeper Covenant. "We thank the Sierra Club for this award."
Member Nancy Irish said her favorite Earth Keeper project is the "Adopt a Watershed" program.
Photos from Marquette UU website show adults and children along the Big Creek adopt-a-watershed project.
"Our congregation adopted the creek that just happens to go through my land and we've had a number of campouts for kids," said Irish, a representative of the Marquette Unitarian Universalist congregation.
"There is nothing more wonderful than facilitating the meeting of the natural world with children because children protect what they love and they love what they know.
"So getting them out there romping in the creek is the great thing that has happened due to this (Earth Keeper) organization," she said.
Natasha Koss speaks as Nanacy Irish listens during the Earth Keeper award ceremony Nov. 13, 2008 in Marquette, MI.
"We operate under seven principles, the seventh principle being respect for the web of all existence of which we are a part," said Irish. "In that spirit we have joined with the other faith communities."
The newest Earth Keeper member said the interfaith effort "fits in well with that basic tie between your theology and you way of living."
Books about nature, environment and Quaker religion are exampes of how the latest faith community to join the Earth Keeper Initiative. See links and credits below.
"One of the Quaker basic testimonies is the simplicity of living and of course this ties well into that (the Earth Keeper Covenant)," said David McCowen of Lake Superior Friends (Quakers).
The Superior Watershed Partnership and the Cedar Tree Institute are both Marquette "non-profit organizations that help to facilitate what happens with the Earth Keepers," said watershed partnership representative Natasha Koss. "A lot of work goes into the things that we do - the pollution prevention and the energy conservation - work that we do."
"A lot of that happens in our office with collaboration between all partners," she said.
The group's youth arm, the Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team, has several projects planned in the next few months.
"A few of our goals that we have set are an Eco-Christmas Initiative," said Sarah Swanson, the outgoing NMU EK project director who is leaving to work in Nicaragua. "We are going to encourage people to be more eco-conscious when they are purchasing gifts for family and friends over the holidays."
"We also plan to recycle some televisions in February, now that they are switching to the different form of (high definition) television," she said. "We will be planting a bunch of trees on Earth Day."
The NMU EK will "organize some community gardens which will be planted on church properties and any of the faith community properties - that's our goal," Swanson said.
People have "an inescapable relationship with their environment" and that is connected to other social issues, said Ben Scheelk, the new NMU EK student team project coordinator from the Student Leader Fellowship Program.
Ben Scheelk (second from right) explains goals for this year's Earth Keeper student arm. Scheelk is the new Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team project coordinator from the Student Leader Fellowship Program. Listening are David McCowen (left) of Lake Superior Friends (Quakers); Rev. Jon Magnuson, Earth Keeper Initiative co-founder and executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute; and Sarah Swanson, the outgoing NMU EK project director.
"Issues like hunger and poverty - those are just as much an effect on the environment as anything else because these people are then forced to use the wood around them to burn and cook food," he said. "So it's like these things are always interrelated."
During the Nov. 13, 2008 ceremony, Scheelk invited the public to "a humble meal" to "tackle these issues" that was held on Nov. 24 at Grace United Methodist Church in Marquette.
After the humble meal, those attending watched a video by Oxfam International that dealt with "issues of poverty and hunger across the world," he said.
Magnuson said there is a "connection between the environment and (social) justice and sustainability."
"Sarah is going into Nicaragua in January with another NMU student to live and work among the fair trade coffee villages in Nicaragua and that's also part of the Earth Keeper connection - this is a global issue," Magnuson said. "Issues of (social) justice are deeply embedded in the environmental challenge."
Clarken said that Magnuson "has been the soul and spirit behind this movement."
"It began as an Earth Keeper Covenant (in 2004) for all the faith groups that were represented in this region," Clarken said. "At that time we had nine faith groups represented, we've recently added a tenth" the Quakers.
Paraphrasing an old saying that "the English have gunpowder and no dreams, the Irish have dreams and no gunpowder," Magnuson said, "what you see here is dreams and gunpowder."
The Superior Watershed Partnership "brought us the gunpowder, the faith community brought us the dreams," Magnuson said. "It was a marriage that made this happen."
The White Pine Award was given to the Earth Keepers "for extraordinary dedication to the protection of Michigan's environment including an information campaign for the congregations in their coalition to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions contributing to global warming," according to the plaque.
Meeting of the Sierra Club Central Upper Peninsula Group on Nov. 13, 2008 at the Peter White Library in Marquette, MI
The White Pine Award is presented annually by the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club to a non-member organization or group which has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment. Past recipients include the huge but eco-friendly Crystal Mountain resort in Thompsonville, MI.
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2007 Upper Peninsula Earth Keeper Team
2006 Upper Peninsula Earth Keeper Team
Photo by Kyra Fillmore
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The Earth Keeper student arm has been very active since its creation in April 2006. The Earth Keeper Initiative and its members are proud of the work and enthusiasm.
Mining Journal Photo
In April 2006, The Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper Student Team was announced at a press conference on campus that included the three bishops and other leaders of nine northern Michigan faith communities and the CEO/President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Susan LaFernier.
