SABRe
Shop and Buy Responsibly!

The driving force behind SABRe is a belief that our lifestyle choices, both personally and congregationally, should reflect our values as Christians. Each dollar that you spend is an opportunity to express what you believe. The objectives of SABRe reflect those of several initiatives of the denomination at large (see links below). The purpose of SABRe is to raise the consciousness of our congregation about the impact that our shopping choices have on ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. Thus, SABRe will address three main areas of focus: 

• Discipleship and shopping: How do my purchases affect my relationship with God? For more information on this topic, go to the Discipleship subpage.

• Social justice and shopping: How do my purchases affect my relationship with others? For more information on this topic, including Fair Trade resources, go to the Social Justice subpage.

• Stewardship and shopping: How do my purchases affect the environment?

Prayerfully consider changes that you might make in your own life. Even if you only change a fraction of your purchasing, the cumulative effect of many people making lifestyle modifications can truly be world changing. Remember that “…the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed….” (Matt. 13:31) God can work miracles from small beginnings! If you are interested in learning more, contact the church office or speak directly with Jeff Kuper, Lynn McCarty, or Kirk Nolan.

Join the discussion!! A “Google Group” has been created to allow those who are interested in the goals of SABRe to exchange ideas, share resources, and answer each other’s questions. If you’re trying to make lifestyle changes but are struggling with where to start, don’t reinvent the wheel. Ask the group for ideas—chances are that others in our group may already have wrestled with your problem. Found a website or other resource that’s been useful to you? Share it with the group! If you would like to join, click on the link above. If you don’t already have a Google account, you will need to register with Google (although you can use any e-mail address). You will also need to request that the moderator (currently either Jeff Kuper or Kirk Nolan) add you to the SABRe group.

Download the PowerPoint presentation about SABRe and Fair Trade from Sunday, November 23, 2008.

Related denominational campaigns and resources: 

• Enough for Everyone

• Environmental Justice Ministries

• Food and Faith

• Just Living

• Just Trade Resources

• Presbyterians for Restoring Creation

• Presbyterian Hunger Program

• Sweat-Free Ts

Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo!) or shopping online with GoodShop.com.   GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo!-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo!, and watch the donations add up! GoodSearch has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal and on CNN, among other media. Similarly, GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall that donates up to 37% of each purchase to your favorite cause. Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's, and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop so that every time you place an order after accessing the store through GoodShop, you’ll be supporting your favorite cause. Many of the charities that are supported by Plainsboro Presbyterian Church's mission giving (such as TASK, Womanspace, and HomeFront) can be designated as charities at GoodSearch and GoodShop. Consider making GoodSearch.com your default search engine!

Last updated 2/12/08