Two one-day conferences on how people of faith and local congregations can respond to the threat of global warming will be held in Stevens Point, Sunday, Sept. 22, and Eau Claire on Saturday, Sept. 28.  They are open to the general public of all faiths or no particular faith.  The Stevens Point Conference runs from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the Eau Claire conference from 8:30 to 4:30.

Scientist and lay theologian Dr. Calvin DeWitt of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies and UW-Madison will keynote the Stevens Point meeting, and Dr. Peter Bakken, also from Au Sable, will address the Eau Claire conference on "What Religion Tells Us About Global Warming."

At both conferences, expert scientists will present the latest information about what science is saying about global climate change, and workshops will be offered on the hydrogen future, population growth, life-styles and consumer choices, misconceptions about climate change, sustainable design and practical actions for congregations and homes, economics and business dimensions, talking with others about environmental issues, and a religious panel of faith leaders.

Several hybrid-electric cars will be on display, and there will be a number of exhibits on practical steps for energy saving, global warming, and resources for local congregational action. Meals using organic and vegetarian food from local sources are planned for both meetings.

Both conferences are $15 with lower fees for students and scholarships are available.  To register or for more information, the north central Stevens Point registrars are Gerald and Bets Moede, N2730 Norris Lane, Waupaca, WI 54981, 715-258-2389; and the northwest Eau Claire Registrar is Sandra Helpsmeet, 2550 Gregerson Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54703, phone 715-874-6646.  Bring a group from your congregation.

These are the fifth and sixth regional interfaith climate change conferences provided in Wisconsin by the WI Interfaith Climate Change Campaign of WI Interfaith IMPACT.  The campaign is one of 21 state efforts nationwide by the National Religious Partnership on the Environment, a coalition of the National Council of Churches, Council on the Environment and Jewish Life, Evangelical Environmental Coalition, and the National Catholic Conference.

For more information, email Dave Steffenson or call 920-623-4360.