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News from the The Northeast Environmental Justice Center of the UCC.
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Environmental Justice News
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"He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8 NRSV
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Happy Earth Day Week!
There are so many ways to celebrate! A few options:
Saturday, April 22:
- Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride (there's still time to help Team IREJN reach their fundraising goal in support of the great work they do for the interfaith environmentalist community!)
- Local Earth Day Events, including in Bethany and Woodbury, among many others!
Please get out and support your community events, and most importantly, find new opportunities to be a steward of the earth!
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Silver Lake camp is awesome, and played a central role in my faith formation and in sowing the seeds of my environmental ethic. Encourage the children in your life to sign up as a camper (we call them conferees), or as a volunteer counselor for summer 2017. Check out the brochure to find the right week(s) for the kid(s) in your life!
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To Change Everything, We Need Everyone!
People's Climate March
Washington DC
April 29th
*include local marches in New Haven, Hartford, link to map.
From our partners at the InterReligious Eco-Justice Network:
On Saturday, April 29, 2017, hundreds of thousands of people will march on Washington in support of climate, jobs, and justice. April 29th is also the 100th day of President Trump's administration, which is a traditional benchmark for assessing the progress of a new President. Let's stand together in opposition to President Trump's pro-fossil fuel, climate-denying policies!
Buses will be leaving from several points in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and more buses will be added as needed. BUT buy your tickets now, because buses will be released in the coming weeks if enough tickets haven't been sold.
Find your people! There are so many ways to engage in climate justice, and so many affiliation groups united in one common cause. Check out the March Lineup and find out where you should start. I'll be marching with other UCC and thousands of interfaith folks in the "Keepers of Faith" contingent. Look for our UCC sign and join me!
There is a lot of organizing happening before, during and after the march for the faith contingent. Find a ton of information, including events, resources for engaging community and legislators and more
here
.
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Environmental Ministry Speakers Bureau
I have received several requests from churches to speak about environmental justice issues. I could use helpers to respond to the increased demand! Are you passionate about environmental issues, and feel called to speak out and educate others? Contact Pam Arifian to join a Speakers Bureau. Thank you for sharing your gifts and passion!
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Press Conference for Climate Action
On Tuesday, April 18th, I was honored to share the podium with Tyra de Boise, a three-time alumna of the Environmental Justice for All! Retreat and member of Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church. We shared our faith-based perspectives on the urgent need for climate- and environmental justice action in a press conference with our US Senators and the CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs. Read about it here.
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The Religious Case for Caring about Climate Change
Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice, was interviewed by Vox about
the contributions and roles faith communities can play in addressing climate change
. "W
hat actually motivates people is what I have found are the three great loves. Love of neighbor: You’re aware of the real and present suffering climate or pollution are causing right now, so you’re motivated once you have that awareness. Another is love of creation, concern for how our natural world is being decimated, extinction of animals, the acidification of the ocean and deforestation. The number one motive I’ve come across — although it’s not for everyone — is love of children." Read more here.
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Upcoming Environmental Events
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Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Registrations are coming in for the 4th Annual EJ4A! Retreat. Don't let the high schoolers in your life miss out! For youth in grades 9-12.
Join us at Silver Lake Conference Center for an environmental justice and leadership training retreat. Together, we will discover how people of faith can work for environmental justice for all!
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Friday, May 26, 2017
West Hartford, CT
Join IREJN from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM for a delicious luncheon featuring Deacon Art Miller as keynote speaker. You will also have an opportunity to network with other religious communities and eco-groups. Tickets are $40 - this event WILL sell out, so please buy your tickets today! Ticket sales will end on Thursday, May 18 at 12:00 pm.
Discounted tickets of $30 are available for member organzations and faith communties, as well as through Board members. To find out more about discounted tickets, please contact Lynn Johnson at lynnsilverwolf@gmail.
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