IN THIS ISSUE

• Upcoming Events: Intergenerational Forum, a "Meaningful Movie," Urban Birding, & More
• Recent Highlights: COP28, Collective Impact, Book Discussion
• Reflection: Springtime Hope
• Updates & Spotlight: Strategic Plan & Carbon Tracker
• Artwork & Poetry

Monthly Climate Conversations

THE SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 6:30–7:30 p.m., online via Zoom

Join fellow parishioners in these monthly climate conversations to learn about practical ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Participants also share insights on how they take action to care for God’s creation and mitigate climate change. Our themes for the next several months are:

TONIGHT! THURSDAY, APRIL 11:

Money for Good. How to Give or Invest with your Values and Climate Goals

Philanthropy for good, giving for impact and faith-driven investing are becoming more prominent, and they’re important for managing our resources in line with our personal and faith values. As believers in Creation Care, it is essential that our giving to organizations and family or friends, and our investing, reflect our concern for God’s creation. We’ll discuss how to align your values with your money and how to use financial resources in ways that reflect what’s truly important in our lives.  

THURSDAY, MAY, 9:

Farms for a Sustainable Future and How to Support Farmers

Farms across the state produce food locally, for the nation and for the world. Farmers are changing their practices to be more eco-friendly, which can save time, money, and the environment. We’ll compare traditional and modern practices, look at innovative farm solutions, and consider organic farming. Along with learning about farming practices, we'll also explore how you can support farmers better through what you purchase, where, and how you purchase it.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13:

Solar, Wind, and Geothermal Energy, and How to Tap Renewable Energy

While solar panels on roofs get the most attention for renewable energy, there are plenty of other options. Wind, geothermal, and other sustainable sources of energy are being used to provide the quickly-increasing amounts of electricity we need to power everything from lights and ovens to EVs and phones. We’ll discuss the variety of sources of renewable energy, how you can use them, and how to ensure a reliable power supply with storage or other innovative solutions. 

Intergenerational Sunday Forum: All About Trees

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 10:10–10:50 A.M, in Bloedel Hall

The Creation Care Ministry and the Intergenerational Council are hosting the Sunday forum on April 14. Come hear about the importance of tress for our climate and in our lives. Share your own stories of trees in your lives. We hope to spend some time outside, weather permitting.

Cathedral Day 2024

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 10:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M., registration required for lunch

Cathedral Day is a “family reunion” for Episcopalians from across western Washington. It’s a time for connecting across congregations and experiencing all your cathedral has to offer.

This year’s Cathedral Day celebrates the idea of pilgrimage, with Saint Mark’s serving as your sacred destination. A festive diocesan Confirmation liturgy begins at 10:30, followed by food trucks and fun. Lunch is free with advance registration! More information here.

MEANINGFUL MOVIES

Activating Faith Communities for Climate Justice  

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 12–1:15 P.M., at First United Methodist Church of Seattle, 180 Denny Way, Fellowship Hall, or via Zoom; registration requested for either option

The Letter, a 2022 film about the impact of climate change on people around the world, explores how faith communities are responding – and could respond – to the climate crisis. More details are here, and the registration form (to attend in person OR via Zoom) is here. 

Rogation Liturgy

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 6:45–8:15 P.M., starting in Bloedel Hall

Celebrate and give thanks for the gifts of Creation with an outdoor liturgy for Rogation Day, an observance that dates to the 5th century. For 1,500 years, the weekdays preceding Ascension Day have been marked by outdoor prayers and thanksgiving for the fruitful Earth. Following the community dinner in Bloedel Hall, participants will process around the cathedral grounds, stopping to reflect and pray at significant locations.

Urban Birding Day at the Cathedral

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.

The Creation Care and Intergenerational Ministries will host a morning of exploring nature and learning about birds. Activities will include making a simple bird feeder, learning about local birds, and two opportunities for bird walks in the Greenbelt. More details to come.

Creation Care Monthly Meetings

THIRD TUESDAYS, 7 P.M., Cathedral House 210 and via Zoom

Everyone is welcome to join the Saint Mark’s Creation Care Ministry meeting on the third Tuesday evening of every month via Zoom. Notes from past meetings can be found here. Upcoming dates: April 16, May 21.

COP28 Roundup [Tuesday, January 16]

The Rev. Lisa Graumlich shared details about the recent annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), actions that were taken or not taken at COP28, what can we do as individuals and as The Episcopal Church to make a difference in global climate policy, and details of the Interdenominational Faith Pavilion at COP28. A complete video of her presentation, along with resources shared, are here.

Carolyn White contributes the following summary:

In the January Creation Care meeting, the Rev. Lisa Graumlich reminded us of the scope of climate change. NOAA reported that 28 weather and climate related disasters in 2023 cost $92 billion. The Episcopal Church was part of a growing presence of faith leaders among the 80,000+ participants at the COP28 conference, where participants gathered to discuss how to combat the climate crisis through initiatives such as reducing their GHG emissions and funding climate mitigation efforts. Lisa discussed the parallels between our traditions and those of the United Nations. Both have a shared history, culture and belief that people working together can make change. A notable result from COP28 was the establishment of a fund to address “loss and damage,” a means to help fund climate mitigation and adaptation in vulnerable countries. However, the need is great, and the money pledged was modest—around $700 million, less than 0.2 percent of the projected need. The US committed $17.5 million. Another noteworthy result was an agreement to "transition away from fossil fuels.”

Collective Impact with Andy Himes—Creation Care Meeting [Tuesday, February 20]

Long-time parishioner Andrew Himes shared about his work with the Carbon Leadership Forum and how this work gives him hope for the future. A complete video of his presentation, along with a list of resources shared, is now available here.

