GAMC0932
September 11, 2009

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) focuses on environment at staff “Harvest Gathering”

Contact:
Melody Smith, (502) 569-5011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — “It’s easy being green” is the theme of an inaugural event for staff of the Presbyterian Center here at 100 Witherspoon St. They will gather September 18 to celebrate local food, sustainable resources and an environmentally friendly way of life.

The Presbyterian Center, which houses the national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will host the event to educate staff and increase awareness of the many products and services available to encourage ecological thinking at home and at work. Staff will enjoy food, fun and fellowship at the event.

Several exhibitors and local businesses will offer resources and real solutions for living better, healthier lives with less environmental impact, including:

• WAVE 3 garden expert Cindi Sullivan, who will answer questions about gardening.
• Grasshoppers Distribution, offering information on benefits of locally grown food.
• Bluegrass Green presenting quality green building and sustainable remodeling choices.

Staff members have been invited to participate in a picnic contest with a focus on locally grown or produced food, and to pack lunches with “tablescape” themes and decorations. Other activities include a cake walk, a cornhole tournament, a pumpkin decorating contest, and live bluegrass music with John Gage. Green door prizes will also be awarded.

An event of this size would normally create a lot of trash. However, the planning committee is encouraging recycling and use of reusable dinnerware so that the event doesn’t come at a cost to the environment.

Harvest Gathering is sponsored in part by the National Staff Association of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The association works to find ways to increase caring, enhance community and build morale through social, educational, recreational and spiritual events; and to provide opportunities for the staff to be visible and active in the community.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises 2.2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world. See more information at the PC(USA) Web site.