It was the first time these bishops and other faith leaders had been in the same room and many met for the first time. The press conference was widely covered by the news media.
The students participated in the clean sweeps and used their energy to start new projects including spreading the “Earth Keeping” message to younger students. Among the student goals is creating teams at three other U.P. universities.
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Theologian Dr. Walter Brueggemann holds and Earth Keeper shirt and shares a laugh with Dr. Rodney Clarken, the head of the Marquette Bah' Community on Oct. 8, 2007 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlrien House in Marquette, Michigan. Photo by Greg Peterson
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Earth Keeper & Sierra Club Contact info:
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Rev. Jon Magnuson
906-228-5494 (hm)
906-360-5072 (cell)
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Dr. John Rebers, chair of the Sierra Club Central U.P. Group
906-228-3617
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email: Greg
906-401-0109
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Related Links:
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Non-profit Cedar Tree Institute
Superior Watershed Partnership
Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Great Lakes National Programs Office (GLNPO)
EPA Earth Keepers in 2007 Significant Activities Report
EPA Earth Keepers in 2006 Significant Activities Report
EPA Earth Keepers in 2005 Significant Activities Report
EPA Earth Keepers Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Report (A Community, Tribal and Faith-based Approach to Pollution Prevention in the Great Lakes Basin)
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Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
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Thrivent Financial
Thrivent Magazine story Fall 2007
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod (NGLS)
The Rev. Thomas Skrenes, Bishop
Northern Great Lakes Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
1029 North 3rd Street
Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: 906-228-2300
email Synod
email Bishop Skrenes
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, Michigan
117 W. Washington Street
Suite 3A
PO Box 1000
Marquette, MI
49855
Phone: 906-225-1141
Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of Marquette
email Bishop Sample
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Bah' Faith national website
Marquette Bah' Community
Information about Dr. Rodney Clarken , Marquette Bah' Community leader and one of the original signers of the Earth Keeper Covenant
National news story by Bah' World News Service about Earth Keepers
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Unitarian Universalist national website:
Marquette UU Congregation
1510 M-28 East
Marquette, MI
49855
906-235-8554
E-mail Marquette UU Congregation
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United Methodist Church Marquette District Office
111 E. Ridge St.
Marquette, MI
49855
906-228-4644
E-mail: The Reverend Grant R. Lobb, District Superintendent
Supt. Lobb is shown accepting the "2007 Lake Superior Magazine Achievement Award" from Editor Konnie LeMay on behalf of the Earth Keepers.
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Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan
Diocesan Office
131 East Ridge Street
Marquette, Michigan
49855
906-228-7160
800-236-0087
email EDNM Diocesan Office
Email Jane Cisluycis , Diocesan Operations Coordinator
In memory of EDNM Bishop Jim Kelsey (1952-2007) - an Earth Keeper Covenant original signer - and the beautiful Page Center that he loved dearly.
Bishop Kelsey is shown on Sept. 8, 2006 accepting the Lake Superior Bi-National Forum "Environmental Stewardship" award on behalf of the Earth Keepers.
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Temple Beth Sholom (Jewish) UAHC Reform
P.O. Box 482
Ishpeming, MI
49849
906-485-6191
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Presbyterian Church USA
Presbytery of Mackinac
2206 Mitchell Park
Suite 15
Petoskey, MI
49770
231-347-5556
800-626-6281
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Lake Superior Zendo
Zen Buddhist Temple
Marquette, MI
email Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg
906-227-2009
email Rev. Michael Rotter
231-250-3061
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Religious Society of Friends national website
Info on national Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Lake Superior Friends (The Quakers)
Marquette, MI
One of the Quaker's basic testimonies is: "Simplicity of Living"
Quaker Finder website
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Quaker books about protecting Earth
Earthlight, Spiritual Wisdom For An Ecological Age, Edited by Anthony Manousos & Cindy Spring
Natural Awareness, As A Spiritual Practice, by Bill Cahalan
Healing Ourselves and the Earth, By Elizabeth Watson
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Interfaith graphics by Justice St. Rain (Bah' Community) of Interfaith Resources - Special Ideas website:
Call Justice St. Rain at Interfaith resources
1-800-326-1197
E-mail Justice St. Rain
Interfaith Resources
P.O. Box 9
511 Diamond Rd
Heltonville IN
47436
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"Bah'u'llh, the One who founded the Faithclaims to fulfill the prophecies concerning the Promised One of all religions. His life and teachings are worthy of further study to determine the goodness of His fruit, and the validity of His claim."
Quote from "Finding Common Ground" By Justice St. Rain
(Bloomington, IN: Published by Special Ideas, 1997), p. 11
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Interfaith graphics located with help from Bahai Media and Public Information specialist Ellen Price
wk: 847-733-3559
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Interfaith prayer about environment in Nov. 23 edition of EarthWords by Rev. Charlie West , pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church on Fair Avenue in Marquette
Interfaith Prayer:
Shepherd of Creation, forgive us for trampling your good pasture, for muddying your clear water, for pushing aside those who are smaller, or weaker, or slower (or even stationary!), or just less fortunate than we are.
