Presbyterian Church USA
United Church of Christ
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People vs. Fossil Fuels Action in DC |
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Pastor Letter
Reflection on People vs. Fossil Fuels, Oct. 11-15, 2021
By Rev. Rob Mark, Lead Pastor
These are parched days.
We thirst for something to quench the chaos.
Our waters, soils, and air are in turmoil. And we long for impactful ways to counter our climate’s unraveling. We also thirst for embodiments of authenticity. We crave spaces to be that matter. Perhaps even more so due to COVID’s continued grip that keeps us too often siloed.
So when a fellow co-conspirator in the movement summoned, I responded (there is power in the personal appeal.) At fellow pcusa-reverend abby mohaupt’s beckoning, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to join in the wider invitation made by frontline Indigenous leaders for a week-long, embodied witness of thousands for climate justice, under the banner of People vs. Fossil Fuels, Oct. 11-15, 2021. And from the moment I arrived in aptly if not ironically named Freedom Plaza (is anyone free if all are not?), my newly liberated and quenched heart knew I was in the right place.
Beyond plunging into a once-again-formed-community including beloved multifaith climate leaders (Marla Marcum, Fletcher Harper, Colleen Earp, Liv Thomas, Emma Brewer-Wallin, abby mohaupt, Fred Small, Nathan Phillips, Jim Hayes, Bill McKibben and others), it was deeply humbly and inspiring to suddenly be in the company of some of the most dedicated and fierce loving climate activists who are regularly putting their bodies on the line to protect the sacred. Such leaders as Taysha Martineau, Siqiniq Maupin and Dawn Goodwin who have been rising up for years against the evils of Line 3’s violation on unceded Anishinaabe lands in MN, and other climate injustices, are self-described as people who, “come from the trenches in the fight against fossil fuels – from fracking sites and oil wells, to pipelines and refineries, to plastic plants and more, we are impacted Indigenous, Brown, Black, and low-income communities living on the frontlines of this climate emergency.”
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Their message? The government of the United States must immediately declare a national climate emergency and launch a just, renewable energy revolution. Climate chaos stems from human greed but is fueled by the ongoing lies and violence of fossil fuel corporations. The Biden-Harris administration has the power to stop the destructive dirty fuel pipelines that snake uninvited across the sacred ancestral lands of indigenous communities who suffer the most from both climate change and the brutality of police in places like northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and Louisiana – but continue to fail to act. Enough is enough and the people and the sacred waters that are life demand them to act now.
Under the prophetic leadership of these frontline prophets, and to amplify their witness, I joined a powerful stream of 654 others who got arrested throughout the week for civil disobedience in the face of this massive civil injustice. Our crime was officially described by police as “incommoding.” Apparently, our peaceful yet powerful collective presence standing on the sidewalk in front of the White House (a house that sits on unceded, stolen lands lest we forget) while holding signs that demand our elected officials act more courageously for climate justice, was interpreted as “giving inconvenience to or distress to or disrupting” others. The painful irony was not lost on us, as we heard impassioned, firsthand accounts throughout the week from our frontline Indigenous leaders about the relentless, heartless, shameful incommoding-distress the greedy corporate fossil fueled few are inflicting upon the masses. It was also clear to those of us with privileges (mine: white, cis-male, Christian, social security number), that the slight inconveniences experienced in getting arrested then released, pale in comparison to the ways our frontline Native siblings’ lives are being disrupted daily. Climate’s chaos exacerbated as “law” enforcement continues to bring down the violence of white supremacy on Native activists who are simply standing up for the basic rights of clean water, breathable air and a sustainable future for their children.
The title of this week’s action prompts the question, “what does it mean to be part of “the people”? We talk a lot in church circles about the centricity of community – but beyond household units or pods of kin (chosen or biological), the day-to-day realities in our overly western consumptive contexts often lack chances to see ourselves as more than individuals. Being part of the people requires radical solidarity. It means coming to grips with the truth that injustice to some is an injustice to all. It means when someone else’s sacred waters are being violently violated, our action is required. Two People vs. Fossil Fuels leaders called out those of us gathered on the third morning before marching to the White House. They powerfully challenged us to show up. To remember we were not in D.C. as tourists, but as co-conspirators, and it was high time to boldly put our bodies on the line. “For those of you who have been longing to stand in solidarity with frontline Indigenous leaders, now is the time to show up! If you see an Indigenous sibling being approached by police, you place your body between them. If you are white, and you see a white activist slipping away from the action if things get heated, you go to them and demand they stay.” This forceful challenge still rings in my ears. Radical solidity is hard to embody.
