California Interfaith Power & Light

Our Summer Intern Looks Back

2009-07-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jennifer's Note: We've been blessed with having several great interns and fellows over the summer. Alison Amyx, from Emory's Candler School of Theology is our Beatitudes Fellow, and she joined us for the summer. Alejandra Rodriguez joined us from the Spark Program, a non-profit for middle school youth. Savannah Van Leuvan, joined us from St. Mary's College High School. Savannah wrote the following blog as she ends her summer with us to begin 11th grade next month. Thanks to all of our interns this summer, you've done a great job!

At the beginning of the summer, when my mom told me about California Interfaith Power and Light and the possibility of me doing an internship, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to do it but I decided to go ahead and do it, maybe learn a couple things. What I wasn’t aware of at the time was that I would have such a blast working as the summer intern.

Everyone that worked in the office was so nice to me and supportive. I’d get distracted and have long conversations with Sally about Obama or with Alison, the national office intern from Georgia, about her new kitten. I always had something to do and, even though some of it was fishing through an online database, I always enjoyed what I was doing. I did so many things, redecorate the office, work a little bit on the youth program, staff meetings, conference calls, help out with starting an East Bay working group. But my favorite, the highlight of my time at CIPL was Lobby Day, when we went to the state capital on June 17^th.

The two weeks before Lobby Day, everything went by in a blur. Copy, paste. Copy, paste. Copy, paste. I spent hours listening to Jen make phone calls to legislators, used my spare time to look up what RPS, offsets and net metering are. On the 16^th, all I could think of was printing things out and putting together packets for the Senators and Assembly members, confusing myself on the two Calderons and confusing others on Jerry Hill and Berryhill. I stayed in the office until seven and figured out what I was going to say the next day as the 15 year old young person who wanted the Senators and Assembly members to hear her voice, or, what we said at the office, the ‘secret weapon.’

We woke up early and met at BART at seven in the morning, got in the car and drove off to Sacramento. Once we got to the church where we were meeting all of our team of clergy and faith leaders, Alison and I ran to get the food, cakes and coffee, for everyone. We set it out, organized packets so that people could find their names easily, alphabetically of course, and then we waited. Handshakes, voices, talking, conversations about people’s lives. One person even said to me, “You must be Jen!” I corrected him, telling him that no, I was the fifteen year old intern that worked for Jen, going into my Junior year of high school, and that Jen was the one standing by the coffee. “It was great to meet you!” He said before quickly walking over to Jen.

Once we were all seated, folders in hand, extra handout passed out, we listened to people talk about the bills that we were lobbying, then we listened to a run down of the day, and did a practice run of what we were going to say. And then we walked. Hurried feet, rushing to the capitol building. We didn’t want to be late to our first meetings. Sally, Jennifer, Barbara and I went to our first meeting, my first constituent meeting, appearing at the door just in time, before having to wait ten minutes. Once we were in the conference room, talking to one of the staff members, we couldn’t stop talking. We wanted our voices to be heard, and the staff member we were talking to heard them. We wanted change, we were so passionate about the bills that time just seemed to fly by. Everything was going so well, so well that we looked at our clocks and realized we were 5 minutes late for our next meetings. We quickly said goodbye and navigated the halls and elevator systems to get to our next meetings. Mine was with a republican’s staff member who listened to everything we had to say, asked us questions. We were interrupted when the Senator himself, John Benoit, popped in to say hello to us.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. Rushing around, lots of talking, meeting people, stuffing business cards in my folder. During lunch we met Assembly member Kevin de Leon who came up to meet us and talk to us briefly before he had to rush off to a meeting. More meetings, more talking, more trying to get people to vote yes on our bills. While I was sitting in Assemblywoman Noreen Evans’ office, talking to one of her staff members, we were surprised to see her pop in and say hi before she, like the other Politicians we had met that day, rushed off to a meeting. While we walked out of her office, we noticed a blown up cartoon that the opposition had tried to use against her. Why anyone would think labeling someone as ‘an environmentalist’ while they ran for a position in the North Bay would hurt their chances at winning is beyond me.

More meetings, more talking, a slight mishap in which one of our scheduled visits didn’t have us on their calendar, and then we were done. Alison and I started to head downstairs for our recap when we passed the metal bear by Governor Schwarzenegger office, which she made me stand next to with her to take a picture. ‘You’re such a tourist!’ I laughed while smiling for the camera, secretly enjoying the touristyness of the pictures. The halls were beautiful on the ground floor. Displays on every county in California lined the walls. Once downstairs, Senator Mark Leno came to say hello to us. He beamed at me and exclaimed that it was great to see a young person so involved when I told him I was only fifteen.

I didn’t quite realize how tired I truly was until we were walking back to our cars. The walk seemed so much farther then it had when we had walked to the capitol building. We found the church, got in our cars, and headed back to our appropriate points of return. My legs ached, my energy was drained, I was tired, but surprisingly energized from the day’s events. I was excited, happy to be making a difference, to get my voice and opinions out there. To start taking steps to promote a green state, a green country, and a green world for future generations, for those living in poverty, and for God, to protect his creation.

My time at CIPL really affected me. I learned so much, about the state government, about green jobs and ways to be ecological, about God and people of faith, and about myself, about my values and what I want to do to make a difference. Working at CIPL gave me the knowledge and experience to do so much in my life, and I really appreciate it. It was an amazing experience.

Faith Leaders Taking Action on Climate Change

2009-05-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

These are exciting times for those of us in the faith community who understand climate change is the biggest moral issue of our times! We are finally starting to see legislation, in the form of the Waxman-Markey bill, that aims to cut our carbon emissions and encourage better energy efficiency. While some concessions have been made in order to accommodate for regional differences, this bill remains the strongest legislation we have seen at the national level, and this is reason to celebrate. Our prayers have been heard!

Thankfully, many of our California Representatives and Senators in Congress have strong faith connections, and they understand it is their moral duty to protect creation.

Listen to our champions from California speak up:

Click here to listen to Rep. Jackie Speier from California's 12th District discuss our duty to be better stewards.

Click here for Rep. Matsui's testimony on new innovations to cut carbon in Sacramento

Click here to listen to Mary Bono Mack, who could shape up to be a great champion for climate change. Let's encourage her to advocate for more renewable energy!

Click here to listen to Senator Boxer speak in 2008 about the Climate Change Act in the Senate and remember to contact our Senators to say we need to see more in 2009!

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But wait! We can't just sit back and celebrate our legislators are doing in Congress, because unfortunately, we still have representatives who don't believe in climate change:

Click here to listen to Rep. Radanovich's from California's Central Valley assert that climate change just isn't real

We, as people of faith, have the moral responsibility to encourage our leaders in the state to be better stewards of creation. Do your part, and contact your legislators today!

http://www.house.gov/

http://www.senate.gov/

Documentary Screening: Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, Feb. 1

2009-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars follows the story of Texans fighting the high stakes battle for clean air. The film’s producer, Jill Rosenblum Tidman, and the Rev. Sally Bingham, president of Interfaith Power and Light Campaign, will lead a discussion at the conclusion of the 34-minute film.

When: Sun., Feb. 1, 1 p.m.
Where: Gresham Hall, Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., @ Taylor, San Francisco
Cost: Free of charge
More information: Visit www.gracecathedral.org
Deadline: None

Solar for CIPL's Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

2008-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is going solar in a big way. This Saturday, September 6, the congregation will install a 5000 watt solar photovoltaic generator on their Fellowship building in Bayside. The system will provide all of the facility's electricity needs and is the centerpiece of the congregation's effort to minimize their "carbon footprint" and become a "Green Sanctuary". Scott Allen, a retired Coast Guard Captain and member of the congregation, encouraged the group to take responsibility for their own energy needs as part of an overall effort to minimize waste, eliminate use of toxins and seek a healthier way of life. "We reached consensus on the project last year and members invested in our "Adopt a Watt" fundraising campaign so that everyone is a part owner of the system. Our faith leads us to care for each other and our world and the interdependent web of life on which we all depend for our food, clean water and air to breathe. Our Solar Generator will add most of it's electricity to the local electrical grid during hot summer afternoons when it is most needed for air conditioners and home and business energy consumption. Through a bi-directional meter we will buy electricity back in the evenings when the peak need for electricity has passed. It is a win-win for electricity consumers on the North Coast. We could wait for someone else to solve the puzzle of how to meet our national, and world, need for energy but the social, political and economic upheavals over securing sources of energy convinced us that we should act locally and act now. By tackling this project we will leave a legacy of personal responsibility and good stewardship to our children and our community. As a member congregation of California Interfaith Power and Light, we are eager to share what we have learned with other congregations, homeowners and businesses and encourage them to act as well" Roger, a local solar installer, designed and will supervise construction of the system. Aided by a grant from the State of California's Solar Initiative, the congregation raised over $27,000 to pay for the project. An electric vehicle charging station will be installed at the site as well.