Let your justice flow into our world that all Creatures great and small, human and non, might find a good life and bring joy to your heart.
Bless the sheep and those who care for them. Amen.
EarthWords is produced by Charlie West Ink
To subscribe email Rev. Charlie West
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Mining Journal Story on Sierra Club Award
The Earth Keeper Initiative thanks all the news media that has done stories on our projects.
The group has been covered in hundreds of stories including magazines, newspapers, radio and TV. The Associated Press wire service ran several national news stories.
National publications doing feature stories included World Magazine, Lake Superior Magazine, Mother Earth News, Environment Magazine, the Lutheran Magazine and several others. The team’s interfaith environment work was also covered by the national religious media from all the faith traditions The team has an extensive internet presence including dozens of videos on youtube, bliptv and other sites.
The Earth Keepers held an energy summit in Marquette in July 2007 and created the Boreal Chamber Symphony involving classical musicians from across the Midwest. Conductor Craig Randal Johnson of Minneapolis debuted the symphony and new works during a 2007 Lake Superior Day concert in Marquette.
The Earth Keepers were honored by the Lake Superior Binational Forum, Lake Superior Magazine and Michigan's governor. Organizers have been contacted from as far away as Texas and Washington State by residents hoping to start similar efforts in their communities.
Links to a few examples of wide-ranging news coverage and videos:
Lake Superior Magazine
National Religion News stories:
Episcopal News Service
Bah'
The Lutheran # 1
The Lutheran #2
Roman Catholic News Service
Presbyterian News Service #1
Presbyterian News Service #2
United Methodist Church (UMC) News Service
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Environment Magazine
Environment News Service
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Interfaith Good News Daily newspaper : Faith-based Lake Superior benefit concert a big hit
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Earth Keeper Energy Summit:
Energy summit story on Cedar Tree Institute website
Earth Times energy summit story
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PR Web: Michigan Earth Day 2007 Project Nets Over Ton of Pharmaceuticals (has lots of photos on right side of page)
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Earth Keeper Clean Sweeps (2005-2007) photos from Iron Mountain, Houghton, Trout Creek, Marquette and Ishpeming.
Photographers include Will Shampo, Don Watson, Donald Lenef and Greg Peterson.
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Last but not least - how it all began.
The original 2004 Earth Keeper Covenant that was signed by the leaders of nine faith communities pledging to actively protect the environment and reach out to American Indian Tribes.
17 Views
02:33:22 10/24/08
U.S. Muslim Leader Imam Hassan Qazwini: Major world religions, people have few differences
[LESS INFO] 17 VIEWS | ADDED 06:33:22 10/24/08
Important Message from the Leader of Largest Mosque in North America - Imam Hassan Qazwini: Major world religions and people have more in common than differences
Imam Hassan Qazwini, leader of the Islamic Center of America
(Photo by Greg Peterson)
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The interfaith Earth Keeper Initiative in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has always promoted interfaith connections - and America's top Muslim Imam brought just that message to Marquette, MI.
Thies video is the first of several with excerpts from a heart-felt and candid conversaion between northern Michigan residents (most Christians) and U.S. Muslim leader Imam Hassan Qazwini , head of the Islamic Center of America on Oct. 22, 2008 at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) Lothlrien House in Marquette, Michigan.
Northern Michigan University (NMU) Health " Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy (above left) of Marquette introduced Imam Hassan Qazwini to an eager audience of mostly Christians for a living room chat.
Imam Qazwini answered a wide range of questions including the murder of many of his family members in Iraq, the War in Iraq, hunting, interfaith environment projects and common perceptions and misconceptions between religions. (Photo by Greg Peterson)
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Imam Hassan Qazwini:
"I was born in Iraq (1964) in a city called Karbala. It's a holy city in Iraq. After that I went to Kuwait and then to Iran. (studied in Iran). In 1992 I came to the United States."
"Up until I came to the United States in 1992, I knew there were Christians in Iraq but I never had any interaction with Christians. I never had any interaction with Jews in Iraq. I lived my own inner world. In Karbala, everybody is Muslim."
"There were Christians, there were Jews and obviously other denominations in Iraq, but I lived my own inner world. In Karbala, everybody is Muslim, so I really did not have any interaction beyond my little world."
"It was in the United States when I have my first encounter with non-Muslims."
Iman Hassan Qazwini spoke candidaly to about 25 people at the Lutheran Campus Ministry home in Marquette. In one of several lighter moments, Imam Qazwini urged everyone to see the new Oliver Stone movie "W" about President George W. Bush. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
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Imam Hassan Qazwini told a story about riding in a car with his brother in California and stopping into a busy Christian church - and discovering that all religions believe the concept of love:
He said to Muslims - Jesus is as respected and revered as Mohammad.
