Local altar flowers to benefit urban agriculture programs
St. Matthew’s will be trying a new approach to altar flowers in Spring 2010. While signup and bulletin recognition will continue in the same way, our plan is to use native and garden flowers during the months when flowers are available.

Beginning Sunday May 16, 2010, and running through Sunday Oct. 10, 2010, altar flowers will be arranged from flowers donated from members’ gardens and from the St. Matthew’s/ Reformation garden. The $30 given for flowers on those Sundays will be donated to promote urban agriculture. If you would like to donate flowers or help with arranging them, therewill be opportunities on the sign up panel in the spring.

Thanks to Leslie Giordano for organizing this initiative to care for God’s good creation.

What is "Urban Agriculture"?
The trend toward urban agriculture is born out of the need to increase the availability of healthy, affordable food in our central cities and throughout metropolitan areas.

A study in 1997 in Milwaukee (Food System Assessment Study) showed low availability of healthy food in our central city. Few supermarkets were available and most food was purchased from corner convenience stores at prices 29% higher than in suburban stores. In response organizations such as Walnut Way, Alice’s Garden, Fondy Food Market and Growing Power have worked to create urban gardens to teach residents to grow food and to increase the availability of fresh produce. Smaller gardens are also springing up around churches and schools.

St. Matthew’s is exploring the possibility of a garden at Reformation. Methods used in urban agriculture promote energy saving food production leading to more sustainable practices.

More Green links [here]

Lug-a-Mug each week

There is now a labeled shelf in the upper kitchen for your “lug-a-mug” coffee mug or thermos that you bring from home. After you have enjoyed your coffee, feel free to wash/dry your mug and leave it on the shelf labeled “lug-a-mug” in the kitchen. Your coffee mug will be waiting for you on the shelf every Sunday! No need to remember your cup every Sunday and you’ll be helping us cut down on the use of paper products!

Recycling continues at St. Matt’s "Recycling Center"!

Remember the many items which you can recycle at our Recycling Center inside the southwestern entrance of the building, where Reformation food and Neighborhood Store items are also collected.

Recycling items accepted are batteries, ink cartridges, cell phones, empty pill bottles, CFL bulbs, Ronald McDonald soda can tabs, and eyeglasses. Check out the neatly organized area and take care of the earth by recycling these items responsibly to prevent them from sitting in landfills.