POINT OF CONTACT:

SCOTT ALLEN
825 7019
616 5598
RAINDOG@SUDDENLINK.NET

2008-07-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

ELK GROVE PEACE & JUSTICE FORUM

MOVIE NIGHT

R E N E W A L

RENEWAL is a documentary which tells how various faith groups are trying to save the environment in area which are especially important to them. Various Christian groups, the Jewish community, Muslims, and Buddhists, each tell what they are doing. The documentary suggests ways many facets of our society who are concerned about environmental sustainability may do things to preserve our world. RENEWAL is a powerful tool for everyone concerned about the current environmental crisis and the fate of life on our planet. Come share with us.

WHEN: Monday, July 28, 2008; 7:00 pm
WHERE: Elk Grove United Methodist Church

8986 Elk Grove Boulevard
Elk Grove, CA 95624

For Further Information:
Bob Fossgreen, 685-3612
Bill Myers, 689-6943

Climate Equity Event at Grace Cathedral

2008-05-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Want to help fight climate change AND poverty? Then join the Climate Equity Campaign on June 6th at the Grace Cathedral for a special event with two international climate justice activists. You'll learn about the real effects of climate change on communities around the world and the small steps you can take to make a big difference.

Guest speakers Nnimmo Bassey of Friends of the Earth International/Nigeria and Mina Susana Setra of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago in Indonesia will inform listeners of the effects of climate change on their own communities as well as efforts to develop local and global solutions. Their combined experience includes decades of groundbreaking social justice work, such as documenting environmental damage caused by the oil companies in Nigeria and ongoing corporate collusion with the Nigerian military, establishing Community Resource Centers in areas of oil company activity, combatting the effects of Oil Palm Plantations in Indonesia and helping those imprisoned for protecting their land, and defending indigenous rights. Come hear what they have to say and leave with an understanding of how you can help ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable communities will have access to the financial and technological resources needed to adapt to climate change.

WHEN: Friday, June 6th, 5-7pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, Wilsey Conference Room
1100 California St., San Francisco
For more info, contact Samantha@priceofoil.org

This event is co-sponsored by the Grace Cathedral Stewardship of Creation Committee, the Diocese of California Commission for the Environment, and California Interfaith Power and Light

The Climate Equity Campaign is a coalition of groups including ActionAid, Center for American Progress, Friends of the Earth, Jubilee USA, Oil Change International, Oxfam America, and US Climate Action Network. For more info on the campaign, visit www.climateequitycampaign.org

Ten Commandments to Save the Planet: Bolivian President Evo Morales Addresses Global Warming at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

2008-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

President Evo Morales told the United Nations that in order to save the planet, we must eradicate the capitalist model, and the North must pay its ecological debt. This was the first of Ten Commandments presented by the leader during the inauguration of the VII Indigenous Forum of the United Nations during a long speech that received high acclaim by those who attended the annual encounter.

Morales Ayma proposed ten commandments to save the world, life and humanity that require: respect for the earth, renouncing war, bilateral relations without imposition, clean energy and a rejection of bio-fuels, access to basic services, prioritizing local production, promotion of cultural diversity and living well through communitarian socialism in harmony with Mother Earth.

The President affirmed that there are two paths for humanity, life and planet earth; either we recover a way of living that is in harmony with Mother Earth and life, or we continue on the path of capitalism and death. Morales insisted that the only way to save the world is to end the way of thinking which foments individualistic egotism, and the thirst for profit.

"The enormous effects of climate change are not a product of human beings in general, rather the result of the existing capitalist system that is inhuman and predicated on unlimited 'industrial development'. For this reason I feel that it is important to stop the exploitation of human beings, and end the plunder of natural resources", said the head of state. "If we want to save the planet, we have to eradicate the capitalist model and the North must pay its ecological debt rather than the countries of the Global South and rest of the world paying external debts."

The second commandment, Morales explained is the concept of denouncing war, which only generates profit for the imperial powers, transnational corporations and a small group of families, but not the people. The millions and millions of dollars which are currently designated for war should be invested in the earth, which has been wounded, mistreated and overexploited.

Third - Relationships of co-existence rather than submission of one country to another must be achieved, in a world without imperialism or colonialism. Bi-lateral and multi-lateral relations are important, because we are a culture of dialogue and social co-existence, but these relations must not be based on the submission of one country to another.

Fourth - Water is a human right of all people living on the planet. It has been said that you can live without electricity, but not without water. Water is life. There should be no policies that permit the privatization of water. President Morales proposed an international convention on water to protect water sources as a human right, and to prevent privatization.

Fifth - Clean, environmentally friendly energies must be developed and we must stop wasting energy. In 100 years we will finish off fossil fuel deposits that took millions of years to create. "Avoid promoting bio-fuels. It is impossible to understand how some presidents and development models are setting aside lands to run luxury automobiles and not to produce food for people.

Morales proposed promoting debate among governments and creating conscience so that land benefits human beings rather than being used to produce fuel. He referred to pronouncements of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and expressed that for the first time, he is in agreement with both of those institutions on this issue.

Six - Respect Mother Earth. No expert or specialist can debate with Indigenous leaders on the issue of respect for Mother Earth. We should seek ways for the Indigenous movement to influence other social sectors, urban and rural, so that everyone understands that the earth is our mother.

Seven - Basic services including water, electricity, education, health care, communication and transportation should be considered a human right, and should be publicly owned services rather than private businesses.

Eight - Consume only what is necessary; prioritize what we produce and consume locally. Consumerism, extravagance and luxury must end. It is inconceivable that some families pursue luxury while millions and millions don't even have the possibility of 'living well'. He noted that while millions of people die of hunger each year, in other parts of the world millions of dollars are spent combating obesity.

Nine - Promote the diversity of cultures and economies. We are so diverse, and even though the Indigenous movement has always been excluded, we are proposing unity in diversity. A Pluri-national State, in which all are included; white, brown and black.

Ten - Live Well. The concept of 'living well' is not new. It is about recovering the way of our ancestors, to 'live well', which is not to "live better" at the cost of others. We must build a communitarian socialism in harmony with Mother Earth.

Screening of Renewal at the GTU

2008-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

SCREENING OF "RENEWAL" at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, on Thursday April 24, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This film captures the breadth and vitality of America's religious-environmental movement, and shows how individuals and communities driven by their spiritual and religious convictions are being called to re-examine what it means to be human and how we live on this planet. The Reverend Sally Bingham will lead a discussion following the screening, which will take place in Easton Hall, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, 2451 Ridge Road, Berkeley. For more information, e-mail: whitneybauman@religionandecology.org

St. Stephen's Orinda: Earth Week!

2008-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE EARTH WEEK 2008!

CARING FOR CREATION MEETING: Monday, April 14, 7:30PM, Youth Room. All are invited to help prepare St. Stephen's celebration of Earth Day on April 20. Anyone with an interest in fostering environmental awareness is invited to help prepare our exhibits for coffee hour. Contact: Dick or Louise Severy at 925-283-2950, or Barbara Bisel.
ERIC THERIAULT RECITAL - APRIL 20

Our wonderful tenor, Eric Therault, will perform in a special recital for our parish and the community. Join us for the 10am service and stay for pancake breakfast (organic and sustainably raised) while you explore our Earth Sunday displays -- then pop back upstairs for an amazing musical treat from Eric. We will have extended childcare, however children are always welcome! Eric's recital will begin at 12:15. (MORE on Eric)

ALL PARISH WORK DAY!
Mark your Calendar for an All Parish Work Day to Celebrate Earth Day 2008! Saturday, April 26th from 8:30 until Noon there will be an "Earth Day Gathering" here at St. Stephen's Church to spruce up, clean up, plant, build up and nourish our campus. If you see a project you would like to help on please contact Brenda in the Office. We hope to have people here from our Youth Program, our Garden Club and the Caring for Creation Committee to name just a few groups…as you know, the more help we have the easier the lighter the load. Our Jr. Warden, Mike Obrien plans on being here as well.. Also, if you would like to participate in the fun by making lunch for the "worker-bees" please give Mo. Jan a call in the office 254-3770 X20

Celebrate North County’s Earth Day

2008-03-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Celebrate North County’s Earth Day

AT MISSION SAN LUIS REY

Sunday, March 30th 11 am—4pm
Care & Connect
with Mother Earth

Explore the inner Gardens of the Mission...not usually open to the public.
Learn the importance of recycling and caring for our valuable natural resources.
Participate in many interactive & educational exhibits, and a variety of crafts.
Enjoy drums, singers and dancers throughout the day!
Volunteers and Vendors are Welcome!
Maureen Sullivan, Special Events
(760) 757-3651 ext146

Visit our website: www.sanluisrey.org

Learn how you can make a personal difference in sustaining the environment at this fun-filled family event!

Earth Day Event: St. Clare's of Pleasanton

2008-03-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Care for the World

A festival service of readings, prayers, and music focusing on creation, the environment, and our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.

Sunday April 13, 2008
5:15 p.m.
St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
3350 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588

www.stclarespleasanton.org

925-462-4802

FCCB Goes Local!