Imam Hassan Qazwini said all religions and peoples basically "hold the same values - the same beliefs. "
"We passed by a church in a city called West Covina. So I see a church, it was Sunday, it was a church and the parking lot was full. Probably there was over 300 to 400 cars. So I asked my brother ‘What was going on here?' He said the pastor is giving a sermon."
"I said ‘Can we go?' He says ‘What?' I said ‘Can we go in?' He said ‘you want to go in, really?' I said ‘Yes really.' He says - he wanted to say, he didn't say - out of respect - he wanted to say: ‘Are you out of your mind?' But he didn't say that." (Laughter from audience)
"He said ‘Are you sure you really want to go inside the church?'
I said ‘Yes.' He said "What do you do?' I said ‘Come on, I'm not going to covert to Christianity. What's going on here?" (laughter) I said ‘I have a chance to see what does the pastor have to say when he speaks to this congregation.'
"I know what I tell my, what I say to my congregation What I preach to my congregation. I want to see what he says. So we went in and it was a beautiful church and the pastor was speaking. There was at least 400 to 500 people listening."
"And I listened but at that time my English was not that good. My brother was occasionally translating."
"But, all I heard him talking about was love. Jesus loving you. You love Jesus. And about the concept of love. So as he's talking I am listening."
"I said to myself ‘Look, in our religion we also talk about love."
"Muslims believe that God has 99 names. And one of his names is Al-Wadud. And Al-Wadud is "The Loving One."
"I said to myself ‘Look almost everything he is talking about is there in my religion.' And how similar we look. And for every word he says quoting Jesus. I have a word to quote from Mohammad. As Muslims, Jesus to us - he is a prophet as well."
"He (Jesus Christ) is as respected as Mohammad and as revered as Mohammad because we Muslims believe there are five superior messengers - Mohammad, Jesus, Moses, Noah and Abraham."
"So we place Jesus almost in the same place - or status - as we place Mohammad."
"In my mind as I am listening (to the Christian pastor) These words he was uttering are resonating in my mind. And reflecting my own faith system."
An Iman of Many Gestures: However the biggest gesture from Imam Hassan Qazwini was a message of love, peace, respect and common ground to all the World's major religions. (Photos by Greg Peterson)
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"When we do not see each other, when we do not interact with each other. We think of each other - that we are weird. I think you are weird. You may think that I am weird."
"You may thing that I harbor some very weird thoughts. I could be a very weird person. I could be someone who does not think like you think. And probably I would have the same thought about you."
"But when we meet, and we mingle, and we exchange thoughts, we find how striking our similarities are."
"Be Muslims, Christians, Jews or what else - non-denominational - basically we hold the same values - the same beliefs. And we worship God with different tongues and different languages and different styles - but the direction is the same."
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Related Links:
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Mosque photo courtesy the Islamic Center of America website
Imam Hassan Qazwini , head of the Islamic Center of America
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Critic of Imam Hassan Qazwini:
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Wikipedia article on Karbala, Iraq:
Wikipedia article on "People from Karbala" (Iraq):
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Muslim 99 names for God: Al-Wadud is"The Loving One" :
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Articles about Muslims " Quran : Muslims believe there are five superior messengers - Mohammad, Jesus, Moses, Noah and Abraham:
http://www.shiatv.net/search_result.php?search_id=Blessing
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Imam Hassan Qazwini NPR interview May 12, 2005 on opening of new Islamic Center of America Mosque in Dearborn - the largest in the U.S. ( Recording of NPR interview )
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Photo courtesy NMU website
Mohey Mowafy
NMU Health " Nutrition Professor
906-249-9133 (hm)
906-227-2366 (wk)
Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
201C Physical Education Instructional Facility
Began teaching at NMU in 1976
mmowafy@nmu.edu
NMU Health " Nutrition Professor Mohey Mowafy is member of speakers bureau with talks on biodiversity:
Mohey Mowafy, a 63-year-old Northern Michigan University professor, brought 32 students to the Democratic Party rally with former Pres. Bill Clinton " an effort to recruit Rudy Giuliani into presidential bid:
Meet NMU Professors:
NMU President's Council " Prof. Mohey Mowafy:
Northern Michigan University Professor Mohey Mowafy on health and nutrion:
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Lutheran Campus Ministry - Marquette, MI
http://www.nmulutherans.org
Rev. Jon Magnuson, founder " executive director of the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute , welcomes Imam Hassan Qazwini to the Lutheran Campus Ministry house in Marquette, MI.
8 Views
20:16:20 07/24/08
Kayaking around Lake Superior: Young Wisconsin couple in midst of 2008 adventure
[LESS INFO] 8 VIEWS | ADDED 00:16:20 07/25/08
(Marquette, Michigan) - It’s a 1,300 mile - two month - odyssey - kayaking around the always beautiful and sometimes treacherous Lake Superior
Ashland, Wisconsin residents Alissa Weitz and Brian Castillo are promoting the protection of Lake Superior - the world’s largest freshwater lake.
The twenty somethings departed Bayfield, Wisconsin on July1 and hope to complete their journey by September.
The kayaking duo left Marquette, Michigan on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, 2008 to continue their journey.
