July 2018 marks our 2 year mark in our interfaith 4 year initiative to help protect, preserve and sanctify (with prayers and rituals) our Upper Michigan’s streams and lakes. This collaborative effort is, as the Buddhist priest who is working with us insightfully reminds us, about “deepening our consciousness and connection to the planet we call home.”
Jordan Matterella, an NMU student, carries on the fine work of Rachel Holman, as our coordinator.
Here’s a glimpse of the Initiative’s Benchmarks thus far:
- 22 columns written by 22 authors for the Marquette Monthly on the “Gift of Water.” Edited by Paul Lehmberg
- A Facebook/Internet presence established.
- 8 Public Service Announcements written, recorded and distributed to area radio stations
- 2 congregational adult forums presented to 27 persons
- 350 educational pamphlets distributed on the “Gift of Water.”
- 1750 Northern white cedars planted in the Yellow Dog and Cherry Creek Watersheds by 46 volunteers representing 6 religious traditions
- 3 public community events for the public including presentations from a physician, Native American ethnobotanist, and two African-American clergy from Flint, Michigan on justice and health regarding water resources. Thanks to Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette for their support and hospitality during those special occasions.
- Establishment of a student chapter of Water Stewards at Northern Michigan University followed by a public presentation on the Flint Water Crisis
- Support for a delegation traveling to the Standing Rock Reservation in 2016 to support the Native tribal people there in their struggle to protect their community’s water resources.
- A financial gift of support to assist the ecumenical efforts in Flint distributing clean, safe water in 2018.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Jordan at jmattare@nmu.edu or call her at 231-709-3001
The Water Stewards strategic planning team can always use additional volunteers. Please let us know if you’re interested in knowing more. More community presentation and educational forums are being planned for the months ahead. Also the possibility of training water monitoring teams, based in parishes and congregations and serving as “watchdogs” across the Upper Peninsula will be under consideration.
