Working for Positive Change
Members and friends of Nacoochee Presbyterian are involved in a number of peace, justice, and environmental issues — speaking out, taking action, and working for positive change in our community and our world.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY ISSUES
Having had our own energy audit, we promote home energy audits to members of our congregation and our community and have been active in providing information about climate change, global warming, and the hazards of nuclear energy. Nacoochee Presbyterian utilizes captured rainwater plus “green” janitorial and garden products. We limit our use of plastic and paper products with the use of real cups, drinking glasses, plates, and flatware. Recycling bins are located throughout the building and their use is encouraged. We coordinate with Presbyterians for Earth Care: An Eco-Justice Network.
DEATH PENALTY ISSUES
Some members of our church actively support Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP), a statewide coalition of concerned organizations and individuals working for greater fairness in Georgia’s criminal justice systems and for an end to capital punishment. In 2008, our Session approved a resolution supporting GFADP’s call for a moratorium on executions in Georgia.
PEACEMAKING ISSUES
We address peace and justice issues continually via vigils, e-mail action and community events. We participate annually in the PC USA’s Peacemaking Offering.
GAY AND LESBIAN ISSUES
We welcome gays and lesbians and their God-given talents to our congregation, and we support the work of the Covenant Network, a national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a fully inclusive church.
IMMIGRATION ISSUES
NPC has been actively involved in issues of immigration ever since the Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s. Immigrants are encouraged to legalize their status whenever possible and become successful members of the community. Advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform is actively pursued.
FAIR TRADE COFFEE
The coffee crisis in Latin America has forced many small farmers to cease production because of low prices. In their support, we offer fair trade coffee and tea for sale to NPC members and friends, and we purchase it for use at NPC fellowship events.
PALESTINIAN OLIVE OIL AND SPICES
We support the farmers of Palestine in their struggle for their livelihood and land through Zatoun, a nonprofit organization that benefits Palestinian farmers and children. Farmers are paid fair trade prices, and $1.00 for each bottle sold goes to Project Hope, an arts and education program for young people in Palestine. An additional amount goes to replant olive trees inside Palestine that have been destroyed by the occupation.