The Branch

Over the last six weeks we've been taking an honest look at what it means to live in America, both the blessings and the challenges. We've talked about major forces that often grip our lives such as consumerism and individualism. We've considered our impact on the environment and our participation in global systems that are often riddled with injustice. Needless to say, it's been a stretching six weeks.
But at the end of the series we felt a strong need to take action. Talking about these issues is important, but it can't be the end. So for almost 20 minutes on Sunday we set up a bunch of laptops, put out a plethora of suggested resources, and spent time praying - asking God how and where we should act.
Below you'll find all of the resources we offered on Sunday, and more! People have been e-mailing us websites and books they have found helpful and so we're passing them on too (keep it up!).

One final disclaimer: not one of these resources below is perfect. You will likely not agree with it all. That's ok. We haven't always agreed with everything either. But...and this is a big but...it is important that we come into contact with people and ideas that push us to reevaluate our ideas and values - even if we don't see eye to eye.
So be stretched. Let your thinking be challenged. And above all...be in conversation with the Spirit, seeking his discernment and leading.

WEBSITES
www.westmichigancoop.com is the home site for the West Michigan Co-op. Once you sign up (for only $35 a year) you can order local products from farmers online, and pick up everything at one
location. It's a great source for meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit, household products, honey, etc.

www.greenmomfinds.com is a resource of various eco-friendly products and information. You can subscribe to the website and receive a daily blurb on new products, websites, things to watch out for etc.

www.one.org Join others in finding concrete ways to fight global poverty and disease. Subscribe for e-mail updates on important legislation and opportunities to make a difference.

www.kiva.org Join the powerful movement of micro-finance where your money is invested (and most often returned) in real people, giving them a chance to gain independence and have a future.

http://cridata.org/communityprofiles.aspx
Check out your neighborhood stats and then use that info to get involved. Go to a neighborhood association-meeting, host a block party, invite a new neighbor over for dinner. Love where you live!

www.fultonstreetmarket.org The website of the Fulton Farmers market, located on Fulton just west of Fuller.

www.ridetherapid.org Get to know the city, save $, and better the environment. Find the schedule, routes, even purchase passes here.

www.erideshare.com Connect to local carpoolers who are hoping (like you) to save money and time.

www.freecycle.org Don't throw it away. This huge network connects your unwanted stuff with wanting people.

www.idealbite.com Sign up for daily, simple tips or browse their extensive library of tips.

www.mlui.org Stay in tune with the environmental impact of development in our area.

http://wmeac.org Learn about things you can do to better care for and use the gift of water.

www.sojo.net A major source of information on issues of politics, justice, and faith.

BOOKS
Understand what it means to follow Jesus in our specific culture:
Peculiar People
Resident Aliens
Amusing Ourselves to Death

Understanding and exploring our call to be care takers of creation:
For the Beauty of the Earth
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Better World Handbook