Christ of the Celts Book Discussion Series [February 2024]

In the book club discussion group on John Philip Newell's Christ of the Celts, on Zoom, participants brought their own experience, questions, and wisdom. Participants resonated with Newell's many themes, including that each of us has a deep longing for peace and that we find the Divine in everything. Newell noted that Jesuit paleontologist Teilhard de Chardin found Christ in the trenches of Dunkirk during the First World War. Amid carnage and suffering, de Chardin felt the overwhelming presence of Christ, and called out to him in love and gratitude. Christ is within us and in all Creation. When we remember this ancient "tune", we can experience the wonder, joy and the grace of God regardless of the circumstances in our outer lives. In a more recent discussion, members shared poems, haiku and visual art inspired by their time spent connecting to nature and the Divine, as a homework assignment from the first meeting. Poems and artwork resulting from the sessions are below. 

—Contributed by Elizabeth Clark-Stern

Queering Climate Activism with Deacon Lisa Graumlich and the Queer in Christ Ministry [Sunday, March 7]

Inspired by an this article in Yes magazine, eminent climate science professor and ordained Deacon the Rev. Dr. Lisa Graumlich led a lively discussion (part of the Queer Conversations series) about what queer people have to offer in the struggle to address the climate crisis.

• Recordings and resources from past Climate Conversations can be found here.

• Notes from past monthly Creation Care Ministry Meetings can be found here (scroll down to "Ministry Meetings")

Springtime Hope

Even amidst periodic wintry weather and grey skies in March, hints of spring are starting to peak out and give hope that renewal is on the way. Green shoots from bulbs are beginning to push out of the ground, hinting at bright daffodils and tulips soon to come. Buds are showing up on cherry trees, ready for the right weather for bright pink blossoms to burst forth.

Farmers are getting ready to plant too, even if planting is a month or two away. It’s time to prepare equipment and buy seeds, and preparation of the fields will be underway soon.

Springtime is truly a time of hope for bright colors, warmer weather and sunshine.

Yet that hope can be lost amidst the havoc that we see from climate change and global events nearby and around the world. Fires burned uncontrollably in unseasonably warm temperatures in Texas. California reeled from rainstorms that dumped nearly a foot of rain in a day and caused floods. Conflict rages in Ukraine, Gaza and other countries around the world. Just reading, watching or listening to the news can lower our spirits. 

Amidst those concerns, our faith and actions have the power to strengthen our hope and connect with the beauty of spring. 

We know that we can trust God. Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone, according to Zechariah 10. 

And whatever happens, we read in Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

As we ready our gardens for springtime or do spring cleaning inside our homes, we should also take time for spiritual and mindset renewal as well. 

Simply stopping to appreciate nature can refresh us. Rather than rushing past the hints of spring, we can pause to look at buds and flowers or walk in a garden. Nature restores us.

We can slow down and spiritually prepare our hearts for a new season by reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks. We can take an honest look at our lives and ask whether our practices, activities or possessions turn our thoughts toward or away from God.

We can refresh our mindsets by dropping old habits, being positive rather than self-critical, and reconnecting with our fundamental values. And we can pray, meditate and practice gratitude as part of our renewal. 

We can also renew our focus on caring for God’s creation. We can start by reexamining how we eat, commute, travel, work, shop, choose clothes and use energy. We can make small changes that have a big positive impact on climate. 

Amidst the beauty of spring, taking time to appreciate what nature gives us and to reframe our own lives can inspire us, give us hope and renew our lives. 

—by Richard Hartung

Creation Care and the New Strategic Plan

The recently-released 2024 Strategic Plan presents six themes to guide our Cathedral parish for the next 18-24 months. Care for Creation is featured prominently in some of these themes and indirectly in others. The Strategic Planning Committee spent about 6 months gathering input from more than 70 ministries, including Creation Care, as well as individuals. The Creation Care Ministry will take time at its March meeting and beyond to delve into how we can use the Plan to work with others to deepen our ministry.

—Kathy Minsch

Carbon Tracker Insight

An easy way to reduce carbon emissions is to plant more trees. Trees (and all plants) breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. When a tree breathes in, it removes carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas, from the air. Trees have other benefits as well. Planting the right tree in the right place can shade your home, resulting in lower energy costs. Trees also help clean the air, removing pollutants.

Don’t have a yard or own your home? Don’t let that stop you. You can often plant local trees through community organizations. Have a yard with existing trees? It's important to preserve mature trees as well. Mature trees remove more greenhouse gases from the air than younger trees. Care for and protect the trees we have today. If you are considering planting a tree, you can check with a local arborist, landscaper or conservation group for help with choosing and planting your new tree.

More insights can be found on the carbon tracker website here. 

The following poems and art were shared as part of the Christ of the Celts book discussion in February (see above).

Godhead

Beyond the rushes,

a drift of trumpeter swans

brushes the canvas

white, like light upon water.

As gods they traverse

heaven and earth, first peering

from Olympus, then plumbing 

the underworld for eelgrass.

Headless in this plane,

floating islands of feather

buoy them in one life while

they rove another.

—Contributed by Nancy Beadie

Haiku: Nature Meditations 

Birds greet the sunrise;

cornflower blue and purple

skies bedecked with orange

greet me as I walk

through my backyard marveling

at this morning’s scene. 

Purplish pink wisps of

clouds across fading blue skies

as dusk approaches.

I see in my yard

the witch-hazel’s delicate

soft orange blossoms.

—Contributed by Kathy Minsch 

—artwork by Cherie Bradshaw

Saint Mark’s Cathedral acknowledges that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, who are still here, and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the life all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more]