2008-02-27T13:18:00.001-08:00

The Climate Action Ministry Team at First Congregational Church of Berkeley (FCCB: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley) will be hosting a 100-mile potluck in the FCCB large assembly on Saturday March 8 at 5:30 pm. Most of our food travels hundreds if not thousands of miles before it reaches our plates. We challenge you to create a meal made with ingredients grown within 100 miles of your home. This is a challenge so don't feel bad if you can't do it. Prizes will be awarded to the best tasting dish with the most local ingredients.

Following the potluck, we will be showing the documentary film, "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire" at 7 pm on March 8. The threat of nuclear annihilation first brought the very real thought that humans could destroy the planet. While nuclear weapons are still a very real threat, we now face planetary crisis brought to us by climate change and resource depletion.

What a Way to Go looks at the current global situation and asks the most important questions of all:
· How did we get here?
· Why do we keep destroying the planet?
· What do we truly want?
· Can we find a vision that will empower us to do what is
necessary to survive, and even thrive, in the coming decades?

Join us for this powerful film followed by a short discussion.

The Future of the Earth's Climate: Frontiers in Forecasting

2008-02-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

Bill Collins
The Future of the Earth's Climate:
Frontiers in Forecasting
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Tuesday, April 8, 7:30PM

Leading climate modeler Bill Collins joined the Earth Sciences Division in April to form a new department dedicated to atmospheric and climate science. Collins is also teaching at UC Berkeley's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. At Berkeley Lab, he heads an initiative to create a new kind of climate model that integrates cutting-edge climate science. He'll discuss how observations show that the Earth is warming at a rate unprecedented in recent history, and that human-induced changes in atmospheric chemistry are probably the main culprits. Climate models suggest that patterns of global warming will amplify over the 21st century, impacting plants, animals, and society. Improvements in the scientific foundation of climate forecasts will require better observations and understanding of the carbon and hydrological cycles.

Dr. Collins is is a senior scientist and department head at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a Professor in residence with the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Collins is also a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado. He received his M.S. and Ph. D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1984 and 1988, respectively. His research has focused on the interactions of solar and terrestrial radiation with the climate system and on the implications of these interactions for present and future climate. He has authored or co authored 64 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and delivered over 60 invited presentations at scientific conferences, universities, laboratories, and colloquia. He has organized five and chaired nine international meetings on subjects spanning radiation and climate. Bill served as the chair of the scientific steering committee for the Community Climate System Model project from 2003 to 2005. He is currently a lead author and expert reviewer of the Fourth Assessment Report on the science of climate change commissioned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for which his team was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Location: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Drive, Orinda (Hwy 24, exit St. Stephens Drive). Contact: Barbara Bisel, Commission for the Environment, Diocese of California, 925-377-5953, bsmithbisel@cs.com.

Lester Brown at UU Riverside

2008-01-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008 the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside and the University of California, Riverside are hosting a talk by Lester Brown, Founder of Earth Policy Institute. The event will be held at the First Congregational Church located at the corner of Mission Inn Ave and Lemon Street in downtown Riverside at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Brown will be speaking on the major issues of sustainability raised in his just released book, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing To Save Civilization. His talk will be followed by time for some audience questions and an opportunity to purchase his book at the book-signing table.

There will be no admission charge and seating is on a first come basis. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Donations to cover costs and support other such public service programs will be appreciated. We expect a large crowd.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 951-682-1040.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of PG&E Corporation To Speak at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church

2008-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Peter Darbee, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of PG&E Corporation will speak on Climate Change: The Time is Now at the First Friday Forum (FFF) on February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments will be served at 1:00 p.m.

"We believe that the challenge of global warming is among the greatest threats mankind has ever faced," explains Darbee. "We’ve thrown our company’s weight behind state laws designed to fight climate change."

Darbee is also active on the national level and is a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill where he pushes for a nationwide system to limit the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for heating the planet.

"The United States is the world’s largest energy user and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It is also has the world’s wealthiest and most innovative economy. No other country bears a greater capacity to lead the global response on climate change," Darbee states.

Darbee comes with impressive credentials. He joined PG&E in 1999 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that he held high ranking positions at Advanced Fibre Corporation, Inc., Pacific Bell and Goldman Sachs, where he was Vice President and co-head of the company’s energy and telecommunications group.

A graduate of Dartmouth College, with an MBA from their Amos Tuck School of Business, Darbee also completed the Nuclear Reactor Technology Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"With climate change as one of the top issues in current public policy debates, the February 2 First Friday Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn and to have questions answered," says Caroline Giers, chair of the FFF committee. She also announces that Tom Vacar, Consumer Editor of KTVU/Fox2, will speak at the FFF, March 7 on Consumer Rights from Energy Prices to ID Theft.

For further information contact the church at (925) 283-8722.

An IPL nun blogs from Bali: Final thoughts

2007-12-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Friday:

From the Climate Action Network we learned that last night, Thursday here in Bali," the US made a last ditch attempt to block progress on the Bali roadmap by submitting a proposal to ditch the Kyoto Protocol and replace it with a non-binding bottom up, voluntary framework. This outrageous behaviour was met with stunned silence by the delegates.'" The Bush administration, it would seem, has once again totally abandoned what moral and legal obligations it may have.

In a hopeful move, óne by one, EU ministers are in line to boycott the MEM (a forum for major emitters organized by the Bush administration). The German Environment Minister, stated that "if Bali did not culminate in substantial progress, then the EU would boycott the Hawaii MEM in January, 2008. The world is asking for quantified emission reduction targets....which the US opposes.

We have no idea what is currently taking place behind closed doors...together we must send all good energy and prayers that hearts may be moved..and indeed substantial, critical issues addressed in this convention. We must move forward as ONE EARTH COMMUNITY.

______________

Saturday:

This is Saturday, the 15th here in Bali. Negotiations continued through the night into early morning. There will be a plenary this morning to hopefully make the final decisions. It appears there are two main issues to agree on:

-Mitigation levels for developing countries. These are conditions for adataptation funds

-Whether or not the specific targets for emission level reductions are included.

One member of the US negotiating delegation has been reported to say: (quote is not exact) "we know that the EU is doing what they can to reduce CO2 emissions...and we in the US are very dedicated!"

We shall see what develops. I leave for the airport in minutes...and will stay in touch when I return to Oregon.

In the meantime...let us continue in our efforts towards creating a movement among the faith communities...a movement towards a more stable, just, compassionate EARTH Community.

Sincerely, with hope

Sr. Pat Nagle

An IPL Nun Blogs From Bali: Al Gore Speaks!

2007-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Hello to all,

Greetings from Bali on this, the final day of the 2007 UNFCCC.

We are all waiting to see what the final rush in deliberations will produce.

Last evening, Al Gore spoke to a more than capacity crowd in the Plenary Hall. He did not hold back and strongly criticized the US Government for their lack of cooperation: "My own country is responsible for obstructing the process here in Bali." Stating that we are at a time of great need, he said, "you need to act with certainty. . .and move forward in spite of the obstacle."

He suggested that the framers of the final papers leave a blank space in the document and write around it adding a footnote explaining the space! Needless to say he received a spontaneous round of applause.

Actually, I felt that Mr. Gore spoke with such heart last night. He said over and over that the issue of climate change and our response is a moral issue, and that this requires a shift in our thinking and in our hearts.

He emphasized:

"We must remember that WE ARE ONE. We have the capacity to strip away the externals and to get to the core...we can and will rise up to meet the central crisis.'"

What is the spark that will set aflame our moral imagination and lead us in designing a new future for our common EARTH HOME?

I hope to have more to share later in the day. Until then, thank you for your commitment to a more sustainable EARTH COMMUNITY.

In solidarity,

Sr. Pat Nagle, IHM

N.B. I cannot locate right now my exact notes from a side event I attended yesterday sponsored by the IPCC and the IEA (Internattional Agency). In the report from the latter organization, strong evidence is supported on energy efficiency as a major reductor of CO2 emissions. The presenter stated that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of energy conservation measures....they DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! So, gratitude to each IPL organization and your efforts to encourage energy conservation in your communities of faith.

An IPL Nun Blogs the Bali Climate Change Convention

2007-12-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Bali Time: Thursday, December 13

It is a remarkable experience to be here and to literally feel the energy from around the world as we come together to address our response to the defining issue of our time: climate change. Here we see efforts to address our concerns and to strengthen our bonds across international borders as we face the needs of our common EARTH HOME.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was the opening of the high-level negotiations. This means it is the time when the heads of governments arrive and speak on the issue, and work towards decisions that will move us toward a more sustainable EARTH community. Each speaker yesterday from around the world spoke of the absolute necessity of ALL countries cooperating in the decision making process. Many spoke of being motivated by our responsibility to care for creation, the most vulnerable and future generations. It was clear, without mentioning the United States directly, that each speaker was indeed saying to the United States: you need to be a cooperative party in the negotiations.

