Each of the five sessions includes a story, featuring the dynamic duo of Robin and Steve; questions for discussion; games and activities; arts and crafts projects; and a scripture focus.

Creation Care Kids materials may be requested from the Brethren Witness office. They are also offered to congregations participating in the Creation Care Congregation program.

Yoder Begins Work
Marisa Yoder of the Goshen City congregation began a one-year assignment as Environmental Awareness Advocate in August. Marisa brings stellar teaching credentials to her assignment, along with a passion of caring for God's creation.

Her work over the first months of her assignment has focused on developing materials for the Creation Care Congregation program, and assisting in recruiting district Creation Stewardship Advocates.

Marisa is available for leading workshops or serving in other ways as a resource person for individuals or congregations. Contact her at: 219-533-6609; email ydtm@maplenet.net.

Rain Forest Rescue
The Church of the Brethren has an opportunity to join with the Belizian Audubon Society in purchasing rain forest that is at risk of being logged. The parcel in question is located near the Jaguar Creek Center where BVS'er Samantha Morris lives and works.

A donation of $250 purchases two acres of forest land. Out of a total area of 4,000 acres to be purchased, the Church of the Brethren hopes to buy 200 acres.

Contact the Brethren Witness office for ideas about how to be involved.

Creation Care Congregations
Several congregations have already requested materials to become Creation Care Congregations. Among the resources sent participating churches are: worship ideas, political action suggestions, children's stories, The Be(e/a)tles Guide to Caring for God's Good Earth, and an order form for additional materials. A poster is also being developed to recognize participating congregations.

Legislative Alert
The Endangered Species Act is our main line of defense against a global extinction rate scientists estimate to be as much as 1,000 times the natural rate. Over 500 species have become extinct in North America alone since Columbus reached the new world. Nearly 4,000 species are listed as candidates for protection. Perhaps 5000 more, while deserving of protection, receive none.

Despite the current crisis, the Act has achieved remarkable successes recovering the bald eagle, American alligator, California sea otter and many other species from the brink of extinction. In fact more than 900 species in the US are listed as threatened or endangered. Of those, 238 are stable or improving and 7 species have recovered to the point of delisting.

Yet the Endangered Species Act, scheduled for reauthorization by this Congress, is threatened by amendments that could destroy it.

What you can do: Write a letter to your congressional representative encouraging their support of H.R. 960. Address: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515. Combine a letter writing campaign with the play "When Mother Calls," a drama available from the Brethren Witness Office highlighting species extinction. Consider joining the Church of the Brethren Rain Forest Rescue campaign as a further way of insuring survival of threatened species.