They arrived in Marquette for Lake Superior Day 2008 - this year that was July 20 2008.
Lake Superior Day is sponsored by the Lake Superior Bi-national Forum and is held annually on the third Sunday of July.
Alissa and Brian spent Lake Superior Day hiking with friends and swimming including jumping off the tall cliffs at the city's "black rocks."
It's a real Marquette thing to do.
A big part of their quest is educating the public about protecting Lake Superior and why the largest of the Great Lakes is so important.
The trek takes them through the Canada and the United States including Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Averaging 25 miles a day - with their longest day was about 40 miles.
They encountered water temperatures as low as 38 degrees, fog outside of Marquette, rough waves outside of Houghton, Michigan that prevent them from rounding the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula - and instead cut through the Keweenaw Waterway.
Thanks to Down Wind Sports in Marquette, Brian picked up a new kayak because of problems with the one used during the first part of their trek. Sea Kayak Specialists of Marquette gave the couple tools and a place to work on their equipment.
Weitz is a native of Dubuque, Iowa and Castillo is a native of Madison, Wisconsin.
Alissa is 26 years old and Brian is 23 years old.
Graduates of the Northland College outdoor education program in Ashland, Wisconsin, the couple were competitors working for different kayak guiding companies when they met two years ago and fell in love.
The Kayaker's (Alissa Weitz, Brian Castillo) "Session on Superior" blog about trip around the lake:
http://www.sessiononsuperior.blogspot.com
Please check out their blog and our other videos about Brian and Alissa.
This video was made in cooperation with the Cedar Tree Institute, the Earth Keeper Initiative, the Earth Healing Initiative and the Turtle Island Project – all northern Michigan-based non-profits seeking to protect Lake Superior.
And special thanks to the Lake Superior Binational Forum for helping make this video possible.
Greg Peterson for Earth Keeper, Earth Healing and Turtle Island TV
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Related Links:
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News coverage of Alissa, Brian:
Marquette:
http://www.miningjournal.net
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/513083.html
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Ashland paper:
Marquette Photo:
http://www.ashlandwi.com/articles/2008/07/24/news/doc4888981f7b087681234763.txt
Story prior to trip:
http://www.ashlandwi.com/articles/2008/07/02/news/doc486b8dfe3df63322933742.txt
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Madison, WI:
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WX Channnel:
http://uservideo.weather.com:80/item/GY56YQ4K0TH0B3CS
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Lake Superior Binational Forum
Lissa Radke, LSFB US Coordinator
715-682-1489
http://www.superiorforum.info
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Northland College in Ashland, WI:
http://www.northland.edu/Northland
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“Flying a kite” along Lake Superior
http://www.superiorforum.info/uploads/Kite_Poster.pdf
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Down Wind Sports:
http://www.downwindsports.com/index.html
http://www.downwindsports.com/about.html
http://www.downwindsports.com/paddling.html
Owners: Bill Thompson, Todd King, Jeff Stasser and Arni Ronis
Marquette: 906-226-7112
514 N. Third Street
Marquette, MI
49855
Houghton: 906-482-2500
308 Shelden Ave.
Houghton, MI
49931
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Sea Kayak Specialists:
http://www.seakayakspecialists.com
http://www.seakayakspecialists.com/html/about_sks.html
http://www.seakayakspecialists.com/html/contact_us.html
Sea Kayak Specialists
PO Box 94
Marquette, MI
49855
Sam Crowley
Nancy Uschold
906-250-4238
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Other links related to trip:
http://caskaorg.typepad.com/caska/2008/07/superior-sessio.html
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UM Sea Grant
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu
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EcoSuperior Enviro:
http://www.ecosuperior.com
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Environment Canada:
http://www.ec.gc.ca
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This video made in cooperation with:
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Turtle Island Project official website:
http://www.turtleislandproject.org
Earth Healing Initiative official website:
http://www.EarthHealingInitiative.org
Cedar Tree Institute: (Michigan Earth Keepers, Manoomin Project and the 2008 Zaagkii Wings & Seeds project)
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
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Earth Keeper TV
http://www.youtube.com/yoopernewsman
Turtle Island TV (youtube)
http://www.youtube.com/MunisingWhiteHorse
Earth Healing TV
http://www.youtube.com/user/EarthHealingTV
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6 Views
13:16:55 02/14/08
Interfaith Blessing of the Garden: Native plants are new lawn in 21st Century
[LESS INFO] 6 VIEWS | ADDED 18:16:55 02/14/08
During 2008 a solar fountain will flow - and wild flowers will bloom - in a native plants garden that has replaced the lawn at the Lutheran Campus Ministry “Lothlorien” house for students at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
An interfaith “Blessing of the Garden” ceremony was held in late 2007 that included chanting, incense and other religious traditions from several faith communities.
A member of the Earth Keeper Student Team managed the project that received a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Earth Keeper Initiative volunteer media advisor Greg Peterson has the story.
