We recently purchased a Honda Fit – one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market (one small step for the environment). In September, I’m going to take another small step that will help reduce the release of pollutants into the air and perhaps slow the ever expanding size of my waistline: I’m going to take part in the Bike Commute Challenge 2007. During the month of September I’ll try and ride my bike as often as possible to Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, where I serve as the interim minister. My office is less than five miles from our house and so I don’t really have an excuse. For most of my twenties I didn’t even have a car and so a bike was my main form of transportation. I need to return to that (as much as you can with 3-year old twins and pastoral responsibilities that often require a car). This for me will be as much of a spiritual exercise as a physical one. As a minister, I believe and preach that what we are doing to the earth is a sin. God called God’s people to be stewards of creation and we have messed this planet up. What will be left of the world for our children and their children if we don’t stop and take that responsibility seriously? One small way I can help is to take my bike out of the garage and get it on the road.

Related Link: A Podcast Sermon On Psalm 8: Stewardship And Creation