Preachers save gas, promote environmental stewardship
Aug. 1, 2007
NOTE: Photographs and video available at http://umns.umc.org.
By John Gordon*
EMPORIA, Kan. (UMNS) - A symbol of environmental stewardship, the Rev. Mic McGuire's bright yellow Beetle glides to a stop in front of Grace United Methodist Church.
"I think a lot of people are really tired of putting three-dollar-a-gallon gasoline into their car," says McGuire, who turned a used, rusty car into a model of efficiency that runs off an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine.
Now, instead of stopping at the pump to fill up, McGuire plugs in the car at his home to recharge overnight. He's able to reach a top speed of more than 50 miles an hour but finds the 30-mph range sufficient for making rounds in his small town.
"I think that the war in Iraq just convinced me that we need to do something about how we share the planet, how we participate in a global world," he says. "The United States has been talking about how they needed to be less dependent on foreign oil for years."
A sound investment
McGuire spent about $6,000 to convert the 1971 Super Beetle, enlisting the aid of church member Tony Tollett, who works on cars as a hobby. After working for months to replace the motor, install batteries and repair the brakes, they painted the car a bright yellow with the words "450 amps" on the side.
Curbing pollution was among the rewards for their efforts. "We're just choking ourselves to death. We're killing the environment and everything else," Tollett says.
McGuire doesn't miss those weekly trips to the gasoline station either.
"You can kind of do the math. I'm spending probably three to five, six cents for electricity per mile," he says.
McGuire plans to donate the savings to charitable projects such as buying food for the hungry. He also expects to save on automobile maintenance, since there's no oil to change.
The car uses nine eight-volt batteries to power the engine and a separate 12-volt battery for turn signals and accessories.
As he hums along the road quietly, McGuire gets his share of second looks. "I don't think I hide the fact that I was trying to make a statement, trying to get people's attention," he says.
It's a message that resonates with members of his church.
Melinda Groves now uses fluorescent light bulbs inside her home to save electricity. She also hung a clothesline for drying clothes and bought a push reel mower. "If a bunch of individuals do something, we can make a difference," she says.
Facility operations also have gradually been adapted at Grace United Methodist Church.
The church recycles printer cartridges and started using LED lights in exit signs to conserve electricity. Member Lola Collinge is lobbying to get rid of Styrofoam plates and cups in the church kitchen to keep from clogging landfills.
"I think the world is beautiful," she says. "I think we want to leave it for our future generations so that they won't wonder, 'Mama, mama, what's a tree?'"
Some members say their next cars will be electric vehicles or hybrids. Others recycle plastics and newspapers.
'Scooter Boy'
United Methodists everywhere are responding in similar ways, as the denomination's Social Principles call on members to make lifestyle changes "to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world."
In Fayetteville, Ark., the Rev. Bryan Fink, pastor of discipleship at Central United Methodist Church, now drives a motor scooter to work.
"After about a year with the scooter, I've put about 2,000 miles on it," says Fink. "Some people call me 'scooter boy' now."
Fink drives his scooter to work, on errands and even when making pastoral hospital visits. Filling it up only costs about $3 - compared to $70 he used to spend filling his van.
"I thought that was ridiculous," he says of the escalating gasoline prices. He notes that the church also is trying to sell its gas-guzzling van.
Meanwhile, back in Kansas, McGuire says his electric Beetle may not be the ultimate solution to pollution and energy problems. But for short trips and driving home a message, it's ideal, he says.
"I just think it is one way in which I, personally, can be more responsible about taking care of the planet," he says, "as opposed to just using it and maybe abusing it."
*Gordon is a freelance producer and writer based in Marshall, Texas.
News media contact: Fran Coode Walsh, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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