So far, I can say that the United States has taken positions far from the key essential elements of the framework: transfer of technology to developing countries to assist in adapting to climate change; and adaptation -- that is the allocation of funds for developing countries. Climate Action Network, an excellent international educational, lobbying organization says: "the US said technology needs an assessment to 'figure out what the situation is in developing countries and the US rejects 'sufficient, predictable and additional funding' to assist developing countries as they adapt to climate change. Also the US has said that this Conference is "not a sustainable development convention."

Senator John Kerry was here this week and speaks of the movement on the local levels in the US to adopt the Kyoto Protocol and also the support that is emerging from the private sector to urge the US government to set definite emission reduction target numbers (also opposed by the US). Today, Al Gore will speak.

With all the disappointment in our US government, I have great hope when I meet folks from around the world who appreciate what the "locals"are doing in the US. with their efforts and ours...from organizations like IPL, we will continue our work for a healthier, more sustainable EARTH community. This is where my hope rests..for the moment.

I am grateful to represent Interfaith Power and Light and ultimately all of you...together we are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM serves as Co-Chair of Oregon Interfaith Power and Light. She is attending the UN FRamework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia as a member of the Delegation from the World Council of Churches.

CNN features Interfaith Power and Light president

2007-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Rev. Sally Bingham talks about how she went back to school -- at age 51 -- so that she could have the knowledge to make the connection between ecology and faith. Since then her work has spread, this year reaching a new high with 25 state Interfaith Power and Light chapters.

How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change a Christian?

2007-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL SPEAKER EVENT, Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm: Claire Foster and David Shreeve discuss How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Christian? Aiming to counter the idea that stark warnings on climate change seem too colossal for individuals to make any real difference, the booklet argues that Christians not only can have an impact by adapting their lifestyle, but actually have a moral duty to do so.

Claire Foster is national policy adviser on environmental issues for the Church of England, and David Shreeve is co-founder of The Conservation Foundation and environmental adviser to the Church of England. Also speaking will be Bishop Marc Andrus and Rev. Sally Bingham, President of California Interfaith Power and Light and The Regneration Project, and winner of the 2007 EPA Climate Change Citizen of the Year Award. The event, which is being underwritten by PG&E, includes a reception, and also presentation of the first Commission for the Environment Award for the Episcopal diocese of California. RSVPs are encouraged. Contact: Barbara Bisel, 377-5953, bsmithbisel@cs.com.

Help Interfaith Power and Light Support Robust CAFE Standards

2007-11-01T15:36:00.001-07:00

Finally, America has an Energy Bill that contains significant provisions to curb greenhouse gases. In June the Senate passed a bill requiring a significant increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles – 35 mpg by 2020. And in August the House passed an Energy Bill setting a standard that electric utilities must obtain 15 per cent of their power from clean, renewable sources—such as the wind and sun.

Despite the strong words of Rep. Markey, chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, the Energy Bill has not become law yet, and that's why Congress needs to hear from you.

Now, the two versions of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 must be reconciled and passed in both houses. Unfortunately, the auto and oil industries are lobbying hard to keep these two critical provisions out of the final legislation. Recently, CNN Money reported:

A key battle will be a proposed increase in vehicle fuel-efficiency standards. Backed by powerful Detroit automakers such as Ford Motor, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corp., Rep. John Dingell, D- Mich., won a crucial skirmish last month when higher fuel standards were dropped from the House energy bill. The Senate has backed tougher fuel standards, which could prevail if Dingell is outnumbered by influential lawmakers who support fuel efficiency.

Key leaders in Congress are requesting the support of the Interfaith Power and Light community in helping to sway undecided members.

Please lend your support on behalf of the IPL Network: HERE

Upcoming Events in SoCal: October-November 2007

2007-10-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

October 27th, Orange County Interfaith Coalition on the Environment's Caring for Creation Conference. www.ocice.org.

Monday October 29th, at 7:30PM, CIPL presents the Appalachian Treasures Project at Hollywood Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Appalachian Treasures Project is an educational program about mountaintop removal, an extreme form of coal strip mining. The Appalachian Voices presentation will be followed by a discussion of local solutions to global warming. www.appvoices.org www.iLoveMountains.org

Saturday, November 10, 2007, 1 – 5 p.m.“Global Warming Made Visible” Renowned American photojournalist Gary Braasch will present on “Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World.” Shumei Hall,2430 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91107.

November 11-12, 2007, Interfaith Call to Justice Conference at Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. The Interfaith Call to Justice: LA 2007 is a two-day social justice training and community strategy planning conference including a panel on Faith and the Environment. http://www.call-to-justice.org/

President Evo Morales on Global Warming

2007-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Polar Bears and Climate Change

2007-09-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

A short clip from our friends at the Poles.

Solar Electricity for the Developing World

2007-09-18T12:03:00.001-07:00

Technical Training: "Solar Electricity for the Developing World"
Dates: Sept. 28-30
Length: Friday night 5-7PM and Sat./Sun. 9-5PM
Location: Oakland, CA
Venue: proudly held at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights -- http://ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=5
Facilitator: Green Empowerment -- http://www.greenempowerment.org/
Price: $250 for the 2.5 day training
Contact: Dexter Gauntlett or Jason Selwitz at (503) 284-5774
This course will be hands-on and cover the skills necessary to wire a solar system in the developing world. In addition, it will include information not usually discussed in other courses -- working with partner NGOs in other countries, considering cultural issues, identifying local stakeholders to operate and/or maintain the system, the logistics of procuring equipment, identifying possible productive uses (livelihood income) of the system in addition to lighting, and lessons from GE's experiences over the last 10 years.

Berkeley Friends Meeting: Follow-up Climate Change Sessions

2007-09-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Friends Meeting is sponsoring follow up sessions for the
spring climate change series (http://pathsoflight.us/musing/?p=255).

Karen Street will lead two follow up Q&A sessions to the spring series on climate change, plus a third session to help us clarify our responses. You can see the earlier presentations posted at http://strawberrycreek.quaker.org/links.html

Child care and hospitality are provided. Sessions are from 1 to 3 PM, 2151 Vine St. on the corner of Walnut.

The Science of Climate Change and Individual Reduction of Greenhouse
Gas Emissions-September 16 Session will focus on the science of climate change and what we can do to decrease our own greenhouse emissions. Karen will show a half hour presentation on climate change and what we can do to make a difference, followed by Q&A and discussion.

Policy and Technology Solutions to Climate Change-October 7 Karen will repeat her presentation on nuclear power. Q&A on policy and technology solutions will follow. Check out the policy/technology presentation posted at http://strawberrycreek.quaker.org/links.html, as this will not be repeated.

E-mail Biliana (biliana@stremska.com) if you have questions.

Cleaning up Eden: The Challenge of Climate Change (at First Pres. Palo Alto)

2007-09-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

This study group will learn the why’s and how’s of climate change to determine what we can do to bring about change on a personal, regional, national and denominational level.

We will examine the effects of climate change on our local area and learn about how carbon and fossil fuels affect climate. We will find out how to calculate our carbon footprint and discover ways to change habits at home and work to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions. We will explore regional problems and solutions and learn what the church is doing and can do in the future.

This course will educate, inspire, and help people find a way to reverse the direction of climate change.

Sept 16: An Inconvenient Truth Hits Home. Will Travis, Executive Director of BCDC (SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission), will present a slideshow and speak about the probable impact of climate change on the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sept 23: Carbonomics 1A. Mathis Wackernagel, coauthor of Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth, will discuss the role of carbon in global warming and the concept of ecological footprint.

Sept 30: Carbonomics 1B. Jennifer Martin, director at The Center for Resource Solutions, will help us understand such concepts as carbon offsets, carbon taxes, carbon auction, and cap and trade.

Oct 14: How is the Faith Community responding to the Challenge? Audrey de Coursey, from Interfaith Power and Light, will discuss their innovative programs.

Oct 21: How will we at First Pres respond to the Challenge? Michael Clossen from Acterra and members of the Cool Planet Working Group will lead focus groups on various directions our responses might take.

The study group will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto, at 9:30 am on the above dates.
The series is sponsored by the Cool Planet Working Group of First Presbyterian Church.
All are welcome.
For further information, please contact:
Susan Chamberlain at suschamberlain@hotmail.com.

Culver-Palms UMC supports Culver City adoption of U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement

2007-08-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 20, 2007, the Culver City Council will be considering the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement.
- - - - - -
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement has been signed by 648 mayors including 97 in California.Under the Agreement, participating cities pledge to take three actions:

1. Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and

2. Urge the U.S. Congress to 1) pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system and 2) set clear timetables and emissions limits; and

3. Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns.

Culver-Palms United Methodist Church has issued the following statement of support for the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement:

"Culver-Palms United Methodist Church has had a vocal and practical commitment to environmental stewardship over several decades. We have been gratified to partner with the city in recycling efforts, providing space for one of the city's recycling centers and being a site for the quarterly E-Waste Round-ups sponsored by the Department of Public Works. We have also been pleased to participate in the community-wide discussion of sustainability last May. Most recently, 14 persons from our congregation participated in the 5-week Sustainable Works Green Living workshop, taking stock of how we as households and as a church use water and energy, deal with chemicals and waste, use transportation and make shopping decisions as environmentally aware consumers.