Time: 9:59
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Sue Rabitaille
Marquette County Conservation District
Native Plants Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
The producers thank Lutheran Campus Ministry student leader Sarah Swanson, NMU sophomore from Rapid River, MI for her videography and photography talents that helped make this video possible
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Central Upper Peninsula Chapter, awarded a $1600 grant to native plants project.
Students convert Lutheran Campus Ministry lawn into eco-friendly Native Plants Garden; Rainstorm ends for Blessing of the Garden ceremony
(Marquette, Michigan) - A "Blessing of the Garden" ceremony was held in October 2007 at Lothlorien - the Northern Michigan University Lutheran Campus Ministry house near Lake Superior.
Performing the ceremony was Rev. Jon Magnuson, director of Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, MI; and Rev. Tesshin Paul Lehmberg, head priest of Lake Superior Zendo, a Marquette Zen Buddhist temple.
The Lothlorien lawn has been turned into a native plants garden that includes rocks from three of the Great lakes and a solar fountain.
A heavy rain poured the entire day almost causing the ceremony to be moved inside, but the sun came out for 20 minutes and the rain resumed just as the blessing and a tour were completed.
The LCM house name, Lothlorien, comes from Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The garden includes numerous different plants from Michigan and others from the Boreal border regions of the northern United States including Black Eye Susan and aster, dogbane, bluestem, and Sensitive fern.
Prayers, incense, bells, and chants were part of the ceremony that included a tour of the garden by NMU Student Michael Joko Rotter, who is a member of Lake Superior Zendo.
"Lothlorien is a magical kingdom part of what Tolkien called Middle-earth - where time passes differently," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, a Lutheran pastor, who founded the NMU EarthKeeper Student Team. Many of the campus ministry students belong to the interfaith NMU EK Student Team.
"One of the first images of the Old Testament around the beauty of God's creation is a garden," Rev. Magnuson said.
"Our natural native plants landscaping - our Lothlorien garden - is a sign of a new way of living with the world," Magnuson said. "It honors the indigenous and native plants of our region."
The garden and the name of the LCM house reflect the way the students feel about nature.
"Lothlorien came into being first as a song," Rev. Magnuson said. "The garden will need little - if no artificial watering - no fertilizers and will be a haven for birds and other small creatures."
"There is going to be a solar fountain - the fountain represents the water of Lake Superior and the waters of our baptism," Magnuson said.
The Central Upper Peninsula Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans donated $1,600 to the LCM native plants project in Marquette because “it’s breaking new ground” and involved dedicated university students.
“Students are involved - and we like to support things that young people are going to be enthusiastically involved in like this native plants garden,” said Judy Quirk, president of the Thrivent central U.P. chapter.
Turning the LCM lawn into an eco-friendly garden “was a project worth doing, they had the students to do it and there was the enthusiasm,” said Quirk, adding the chapter awards about $52,000 in grants each year “usually to fundraisers for someone with a catastrophic illness” and other efforts like the Greater Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis Club wheelchair ramps project.
Quirk said the native plants garden “is a unique project - we had never done anything like this” and said the chapter recently grant the “food pantry and meals program” at Victory Lutheran Church, which is the U.P. feeding site for Lutheran World Relief, located on the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force base.
A fountain in the garden is going to be converted to solar power in the spring of 2008 and the sun will charge a battery allowing the water to flow in cloudy weather.
"In the back of the house there are rocks from the Lake Superior watershed," Rev. Magnuson said. "The pebbles represent the different worlds of the individuals who make up the region - and the people in the Great Lakes basin," Magnuson said.
Rotter, who manages the garden, said the students hope neighbors will enjoy the beauty of the native plants and use it as an example for their lawns.
"We hope this will allow people to learn about the amazing diversity of out native plant communities and inspire people to learn the benefits that native plants have, such as requiring a third less water, and no pesticides or fertilizers," said Rotter, a Zen Buddhist member of the NMU EK Student Team.
"The Zen garden represents our interconnected lives in nature,: Rotter said. "The stones from each of the great lake watersheds represent the flow of water, the substance that gives us life, and shows us how all of us are ‘downstream' and depend on our connection to the earth for life."
Rotter said the "garden represents the hope of the future."
"It's a powerful symbol of the future of people living in the environment," Rotter said. "Hopefully as the garden grows the area near the house will help us return to our original nature and realize the dynamics of nature and the role we play."
"Native plants are important parts of the ecosystem but because we have introduced new horticulture and many different types of plants, and sprayed our lawns with chemicals and destroyed areas with lawn mowers - we have lost our sense of being part of nature," Rotter explained.
The October 5, 2007 blessing happened a couple hours after Rotter received the bad news about the nearby five-acre Native Plants Project that he manages on campus with other students.
NMU planners are proposing that the four-year-old Outdoor Classroom and Native Plants Research Area be uprooted to build dorms, however the university president says final decisions have not been made.
