“Reuse, repurpose, and recycle” became more than just a slogan when hundreds gathered for last Saturday’s Earth Day Block Party at West Central Abbey. More than 50 donated bicycles were shared at the party by River City Youth, and the Mend It Cafe with Spokane Zero Waste was inside repairing party-goers’ clothing. Community groups staffed booths, and food and native plants were available. Kate Burke, Executive Director of River City Youth, and Elyse Hochstadt, Executive Director of Spokane Zero Waste, joined the Religion Desk Podcast from the block party to share about their work, the good things happening that day, and the importance of reusing. The episode also features music from Spokane’s Raging Grannies and Hannah Wynn.

Retired Religion Professor, Dr. Patricia O’Connell Killen, joined the Religion Desk to share insights on the changes in the religious landscape in the United States and how that has affected mainline congregations and denominations. You'll find the entire interview with Dr. Killen here.

In the middle of the last century mainline churches, the historical Protestant denominations, were a powerful force in American life and culture. Around half of the United States claimed membership in a mainline church in the 1950’s. Since then, these churches have seen a sharp decline in engagement and membership with many churches closing and an uncertain future ahead for the congregations that remain. Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church in Spokane Washington is a church that has seen these changes. They had more than 600 members in 1960. Now, they have 40 members. Despite the changes, they are still a vital church that is serving its neighborhood. The people at Lidgerwood opened their doors to the Religion Desk to tell their story. Pastor Mark Wheeler has been at Lidgerwood for 30 years, and he’s seen how the church has adapted to a new time and has expanded its outreach to its neighborhood. Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest, the Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle, shared, too, on Lidgerwood Presbyterian and the churches she oversees. Retired Religion Professor, Dr. Patricia O’Connell Killen, joined the podcast to give perspective on why mainline churches have changed and what might be in store for their future. If you’d like to hear more from Dr. Killen, listen to the bonus episode that includes the whole interview with her.