ProtectingCreation
A Call For Environmental Stewardship

Join us for this community lecture series focusing on the responsibility of communities of faith to protect the environment. The series explores God’s creation, man’s responsibility as stewards of creation, the environmental teachings of different religions, the influence of ideology on faith and environmental concerns facing us today.

For questions regarding this event please contact Ken Martinez at Ken@heightschurchofchrist.org.

Schedule of Events:
Check back for weekly updates (updated 4/8/07)

Friday, April 20

7:00 p.m.
Dominion or Stewardship?
Did God give humans dominion over creation to do with as they please or did God place man as the stewards of His creation. Join in this discussion as Dr. Lynn Mitchel explores man's role in God's creation.

Dr. Mitchell, minister of the Heights Church of Christ, is the University of Houston's Resident Scholar of Religion, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Religion Studies program.

Saturday, April 21

10:00 a.m. (on the Heights Blvd. esplanade)
"The Changing World"
Join this story of one man's journey and the difference one person can make. Geared towards youth and adults. Performed (word and instruments) on the Heights Blvd. esplanade by Jeff and Kent, area residents.

Jeff and Kent are truely gifted performers. I first saw them about 9 years ago at the Houston Arboretum's Arbor day event and then again this past year at the same event. This is a don't miss for the adults and youth alike.

10:45 a.m.
Refreshments (Heights Church Fellowship Hall)
Join us for lite snacks and beverage

11:30 a.m.
An Interfaith View of Environmental Obligation
This panel will discuss the protection of creation from the viewpoints of different religions - Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths. Join Imam Zubery Safak, Bruce Yeager and Lynn Mitchell in this discussion.

Join as Imam Zubeyr Safak of the Houston Anatolia Mosque, Bruce Yeager, elder at Central Presbyterian Church and Dr. Lynn Mitchell discuss the various perspectives on creation. (Due to Shabbat or the Jewish day of rest, Dr. Mitchell will provide the Jewish perspective.)

12:30 p.m.
Water, Water
Special guest Barbara Ann Radnofsky will discuss water issues facing Texas and our religious responsibility to address these issues. More information coming soon.

Barbara Ann is a former partner with Vinson & Elkins and she was the Texas Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate 2006.

2:00 p.m.
The Great Moral Issues of Our Times
Should global warming be a moral issue for Christians? This discussion takes up the debate as to whether or not the focus of Christians should be solely on a core set of predefined moral issues or whether Christians should look issues such as poverty, hunger and environmental protection as moral issues as well.

3:00 p.m.
Politics, Ideology and the Environment
Dr. Lynn Mitchell discusses the impact and influence of politics and ideology on our values. More information coming soon.

Sunday, April 22nd

10:30 a.m. Sunday Sermon
Faith and Food
Eating is the consummate whole experience. It is an act of survival, an act of pleasure, an act of sharing and community, and an act of spiritual renewal. How and what we eat is a reflection of our values and priorities. Eating is a moral act. And food choices are moral decisions. Join this discussion with Dr. Lynn Mitchell as he talks about how we should re-connect ourselves with the act of food production, an act of God's creation and of God's people that contribute to our daily bread.