We are convinced that our fragile environment will be restored not through technological fixes, but as the result of moral commitment and visionary leadership. We applaud the modest proposals in the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and stand ready to assist the city in following through on this commitment - (1) by keeping our own environmental house in order, (2) by being involved at the grass roots level in public information campaigns, and (3) by advocating for environmental faithfulness with state and federal legislators. I urge you to endorse this agreement."

For more information on the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement go to www.coolmayors.org.
For more information about ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection go to http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=1118.

Fox TV Channel Attacks the Environment

2007-08-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here, Robert Greenwald presents a succinct video analysis of Fox station's coordinated effort to discredit science and public policy efforts to turn back the effects of global climate change. (Example: "Al Gore on Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?") Sadly, California Interfaith Power & Light's religious response is still vital for us to unite in our common struggle against of global warming!

CIPL/The Regeneration Project now on YouTube!

2007-07-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

See the faces of CIPL at our new YouTube channel:

Click here to visit CIPL's online video wonderland!

Several of our videos spotlight the Rev. Sally Bingham, founder of CIPL’s national parent organization, The Regeneration Project. We will also be linking to interesting videos that relate to the mission of CIPL. If you find a great video that you think should be in our ‘favorites,’ drop us a line.

To see the rest of the video, order The Regeneration Project's film, Lighten Up! by clicking here.

Thanks for visiting!

CIPL to Co-Sponsor SF 'Live Earth' Event 7-7-07

2007-06-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

LIVE EARTH
www.liveearth.org
The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis

Global Broadcast
WebcastViewing Party & Networking Event
Saturday, July 7th, 11am - 7pm
@ Jillian's Video Cafe in San Francisco
101 4th Street & Howard in the Sony Metreon

Sponsoring organizations: Save The Earth Foundation, Sound Action, Unity Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, Green Century Institute, Friends of the Urban Forest, The Sierra Club, Global Citizen Center, Instituto Laboral de la Raza, Pacific Environment, California Interfaith Power and Light

Remember Last October? Gearing Up for Our Annual 'Spotlight on Global Warming'

2007-06-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Click here to see last year's press coverage of our Bay Area screenings of An Inconvenient Truth , and please be on the lookout for your chance to sign-up to screen a new film this fall!

Contra Costa Times Coverage: Faiths Take Legal Fight to Automakers

2007-06-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's been four years since a coalition of religious environmentalists pricked the consciences of the faithful by asking, "What would Jesus drive?"

East Bay clergy members not only have guessed Jesus would drive a hybrid, they also have gone a step further since that 2003 personal challenge to "walk the walk and drive the talk."

They have taken the lead in a legal showdown over a law that would direct automakers to produce only fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Automakers Alliance, and primarily Toyota, sued in 2004 to stop the state from implementing AB1493, dubbed the Clean Car Bill. It became law in 2002 but has yet to be implemented. It requires manufacturers to use the most feasible and cost-effective methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

California Interfaith Power and Light, a faith-based environmental organization based in Oakland, supported the law and is urging the manufacturers to drop their lawsuit.

"It's shocking that they would be blocking a bill that would take all necessary steps to apply (clean air) standards," said Jessica Brown, outreach director of the group.

Interfaith Power and Light's goal is to encourage California's 50,000 congregations to adopt sustainable energy practices, and in turn to urge their congregants to do the same. The organization also sounds the drum on global warming.

The organization is rallying its more than 460 member congregations to weigh in by today, when a pretrial conference will be held..

Brown finds a particular irony in Toyota's attack on the bill since so many faith leaders drive a Prius, an energy-efficient hybrid car manufactured by the company.

"We have this DVD that shows how to cut greenhouse gases, and it shows (the Rev.) Sally Bingham driving her Prius," Brown said. "Now they are coming in the back door supporting General Motors and Daimler-Chrysler."

The Rev. Will McGarvey of Community Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg owns two Priuses.

"I wrote a letter today myself to the CEO of Toyota," McGarvey said. "We buy based on fuel efficiency but also being real low emitters. My being a Presbyterian influences that. We ask (congregants) questions about how our faith informs our lives every week, whether we are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim. We are a special part of the creation, but we are not more important than it."

In a letter, faith leaders urged Toyota, as the world's largest automaker, to "play a leadership role in the greatest moral dilemma of our time: the race to stop the catastrophic damage that is being done to our sacred planet and its citizens by global warming."

Supporting creation requires steps both protective and remedial, said the Rev. Phil Brochard of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek, who bikes to work twice a week and drives a Honda hybrid on his visits to congregants.

"It's more than a matter of personal conscience," he said. "It's part of our duty to make an impact."

In California, more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from motor vehicles. The California Air Resources Board says the technological changes advocated in the bill would save consumers millions of dollars in damage to the environment, particularly in threats to the water supply. But it faced steep opposition from industry.

Automakers argued that it is the province of the federal government, not states, to regulate emissions.

And they said they are already making energy-efficient cars.

Sales figures show consumers have snapped up a record number of alternative-fuel cars in the first quarter of 2007, according to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. Sales of hybrid vehicles increased by more than 30 percent from the same period last year, rising from 51,285 to 74,056.

Representatives of Toyota did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

But a spokesman for the auto industry said there's no chance the litigants will drop their lawsuit.

"Not possible," said Charles Territo, speaking for the American Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

"I am not aware of any faiths that don't believe the environment is important or of any automakers who don't believe the environment is important," he said. "There is no health or environmental benefit that would come as the result of adopting these standards."

Automakers also challenged a Vermont clean car bill based on California's. The case went to trial, but the judge has yet to issue a ruling.

In September, then-Attorney General Bill Lockyer sued the six largest automakers in the United States, claiming greenhouse gas missions from the vehicles they produce have cost millions of dollars in damage.

Religious leaders have played an increasingly vocal role in the attempt to craft public policy on environmental protection. Last week, prominent clerics from four faiths urged a Senate committee to regulate the greenhouse gases that bring about global warming.

"Some folks get tied up on the global warming piece, whether it is human made or not," McGarvey said. "For me, the issue is climate change. If we can preclude it, why wouldn't we?"

Rebecca Rosen Lum covers religion. Reach her at 925-977-8506 or rrosenlum@cctimes.com.

See the full text of the article HERE

CIPL Clergy/Religious Leaders Sign On Letter to Toyota Motors, PLEASE READ!

2007-06-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yuki Funo
CEO of Toyota Motor North America

Jim Press
President

Patricia Salas Pineda
Group Vice President and General Counsel of Toyota Motor North America

Dear Toyota Motors:

As representatives from many faith traditions, we ask that Toyota withdraw its lawsuit opposing AB 1493, California’s landmark law to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.

We urge that Toyota, the world’s largest automobile manufacturer, play a leadership role in the greatest moral dilemma of our time: the race to stop the catastrophic damage that is being done to our sacred planet and its citizens by global warming.

Never before in our history has a generation been faced with a challenge of such magnitude and moral consequence as the one before us today.

The scientific debate on global warming is over. The threat is real, and the consequences of inaction could be devastating beyond anything in human history. Rising oceans, monstrous hurricanes and searing heat waves, severe water and crop shortages, global famine and massive population displacement, an end to life on earth as we know it, is what science warns us awaits if we stand idly by and do nothing.

Thankfully, science also tells us that we have not yet reached our global tipping point. There is still a small window of time left in which we can and must act, in which we can and must significantly reduce the causes of global warming, namely, the emission of greenhouse gases.

In California, over 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come directly from the vehicles we drive. AB 1493 simply requires that all auto manufacturers use the most feasible and cost-effective reductions for greenhouse gas emissions for cars and trucks. According to the California Air Resources Board, which is charged with implementing AB 1493, the average consumer will actually save money because of these technology improvements.

But our reason for our appeal is much more than just money. Every major religious faith calls on its believers to be faithful stewards of Creation, the web of life that surrounds us, and binds us to each other and to our planet. We all have a moral responsibility to protect Creation to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our children and the generations that follow.

As clergy and other religious leaders, we are educating our congregations about the dangers of global warming and our moral responsibility to protect Creation. Here in California, over 450 congregations of all faiths have committed to taking action by joining California Interfaith Power and Light (CIPL). Nationally, we are over 4,000 congregations strong and growing. Every day, more and more people of faith are realizing that we all have a moral responsibility to act now to save our planet.

As the worlds’ largest car manufacturer, Toyota can make a world of difference. Please withdraw from your lawsuit against the citizens of California. Instead of being an impediment to a global solution, we urge you to use your engineers and your technological leadership to be a positive force in solving the moral challenge of our lifetime.

In good faith,

INSERT YOUR SIGNATURE HERE by sending us your

1. Name
2. Religious Affiliation
3. Congregation/Organization
4. City/Region in California

Thank you for all your support! For questions call 510-444-4078 x 319.

CIPL's NEW Solar Financing Guide!

2007-05-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

Without further delay, we are proud to present our new Solar Financing Guide for Congregations!

