Here is our weekly collection plate, offering a few of the good things that Episcopalians and their congregations have done that made the news this past week. And other news fit to print.
Many churches around the world are participating in Earth Hour today, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. In 2008, 50 million people in 370 cities and towns, in more than 35 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour.
In the US Interfaith Power and Light is encouraging participation. Episcopal Priest and President, The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham writes:
Interfaith Power & Light is participating in Earth Hour. You can join us by turning off non-essential lighting in your homes at 8:30 PM local time on March 28th. Your congregation can send a strong message by turning off steeple lights and other outdoor decorative lighting.
In Rhode Island, churches and institutions are participating.
Ekklesia reports on participation the UK.
Switch off your lights for one hour – vote for earth!
Go here for more information.
__________
GOOD NEIGHBOR medical clinic opens in South Carolina.
More than a year of planning came to fruition Saturday when the clinic was dedicated with prayer. “Dear Lord, just thank you for this day,” said clinic executive director and licensed nurse practitioner Sheila Deuel. “The credit really goes to the Lord,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Miller of St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, whose parishioners have been among the most active supporters of the clinic. The nonprofit, faith-based clinic provides primary and preventive health care at no cost to residents of Beaufort County who have limited income and cannot afford or cannot qualify for health insurance or Medicaid. Estimates place the uninsured in Beaufort County at 20 percent to 25 percent of the population.
__________
JERSEY CITY affordable housing
Disabled persons with low, or even no income, now have eight more units of housing in Jersey City. The ribbon was cut yesterday for the All Saints Supportive Housing Development at Bergen Avenue near Bidwell Avenue. Built on two vacant lots, the housing will be managed by the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation, said Carol Mori, executive director of JCECDC.