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related links:
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The Cedar Tree Institute:
http://www.cedartreeinstitute.org
The Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network:
http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:
http://www.thrivent.com/
Michigan Chapters:
https://service.thrivent.com/apps/FraternalOnline/public/RegionalFinancialOffice?action=GetChapters%RegionalFinancialOfficeId=283
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The Central Upper Peninsula Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:
http://www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo_ProcServ/dbpage=page%gid=00018000001064232660724081%newsletter_id=20071078409678118401111555%mode=display%expanded=1
http://www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo_ProcServ/dbpage=page%mode=display%gid=00018000001064232660724081
Judith Ann Quirk, president
Marquette, MI 49855-3335
906-228-6729
juqu@charter.net
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Victory Lutheran Church at K.I. Sawyer:
Victory Lutheran Church
315 Explorer
K.I. Sawyer, Michigan
Church: 906-346-7405
Pastor: 906-346-3407
Cell: 906-360-6623
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Lutheran World Relief:
http://www.lwr.org/
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Greater Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis Club wheelchair ramps project:
http://www.kdfonline.org/kdf-board.htm
http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/humanservices/COA%20Manual/community_organizations.pdf
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Michigan Kiwanis Club:
www.michigankiwanis.org
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Find a Kiwanis club:
http://www.kiwanis.org/FindaClub/tabid/84/Default.aspx/
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7 Views
08:55:17 12/23/07
Native American Medicine Wheel: Manoomin Project elder explains directions, colors
[LESS INFO] 7 VIEWS | ADDED 13:55:17 12/23/07
#2 Native Indian Ojibwa Storyteller explains Medicine Wheel - colors, directions, meanings
Ojibwa Medicine Wheel:
The Manoomin Project is about much more than restoring wild rice to northern Michigan.
The project teaches at-risk youth about Native American heritage, culture and social issues.
During 2007, American Indian elder Glen Bressette told the youth the meaning behind the Medicine Wheel and the four sacred colors and directions.
A well-known Ojibwa public speaker, Bressette told the teens in Marquette that he gets questions from Michigan students that are inquisitive and honest - while other questions are blatantly stereotypical like: Do Indians still live in Tee-Pees?
An elder with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Bressette explained the difference between cultural beliefs and stereotypes.
Time: 6:37
The Manoomin Project was founded by the Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI with help from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and other tribes.
Volunteer American Indian guides have taken over 100 at-risk teens to plant more than one ton of wild rice during the the past four summers (2004-2007) at seven secret and remote sites across the central Upper Peninsula.
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Here are explanations from the internet on the different - though similar - definitions of the Medicine Wheel in Native American culture:
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The Medicine Wheel is representative of American Indian Spirituality.
The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the individual journey we each must take to find our own path.
Within the Medicine Wheel are The Four Cardinal Directions and the Four Sacred Colors.
The Circle represents the Circle of Life and the Center of the Circle, the Eternal Fire.
The Eagle, flying toward the East, is a symbol of strength, endurance and vision.
East signifies the renewal of life and the rebirth of Cherokee unity.
East is Red: success; triumph
North is Blue: defeat; trouble
West is Black: death
South is White: peace; happiness
There are three additional sacred directions:
Up Above is Yellow
Down Below is Brown
Here in the Center is Green
Winter: go-la
The color for North is Blue which represents sadness, defeat.
It is a season of survival and waiting.
The Cherokee word for North means "cold" u-yv-tlv.
Spring: gi-la-go-ge
The color for East is Red which represents victory, power.
Spring is the re-awakening after a long sleep,
victory over winter; the power of new life.
The Cherokee word for East is ka-lv-gv
Summer: go-ga
The color for South is White for peace, happiness & serenity.
Summer is a time of plenty.
The Cherokee word for South means "warm" u-ga-no-wa.
Autumn: u-la-go-hv-s-di
The color for West is Black which represents death.
Autumn is the final harvest; the end of Life's Cycle.
The Cherokee word for West is wu-de-li-gv.
RED was symbolic of success. It was the color of the war club used to strike an enemy in battle as well as the other club used by the warrior to shield himself.
Red beads were used to conjure the red spirit to insure long life, recovery from sickness, success in love and ball play or any other undertaking where the benefit of the magic spell was wrought.
BLACK was always typical of death. The soul of the enemy was continually beaten about by black war clubs and enveloped in a black fog. In conjuring to destroy an enemy, the priest used black beads and invoked the black spirits-which always lived in the West,-bidding them to tear out the man's soul and carry it to the West, and put it into the black coffin deep in the black mud, with a black serpent coiled above it.
The blue spirits lived in the North:
BLUE symbolized failure, disappointment, or unsatisfied desire. To say "they shall never become blue" expressed the belief that they would never fail in anything they undertook.
In love charms, the lover figuratively covered himself with red and prayed that his rival would become entirely blue and walk in a blue path. "He is entirely blue, " approximates meaning of the common English phrase, "He feels blue."
The White spirits lived in the South:
WHITE denoted peace and happiness. In ceremonial addresses, as the Green Corn Dance and ball play, the people symbolically partook of white food and, after the dance or game, returned along the white trail to their white houses.
In love charms, the man, to induce the woman to cast her lost with his, boasted, "I am a white man," implying that all was happiness where he was. White beads had the same meaning in bead conjuring, and white was the color of the stone pipe anciently used in ratifying peace treaties.