Thanks to all our members who contributed and please feel free (as always) to call in with questions.

Please download it
HERE.

CIPL Covenant Now Available in Spanish

2007-05-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hi All-
You can now find our CIPL Covenant online in Spanish! Click HERE to download and print the covenant. Please call our office with any questions you may have: 510-444-4078 x319, or email Jessica.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Tuolumne County: Climate Discussion

2007-05-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Video: Dr. Sleeth's Berkeley Stop on CIPL Tour

2007-05-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Click on the above video to see evangelical environmentalist Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth give his CIPL sponsored talk to the Graduate Theological Union's Beatitudes Society.

Earth Day events at St. Stephen’s Church in Orinda

2007-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

On April 22, 2007, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Orinda, California honored our blessed “island home” with a beautiful Creation-centered worship service. The liturgy was based on the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer, and Father Lawrence Hunter delivered an inspiring sermon. As he explained,

“The care of creation, the quest for sustainability, the push for renewal, is not just an economic
or political issue. We can argue about economics or politics. The care of creation is, at its core,
a theological issue. About this there can be little debate. We Christians assert that God
is the agent of creation, that all of creation “belongs” to God, and that we are created and called to be stewards of creation. It goes to the heart of our theology that we are to take care of that which God has entrusted to us.”

His complete sermon can be found at: http://www.ststephensorinda.org/Sermons/April222007.htm

The service set the stage for a variety of activities in which both youth and adults participated. During the coffee hour following the service, the Caring for Creation committee organized a number of educational exhibits and provided information and resource guides designed to inform parishioners about how they can better “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”
Numerous cleaning and other home products that are made from recycled, organic or biodegradable materials were on display.
Practical tips about composting and organic gardening were also provided. In a very creative initiative, St. Stephen’s is working with a local bank to develop low-cost means for financing home solar power systems, and bank representatives were on hand to discuss this exciting program.

Children celebrated the occasion by planting seeds in nifty biodegradable peat pots, releasing hundreds of ladybugs, and entering into Care for the Earth contracts.

St. Stephens is taking tangible steps to address the impact of our daily activities on our beloved Earth home.
Beginning on Earth Day,
· Church members have already purchased nearly 200 St. Stephen’s cloth grocery bags made from Ecospun, a fabric composed entirely of recycled soda bottles. Use of these cloth bags could save up to 175,000 paper or plastic grocery bags. Proceeds from these sales will benefit California Interfaith Power and Light;
· Several dozen families have already taken the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge, whereby they have agreed to begin replacing home light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones. We are on our way to reach our goal of 200 homes; at the present pace, St. Stephen’s parishioners would save more than 60,000 kWh of energy, thousands of dollars in energy
costs, and prevent nearly 100,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions; and
· More than 100 “personal cloths” were distributed (with the Caring for Creation logo) and are now being used by people in lieu of paper towels.

For more information about the efforts of St. Stephen’s Earth Day and related activities, please contact Barbara Bisel (925- 377-5953, or BSmithBisel@cs.com) or me, Richard Severy (925-283-2950, or severyfamily@comast.net)

News from Unity in Marin's Sustainability Team

2007-05-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Unity In Marin presents a series about our spiritual connection with the earth and each other and how we can work together toward sustainability – balancing the environment, the economy and social justice. We are living in a cultural dream that says we are separate from the earth and each other, that the earth’s bounty is here for us to use without consequence. We must wake up to the truth that everything is connected and that what we do to the earth and each other, we do to ourselves.

Sunday, May 6, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Workshop, Children and Nature: Awakening a Sense of Wonder
This workshop is for parents, grandparents and just anyone who loves children. Following a film narrated by Dr. Jane Goodall, guest speaker David Haskell, Director of Garden of Eatin’, will speak about “Raising Healthy Children, Naturally.” Bring a favorite food for a potluck at 10:30 or just come for the 11:00 program. Daycare provided. $5-10 suggested donation.

Sunday Service, May 20, 9:30 & 11:15 am
Awakening the Dreamer
Guest speaker Bruce Thompson will talk about awakening from the trance of the modern world, which is a root cause of our environmental and social justice crisis and is the most important work of our time. Staying awake through this shift in consciousness is our ultimate challenge. Bruce will show us how, with open hearts and minds, we can take positive actions that sustain the earth community and satisfy our spiritual longings.

Sunday, May 20, 1:30 -5:30 pm
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
This half-day program developed by the Pachamama Alliance considers humanity’s options for the future of our world, and the links between environmental sustainability, social fairness, and spiritual awareness. With a combination of speakers and beautifully presented videos, this program invites our wisdom and commitment to become freshly engaged with these concerns. Please register in advance. Call Tamra Peters at (415) 457-7656. Suggested donation for the event is $15.00. Make checks payable to Unity In Marin and mail to 166 Greenwood Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901. An organic box lunch from Good Earth can be ordered by no later than Wednesday, May 16 for an additional $15.

Sunday Service, May 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am
The Poetic Cosmos
Forming a sustainable worldview will require immense human creativity, grounded in the core creative force of the cosmos. This service will celebrate that creativity through poetry, music and art. Guest speaker Drew Dellinger, a spoken word poet, teacher and activist, will join with Unity musicians to awaken our hearts and call forth the creativity needed in each of us to fashion a new vision of caring for all creation and all people. Artwork from the “Artfully Reclaimed” show at the Novato Arts Center Gallery will be on display in the sanctuary.

Monday, June 4, 7:15– 9:15 pm
Workshop, Living Sustainably: What You & Your Family Can Do
Given the spiritual calling to take responsibility for our planet, what can we do in our homes, schools, workplaces, communities and daily lives to make the “dream” of living sustainably begin to come true? A panel will offer practical suggestions about green building, organic foods, zero waste, cutting energy, green transportation, conserving water, and community involvement. Break-out groups with panelists will follow. Panelists: John Shurtz, Green Builders of Marin; David Haskell, Zero Waste and Garden of Eatin’; John Schlag, Sustainable Marin; Wendi Kallins, Marin Safe Routes to School; Kiki La Porta, Sustainable Marin; Ed Mainland, Sustainable Novato. Suggested donation: $10.

Media Coverage for Dr. Sleeth's Upcoming Tour!

2007-04-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Click below to see Dr. Sleeth's media coverage in Monterey:
Sleeth.Article.doc

Please scroll down to see Dr. Sleeth's speaking schedule in California.

The Planet is an Ark: Sample Global Warming Sermon

2007-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

More sample sermons HERE.

By: The Rev. Dr. David Thompson
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento

Texts:

“Noah was a good man, a man of integrity among his contemporaries and he walked with God.”

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”

Last Sunday after church I drove to San Francisco. Just before the tunnel that leads to the Golden Gate Bridge I saw what to me what was a first. I saw a waterfall of fog racing down the mountainsides. It was incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring. Then we plunged into the tunnel and came out the other side into a wall of fog. The Golden Gate Bridge was covered with fog so that I had to take the bridge on faith because I could see no supports. Amazing!

Gary Cox and I were talking about the power of nature recently and he said:

“Earthquakes are very exciting to experience, providing they don’t kill you!”

Nature is enormously powerful. Consider this:

An article from the associated press of the 12th of July 06 asks us to imagine an ancient cataclysmic event: “ Picture an ice dam 30 miles wide, forming a lake 2000 feet deep and 200 miles long stretching from the Idaho panhandle into Western Montana, containing more water than Lake Erie and Lake Ontario combined.

Now picture that dam giving way, the water thundering out in 48 hours, through four states, across Washington and into the Pacific.

These cataclysmic events, called the Missoula floods, took place when the world was warming at the end of the last ice age, 14,000 years ago. The biggest scientifically documented floods ever, they left canyons, valleys, lakes and ridges that still dominate the terrain today, some so dramatic they can be seen from space.”

Biblical scholars tell us that the Noah flood story began its life as the Gilgamesh Sumerian flood story of Utnapishtim. In this story the Gods decided to send a flood upon earth. But the God Ea decided to save his favorite Utnapishtim who he commissioned to build a boat which he entered with his family and a number of animals. The storm raged for six days and all human beings were destroyed. On the seventh day Utnapishtim sent out three birds. The first two, a dove and a swallow returned to him but the third, a raven, did not. Whereupon Utnapishtim released the animals and departed the ship making a sacrifice to the Gods who smelled the goodly savor.

Scholars think that this is the story that the godly Yahwist writer known as J inherited. We have J’s account and a priestly account fused together in Genesis chapter six.

What interests me about the Biblical narrative is what the Biblical writers do with it. To them it is not a story of capricious gods deciding to flood the earth. J thinks that the problem behind the flood is human caused. For him it is the problem of human violence.

