Spirit Alive: Saving the World One Paper Towel at a Time
7/11/2017
Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog that looks at different aspects of mission and ministry throughout the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and beyond.
July 11, 2017 With Heart, Soul, and Mind:Little Things Can Add UpThis week world renowned physicist Steven Hawking said that the United States decision to quit the Paris Climate Agreement "will cause avoidable environmental damage to our beautiful planet, endangering the natural world, for us and our children." As a result, he said we may soon reach a "tipping point" on this matter that will cause irreparable harm to our world.
Take a look at what Joe Smith said in his Ted Talk...You may remember Joe. He served as the District Attorney for Umatilla County, ran for the position of Oregon Attorney General some years ago, was the former Chair of the Oregon Democratic Party, and served briefly in the Oregon House of Representatives. Back in March 2012, Joe did a Ted Talk. And in it he wasn't speaking about law or politics or his vision of government, he was demonstrating a very simple thing: How to use a paper towel. Really? You've got to be kidding! Nope...that is what Joe's Ted Talk was all about, and it has been seen by over three million viewers. Yep, that's the honest to God truth. Joe's talk is simple, powerful, funny, enlightening, and helpful. And quite frankly, it could change how you dry your hands in the future. In fact, if you watch what Joe has to say, the words shake and fold may take on new meaning in your life, and you might even begin to think of yourself as a bit of an environmentalist. Watch the video for yourself to see what I mean. It will take you less than five minutes. It is worth the time. Watch Joe's Ted Talk now. Sometimes we think that we have to do big things in order to make an impact on our world, but Joe reminds us that simple things can make a difference as well, especially when we do them together.
Lowell Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog and email by Rev. Lowell Greathouse, Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Conference. It seeks to identify where the spirit is alive in our congregations and communities. Check out past editions, or subscribe to the email list. |

Lowell Greathouse
Lowell Greathouse is the Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church. He looks for places to find where the spirit is alive and help them grow in vitality and fruitfulness. Share with him at lowell@umoi.org