Greater Good Project
What is the Greater Good Project?
It's an all-church community endeavor, to bring meaning back to the holidays and tap into the strength and power of the spirit of the season. Each of us is asked to tally what we spend on the holiday season from: presents, wrappings, trimmings, travel, food and entertainment. Then take that number and cut it in half, and contribute that to a project at the church - a gift to the Greater Good. Last year, $79,000 was collected from Members, Friends, and members of the larger community, to needs greater than own, which sure makes living simply so others can simply live worth the effort and small sacrifice! The projects selected for the 2007 Greater Good Project are described below; you can download and print a gift card [PDF] to
send to people for whom you are making a donation.
International Project
This year we want to provide funds to deepen our relationship with the rural Honduran village of San Jose as we continue our partnership with the Dept. of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester. We will be providing funding for a volunteer house (for a Peace Corp volunteer), schooling needs, latrines, cook stoves, and micro-financing, which will enrich, strengthen and empower the lives of about 3,000 Hondurans. Last year our funding provided sand filters and Ferro cement water tanks as well as curative care by the Family Medicine Dept. Rev. Scott Tayler recently visited Honduras to check out the progress being made on the water tanks we contributed too and to explore ongoing opportunities for engagement together. Check out his excellent report on his trip here [PDF].
Local Project
Rochester Roots develops self-reliance by providing the education and tools that help low-income people obtain nutritious, locally grown food, through the development and marketing of urban produce and products. They strive to achieve this vision through participation in the local food system and through education and advocacy. This year-round project teaches elementary school students how to grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. During the school year they work primarily with children in kindergarten through 6th grade. In the summer months they work with students of all ages who live within the vicinity of their gardens. Our investment in Rochester Roots will help them create educational workshops, provide teacher training, offer summer youth internships, and implement more school gardens and greenhouses.
Exploring the Relationship Between Meaning and Money: Resources
- Life Now Radio Show: "Should I Shop 'til I Drop?"
- Speaking of Faith Radio Show: "Money & Moral Balance"
- Sons and Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child's ATM, a book by Nathan Dungan
- Money and the Meaning of Life, a book by Jacob Neeldeman
December 31 2007