Human beings wickedness has affected the whole of creation and for better or worse the destiny of the animals is now associated with that of human beings.
Scholars further think that the Biblical flood story was a refection of an historical event or events. There is evidence in the valley of the Euphrates and Tigris of massive inundation around 7000 BCE. Tradition enlarged these inundations to that of a world wide flood. In a BBC documentary called Noah’s Flood the fact of the Black sea being inundated is recorded. The Black sea flood has remarkable parallels with the Gilgamesh flood epic. William Ryan and Walter Pitman of Columbia University argue that the Mediterranean sea had dried up and filled up a dozen times in a million years. It is 16,000 feet deep in parts and in dry periods was probably a desert floor. They see at Gibraltar a prehistoric waterfall with a volume of 100 Victoria Falls or a thousand Niagaras lasting for 100 years. The Black Sea used to be a fresh water lake. At 110 meters down in the Black Sea today we can see ancient beaches of the former fresh water lake.

When I study this information and see a movie like Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth which talks about the break up of the last ice age due to warming and the present melting of the ice caps in the artic and Greenland or read a great book like The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery, I become aware of the power of nature and how fragile our existence here is. The melting of the polar ice caps and the loss of the Greenland sheet will devastate the earth.

For the last ten thousand years we have experienced a period of stability on Earth. I personally think that this has come about due to the climate ameliorating affect of plants. I think that there is a lot to the James Lovelock thesis of Gaia.

Some of you will know that I studied the British Industrial revolution’s impact on the British landscape. I did so from theological perspectives to see what ethics drove that revolution.

Back then there was tremendous optimism, a belief that the resources of the planet were endless, that human beings were to conquer and exploit nature for our own good. Human beings were central and we dominated the planet with our values. I heard very little about stewardship and a lot about development, progress, dominating nature and making nature serve us as the pan dominant species. “Where there is muck there is money” was a phrase. In London street sweepers would sweep up the soot, which fell like snow every night. The Thames had so much sewage in it that the birds could walk across it on the sewage and the stench was so bad that the Houses of Parliament hung sheets soaked in lye at the windows to cut down on the odor. Sunshine days in London were incredibly few because of the smog. Fish entering the Thames had difficulty surviving passing over the cyanide lying at the mouth of this great river.

I am not out today to list the calamities that we face as a planet. You can do that homework better than I. But I am concerned that I find things in common both in the Noah story and Global warming of the planet and the value system of the British Industrial Revolution, a value system adopted almost throughout the world today under the doctrine of development and progress.

Let me begin with the Noah story. The J writer sees that human behavior has affected the whole of creation and the destiny of humans and animals are linked together. The Global warming climate change thesis does exactly the same thing. The climate change we are experiencing is human caused due to the massive burning of fossil fuels. The carbon we emit is long lasting. The carbon we emitted in the Industrial revolution is still with us. By 2030 experts estimate there will be 70% more carbon emitted than there is today which will last for centuries in the environment…

In the Noah story the writer charts a way out of the catastrophe. Noah is to build an ark to save himself and all the animals. Noah is pictured as a good man, a man of integrity among his contemporaries, someone who walked with God. Noah labors to build this ark because he knows that this is God’s will. Noah knows that God is displeased with the level of violence on earth. The only thing Noah can do is build an ark. He cannot get through to his contemporaries and get them to stop their violence. Jesus comments on Noah’s problem when he says that “in those days before the flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing until the flood came and swept them all away.”

This is the Noah problem. He can see the way forward, he can see the dangers but no one believes him until it is too late.

Before the Second World War very few people in England believed Churchill when he talked about the menace of Nazi Germany. For years he was in the wilderness and publicly and continually vilified.

But when Hitler began to invade the rest of Europe suddenly Churchill was the only man to turn to as a leader.

I believe that we are watching something very similar in America with Al Gore. Gore is ‘on mission’ he says about climate change. He has been on this subject for a long time before he ran for the Presidency of the United States. In this aspect there is a similarity between Al Gore and Noah. Noah was about to experience catastrophe. Nobody believed him. Al Gore has had the same experience of rejection and so he has gone on a mission to try to build an ark in the form of a movie documentary. He has built well. Scientists have said that he has the science right in his movie. What is the ark we need to build today?

For me the ark we need to build is to embrace reality as it is on this planet. It is to believe the science and act accordingly.

If the Old Testament writer known as J were around today he would deplore the violence we have on this planet. He would not be amused with what is happening in the Middle East. Not only are we violent with each other in war after war, act of terror after act of terror, we are also violent with the earth herself. I read a heart warming story this week from China where hydro engineers were abducted by villagers because they were surveying an area to inundate a large beautiful valley for hydro electric power. The villagers were all to lose their homes that had been theirs for generations. The villagers through this bold tactic got the Chinese government to delay the project. But as China seeks more electric power that is clean, the project at Tiger Leaping Gorge will become justified as a necessity. It is likely to be the same the world over, project by project we will keep on developing the world with the same values of ‘progress’ believed in since the Industrial revolution.

Because of those values, because of human greed, because of special interest, because we say it will cost too much, because we will not limit human population, because we will not cap green house emissions, because we are exploring for more oil and fossil fuels, because we think that the world is just for human beings, we are likely to continue with business as usual. As it was in the days of Noah before the flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands right up to the day that Noah went into the ark and they suspected nothing till the flood came and swept them all away…

I am hopeful that I am sounding a lot like Noah. What I want to say is this; Climate change is coming and it will be devastating. What do we do about this?
Build an ark. Here are the building materials:
1) Scientific information. We need to support our climate scientists in every way possible.
2) The problem of violence across our world is preoccupying us and blinding us and removing the resources we will need to save the planet. Global warming is far more important than the war on terror in terms of its consequences. Terror is closer to a police action rather than an exercise in military might. We must become peace makers as Jesus said. Pre-occupying ourselves with the war on terror when it is not our major problem will be disastrous.
3) We must overhaul the value system behind our development models. To do this we must listen to the earth and find out what values will really sustain the planet. That is why we need our scientists and environmentalists and our ethicists. They must become our leaders.
4) According to Tim Flannery we must commit ourselves to the following goals:
* Eliminate household emissions from electricity,
* Install a solar hot water system (up to 30% reduction in household emissions),
* Install solar panels,
* Use energy efficient appliances ( up to 50% reduction in household emissions),
* Use a triple A rated showerhead ( up to 12% reduction in household emissions),
* Use energy efficient light bulbs ( up to 10% reduction in household emissions),
* Make your next car a hybrid ( up to 70% reduction in transport emissions),
* Walk cycle or take public transport,
* Calculate your carbon footprint,
* Suggest a carbon workplace audit ( up to 30% reduction in emissions),
* Write to a politician asking about their personal carbon emission reductions.
* Politically we must achieve decarbonizing of the Power grid. This is the single most important area with transport next.
* We must use the wind and the sun and geothermal power.

Iceland is leading the way for zero carbon emission because its government has this as a policy and because they are into the development of the hydrogen fuel cell and have abundant geothermal and hydro energy to create hydrogen with. Iceland intends to power all vehicles and her fleet with hydrogen.

Denmark has taken wind power generation up to 20% of their electrical generation. We can do the same or more. We need to avoid nuclear power until the following problems are solved: What to do about the waste, the costs of over two billion for each reactor, fifteen years to construct them, the problem of terrorism and bombs.

If the Biblical writer J was around today he would deplore our violence. As I was listening to NPR this week with the reports from Gaza someone said to me: “It is just horrible. There seems to be no way to get it stopped short of a catastrophe.” I heard in those words an echo from J. In the text with which we began we read that every imagination of the thoughts of human beings was only evil continually. The word in Hebrew for imagination is yecer. It is used with this meaning in only five places in the Old Testament. The Rabbis have picked up on this and there is extensive commentary on the word yecer. The Jews thought that the origin of evil in creation came from human beings. The problem lies in our imagination. It is often argued that this beautiful planet would be just fine without us. Nature would be in balance and coping well with the stressors that strike the planet. If the Hebrews were right what is it about us that is flawed? Its our imagination. Sin is the result of us fixing our imaginations on ourselves or some other person or thing short of God. In Isaiah 26 the word yecer is used again in the verse “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (meaning unharmed and in well being) whose mind (yecer) is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in thee.”

The problem behind all our problems is a failure to trust deeply in the God who made us all. We need to take our imaginations off ourselves and focus them on God who is revealed to us as love. Love of ourselves, our neighbor and of all creation would preserve the earth for future generations. This is the only concept ark that will sail the seas of the future. It is the absolute opposite of violence that will lead inexorably to catastrophe.