Two numbers are sacred to the Cherokee.
Four is one number, it represented the four primary directions.
At the center of their paths lays the sacred fire.
Seven is the other and most sacred number.
Seven is represented in the seven directions: north, south, east, west, above, below, and "here in the center" the place of the sacred fire.
Seven also represented the seven ancient ceremonies that formed the yearly Cherokee religious cycle.
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* Oshun, is represented by the color yellow.
This Orisha indicates medicines which effect the digestive organs, circulatory system, and the elimination system.
Its direction is East.
* Ogun, is represented by the color green.
This Orisha indicates medicines which tone the tendons, and sinews.
Its direction is south.
* Elegba, is represented by the color black.
Medicines indicated are herbs which effect the Brain and nervous system.
Its direction is West.
* Obatala, is represented by the color white.
This Orisha indicates herbs, and white purity that cure human deformities.
Its direction is North.
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related links:
4 Views
16:09:52 12/18/07
Manoomin Project: One ton of wild rice planted by at-risk teens, American Indian guides
[LESS INFO] 4 VIEWS | ADDED 21:09:52 12/18/07
Native American guide Don Chosa points out wild rice beds to his son, one of six children whom will continue the family tradition of harvesting wild rice each September.
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The Manoomin Project: At-risk teens, tribes restore wild rice in Michigan; Youth learn social issues like racism targeted against American Indians
Northern Michigan teens take water samples during a survey of the previous year's crop
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The Manoomin Project: At-risk teens restore wild rice to Michigan with help from American Indian tribes
2007 wild rice planting delayed six weeks due to record drought, low water levels, unavailability of seed
(Marquette, Michigan) - Delayed six weeks due to extremely low water levels, teenagers, an American Indian guide and volunteers on Saturday held the fourth annual planting of wild rice in a project aimed at restoring the once abundant grain to northern Michigan.
The groundbreaking Manoomin Project has teamed hundreds of at-risk teens with American Indian guides who have planted over a ton of wild rice since the summer of 2004 .
Manoomin means wild rice in Ojibwa.
Wild rice disappeared from Michigan over a century ago and is a vital part of Native American ceremonies and traditions.
Wild rice experts say the grain contains seven to nine primary medicines. Recent studies show wild rice is an important component in reducing blood serum cholesterol and it slows or reduces diabetic blindness. It’s also known to reduce “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or “SAD” - because it somehow gave Native American peoples the strength to survive harsh winters.
In northern Michigan, the grain has proven to be a powerful healing tool for young people trying to find a new path in life. At-risk teens sentenced in juvenile court for minor crimes are restoring the once native grain to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with help from American Indian tribes.
“You are the first ones to bring wild rice back to the area,” the teens were told by American Indian guide David Anthony, who has a ponytail and a calm voice. “I am pleased that you are here and what you are doing today is very important.”
“This is very, very significant, this is a gift from the creator, it’s food grown on the water,” said Anthony, who attends Northern Michigan University (NMU) and belongs to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa (Ottawa) Indian based in Harbor Springs, MI. “Wild rice is the original North American grain and is very nutritious.”
“This past year, wild rice across the nation kind of suffered and that worries me,” said Anthony. “Wild rice harvesting is going down - so what you are doing becomes even more important.”
Anthony told the teens that during the harvest Native Americans carefully "bend the plants over the boat and shake and tap it - so the seeds fall into the bottom - that way they do not break the plant."
“It’s an honor to know that you are participating in the first time wild rice has been introduced into this area,” Anthony said. ---
The Manoomin Project: At-risk teens, tribes restore wild rice in Michigan; Youth learn social issues like racism targeted against American Indians At-risk teens restore wild rice to Michigan with help from American Indian tribes:2007 wild rice planting delayed six weeks due to record drought, low water levels, unavailability of seed
Danny Carello, 13, of Ishpeming "broadcasts" or spreads wild rice seeds into the Dead River near Marquette, Michigan during the Nov. 3, 2007 fourth annual planting of the grain that was delayed due to the extreme drought and planted only 48 hours before the first winter storm of the season dumped a foot of snow.
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Manoomin Project Photos by Greg Peterson, Steve Durocher and Samantha Otto
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(Marquette, Michigan) - Delayed six weeks due to extremely low water levels, teenagers, an American Indian guide and volunteers on Saturday held the fourth annual planting of wild rice in a project aimed at restoring the once abundant grain to northern Michigan.
The groundbreaking Manoomin Project has teamed hundreds of at-risk teens with American Indian guides who have planted over a ton of wild rice since the summer of 2004. Manoomin means wild rice in Ojibwa.
Wild rice disappeared from Michigan over a century ago and is a vital part of Native American ceremonies and traditions. Wild rice experts say the grain contains seven to nine primary medicines.
Recent studies show wild rice is an important component in reducing blood serum cholesterol and it slows or reduces diabetic blindness. It’s also known to reduce “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or “SAD” - because it somehow gave Native American peoples the strength to survive harsh winters.