What hope is there that we can build this ark? That is not the question. It is a moral imperative that we try. Millions of people are projected to die unnecessarily particularly along the coastal areas of the world where most people live as sea levels rise and climate becomes ever more violent. But if we build a reality ark of values that will sustain the earth we will perhaps with God’s help be able to save creation. And one day we will open the window and the dove will fly back to us with a green branch in its mouth…

Updates: Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth's Speaking Tour

2007-04-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

California Interfaith Power and Light
presents
Earth Day Speaker

Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth, MD
Author of “Serve God, Save the Planet”
Come hear this acclaimed speaker and author on his California book tour
April 22-29, 2007

Schedule of Events:

Northern California events:
Contact jessica@interfaithpower.org

Sunday, April 22nd Los Gatos, 2:30 pm
Los Gatos United Methodist Church—Santa Clara County Council of Churches
111 Church Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Monday, April 23rd Monterey, 7:00pm
First Presbyterian Church of Monterey
501 El Dorado Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Tuesday, April 24th Sonoma, 7:00pm
First Congregational Church of Sonoma
Burlingham Hall
276 W. Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476

Wednesday, April 25th Sacramento, 12:00
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1300 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Berkeley, 6:00pm
Pacific School of Religion—Beatitudes Society
101 Mudd Hall
1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709

Southern California events:
Contact: mike@interfaithpower.org

Thursday, April 26th Santa Monica, 7:00pm
St. Augustine’s by the Sea
1227 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Friday, April 27th Long Beach, 7:00pm
Saint Luke's Episcopal Church
525 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90813

Saturday, April 28th Costa Mesa, 7:00pm
Fairview Community Church
2525 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Sunday, April 29th Culver City, 9:00am and 10:45am
Culver Palms United Methodist Church
4464 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230

www.servegodsavetheplanet.org www.interfaithpower.org

Screening of The Great Warming in Sacramento

2007-04-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Great Warming, an 82-minute film produced by Stonehaven Productions of Canada, will be shown on a large screen on Wednesday, April 11th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Goethe Hall at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento.

The film (with an appearance by upcoming California Interfaith Power and Light guest Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth--see the date/time of his April Sacramento visit as well) highlights efforts of the evangelical Christian community to respond to climate change.

Goethe Hall is located at 1723 L St., between 17th and 18th Streets. Flat rate parking is available for $2 in the public lot on 17th between L and Capitol. Mark Carlson, California Interfaith Power & Light Steering Committee member and Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy, is hosting the film along with the Social Issues Forum of St. John's Lutheran Church. For more information: 916-447-6666 or try lutheranadvocate@earthlink.net.

SF Power's Demand-Response Program

2007-04-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Get paid to flip a switch! Help the state avoid electricity blackouts and reduce polluting air and greenhouse gas emissions. Several churches and synagogues throughout the Bay Area have already enrolled in this innovative program; why don't you?
To enroll click HERE .

News from 'Cool Planet' Working Group: First Presbyterian Palo Alto

2007-03-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Cool Planet Working Group at First Pres. Palo Alto is primarily focused on trying to green our facility. However, another ongoing task we've taken on is a column in our monthly church newsletter called "One habit at a time: tips on gradually changing to a more sustainable lifestyle." Here is the first column:

In Advent many of you tried Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. This month we’re asking you to consider those oh-so-convenient plastic water bottles. Can we be hydrated and environmentally-friendly too?!
Consider the following: Article from the UK Independent .

Many environmentalists are questioning whether we need to be buying so many products in the first place, and say bottled water is a case in point. One recent study by the US-based Earth Policy Institute estimated that bottled water is 10,000 times more environmentally damaging than tap water because of the effort involved in extraction, packaging and transportation. The US's second most imported brand, Fiji, is shipped around the world from the middle of the South Pacific. Yet global sales of bottled water have leapt by 57 per cent in a decade, to 154 billion litres in 2004.

"Why not drink from the tap?" suggested Anna Watson, of Friends of the Earth. "We should celebrate the fact that we have fantastic drinking water in this country. We ask: do you need that product and do you need that packaging?"

Even if we recycle and occasionally reuse these bottles, they are still costly to the environment.

Consider switching to refillable hard-plastic or lightweight stainless steel containers. There are some health concerns about certain plastics, especially after they’ve been in the dishwasher see Article from the Sierra Club . We’re recommending the following alternative, available from KLEAN KANTEEN and tested by Susan Chamberlain and family!

Product Features:
-Durable, ultralight electropolished #304 stainless steel
-Toxin-free and non-leaching, clean tasting (hot or cold)
-Bottle is dishwasher safe
-Available in varying sizes and with various tops

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalists on Global Warming and Water in California

2007-03-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Social Action Committee at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church is holding three Thursday evening talks from 7 to 8:30pm about water concerns in California. One event in particular addresses global warming:

April 12 -- Bruce Riordan (who was trained by Al Gore) will talk about Climate Change and how that affects California water.

Suggested donation $5-10.

Please send Dee Simmons an email: deesimmons@sbcglobal.net if you plan to attend and feel free to share this information with friends.

Directions to the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church:

Our addresss is:
55 Eckley Lane,
Walnut Creek, California
925-934-3135

(South of Ygnacio Valley Road and east of downtown Walnut Creek)

We are located just off of the intersection of Walnut Blvd. (not Ave.) and Walker Ave., about a mile east of the center of Walnut Creek. If you come east on Mt. Diablo Blvd, continue (it changes names to Walker) until you come to Walnut Blvd. Look for the large sign of the Christian Science Church. Turn left at the sign, and we are at the top of the hill on the left.

If you are coming from Ygnacio Blvd., come south on Walnut Blvd. After you pass the Howe-Homestead park, and cross Homestead, Eckley Lane will be on your left.

Spring Global Warming Series: Society of Friends, Berkeley, CA

2007-03-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING?

The Environment committee at Berkeley Friends Meeting is sponsoring a series of talks by Karen Street on climate change and what we can do about it. The series will run on 1st Sundays of the month beginning March 4 after meeting for worship, starting at 1 p.m. at the meeting house 2151 Vine Street in Berkeley, CA. Note that Session V is on a 3rd Sunday.

SESSION I: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FRIENDS March 4th, 2007

SESSION II: HOW WE MAKE CHOICES April 1st, 2007

SESSION III: OUR OWN CARBON EMISSIONS May 6th, 2007

SESSION IV: TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY June 3rd, 2007

SESSION V: NUCLEAR POWER IN TODAY'S WORLD June 17th, 2007

This series is for everyone, including teens and young adults. The Committee will provide child care, coordinated by Biliana Stremska, 653-2803 or 978-1267.

Friends from other meetings are also invited to attend this series. If you need hospitality to attend any of these sessions, please let Biliana or another member of the committee know.

For more information please contact Karen Street: karen_street@sbcglobal.net

Earth Day 2007 Events

2007-03-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of events hosted by CIPL members around Earth Day 2007.
CIPL members, please email your events to mike@interfaithpower.org, and we will post them here.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Orinda
April 22nd: Earth Day Service, 10:00AM
The service will be followed by Blessing of Trees for parishioner homes. Then, a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," exhibit at Coffee Hour will include: packaging, cleaning products, and garden products which incorporate recycled, biodegradable, non-toxic materials; everyday items (clothing, carpeting, etc) made from recycled materials; Resource guides and literature for energy saving, composting, and recycling. Purchase a St. Stephen's Caring for Creation cloth grocery bag (think how much paper you'll save, while spreading the word about our church)! Information regarding installing home solar panels, including analysis of energy savings, CO2 emission reduction, cost of installation, and financing details. Children's Activities.

St Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church, Huntington Beach
Sunday April 22, 2007
Earth Day Celebration 10 AM-1PM

Culver Palms United Methodist Church, 4464 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City
Earth Month Events:
Sunday mornings, beginning on Easter, April 8. Worship celebrating and promoting the renewal of the earth, culminating in the guest appearance of Dr. Matthew Sleeth on April 29.
Friday, April 20, 6-8:30 pm, Stories to Sustain the Earth, A Family EventFeaturing foods, crafts and sharing the wisdom of the ages, including multi-cultural tales of caring for the earth.
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Electronic E-waste Round Up in the Church Parking Lot in cooperation with California Recycles
Saturday, April 21st, 2 pm. Donald Strauss, A presenter from Climate Project. Mr. Strauss is one of the 1,000 environmental “foot soldiers” trained as a follow-up to the documentary film, “An Inconvenient Truth.”
April 20 Family storytelling - focus on the environment 6PM.
April 21 Electronic Waste Round Up 10AM- 2PM.
April 22 Earth Day Service 9 AM, 10:45 AM, 6PM.

Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Long Beach
Earth Day speaker April 22, TBA.

April 14: Members of Holy Nativity parish and their surrounding communitywill participate in the StepItUp National Day of Climate Action. They'll march down the sidewalks of Sepulveda Blvd near Los Angeles International Airport, with banners calling for climate action. 12 noon to 2 pm. Details on the campaigns page of the Environmental Change-Makers website

April 26: "What You Can Do About Global Warming." Environmental author Joanne Poyourow will lead an evening packed with practical tips and solutions. A representative from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will highlight Green Power and energy conservation. 7-9 pm. Free. Environmental Change-Makers, Holy Nativity Parish, 6700 W. 83rd (Dunbarton &83rd), Westchester. http://www.envirochangemakers.org/

More events coming soon...

Welcome!

2007-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

This is CIPL's new blog. It will serve as an open forum for our staff to highlight the amazing work of our member congregations in fulfilling their CIPL Covenant commitments. This forum will also allow our members to share their upcoming events, ideas, and best practices with each other. If you are not yet a member of CIPL, JOIN US today!