To accompany this lingering challenge that unsettles me in a holy way, a powerful image remains with me. On the first morning of this week of action – the first ever nationally recognized Indigenous People’s Day – an immoral monument was prophetically tagged. The statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback that shamefully still stands in front of the White House, was newly coated in large red spray-painted letters that spelled out the warning, “Expect Us.” A monument to the one of the most deplorable presidents of this country who authored the Trail of Tears was marked with a powerful message from the movement for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn, Girls and Two-Spirits, whose signature red-hand prints convey the message to all in power – “Respect us, or Expect us.” This message was directed at the Biden-Harris administration and all politicians who have the power to act – respect Indigenous leaders, listen to them, see them, do right by them or continue to expect their non-violent, prayerful and powerful showing up to disrupt and further incommode.
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Refreshed by the incredible people all over Turtle Island rising up to powerfully speak truth to power, I left D.C. with both a quenched thirst, and a renewed call. |
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Will you join in the flow? People of Covenant – People of Jubilee – People Who Thirst – let us all use the privileges we have to act in solidarity with these incredible leaders who are inviting us all back to a more loving, centered, grounded and faithful way of living in peace with others and our sacred earth. Call, write, pray, and demand that our national leaders act swiftly and boldly for climate justice and climate jubilee, now. Join the unfolding work of our Climate Jubilee team (links from recent vigil). Thank you for your solidarity and prayers. Water is life. This movement flows on. May it quench.
In peace & power on earth,
Rob
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Update on Renew the Light Campaign to Save Our Tiffany Ornamental Windows
By Lucy Williams, Building Committee
At our church service on November 14, we will rededicate the newly restored Angel and Cornelius window that was reinstalled in July. Roberto Rosa of Serpentino Stained Glass Studios will join us and be recognized that day.
SAVE THE DATE: On January 13, 2022, from 6-7 p.m., Roberto Rosa will be presenting his preservation work on our priceless Tiffany windows in a webinar sponsored by Historic New England. We expect that this will not only be informative to a much larger preservation audience, but will hopefully generate interest in supporting the Campaign.
We have begun the next phase of fundraising, reaching out to over 100 friends and former members of the church who many of us remember fondly. We are also reaching out to neighbors who care about preserving these irreplaceable Tiffany windows in one of the most historically significant churches in the Back Bay, and are beginning to submit foundation proposals. We have prepared graphic materials to support this effort.
We ask you to tell your friends about this campaign and, if you are in contact with former members of the church, email them to describe this exciting work and let them know that they will be hearing from us.
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Climate Jubilee Team Updates
October was a busy month for Climate Jubilee! As shared by Team Co-Chair Betty Southwick in the Council Report, activities included the All Church Retreat, a jaunt in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, the Faiths 4 Climate Justice Prayer Vigil on the steps of Covenant (See Rev. Joshua's photos) (with faith communities around the world standing up for climate justice, photos here), Rev. Rob’s participation in the People vs. Fossil fuels actions in D.C., and the Vegan Festival.
We also celebrate the Boston City Council's unanimous approval in September of a landmark ordinance that will require the city’s large buildings to significantly cut emissions of greenhouse gases. Boston Globe article.
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Sunday, November 7, at Covenant
Blessing of the Animals Service
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Plan to register to come in person with your companion animal, or bring a photo of an animal from your past or present, or any animals you would like to receive blessings at this special annual service at Covenant. It will be held largely outside on the Berkeley Street steps, and will also be on Zoom for those attending at home. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Saint Francis in showing compassion, concern, and respect for all animals. |
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All Church Retreat a “Wild Success”
by Karen Henry
Council celebrated the success of the church retreat at the Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury on September 30 and October 1. On Friday night, participants at Miramar and on Zoom engaged in a discussion about our sister community, Dulce Nombre de Jesus, with members of Entre Culturas in Nicaragua and Maryland. On Saturday, participants were highly engaged with the questions raised during small group sessions. Associated with the four directions, questions posed included the following: What should you say “No” to that keeps you from saying “Yes” to what you really want to do? What inspires you? What are you passionate about? Who accompanies you, and who do you accompany (including non-human companions)? What does the accompaniment of our companions in Dulce Nombre mean to you? Who are your ancestors, and what role do they play in your life? What is challenging you? What are your fears, and what helps you get beyond them? Deep questions, deeply considered in community.
Most of the activities occurred outside, including walks to the water, a hymn sing, a discussion of ethics and religion, labyrinth walks, and fellowship. We also began an art project that will result in a Communion cloth. A worship service outside ended the day on Saturday. For a benediction, Rev. Rob and his son, Rowen, were excited to show the group the chrysalis of a monarch butterfly in a hollow of a Celtic cross at the retreat center -- a sign of hope.
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News from the Remote Pews
Compiled by Linda Pursley
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Tim and Betsy McAlister Groves recently embarked on a three-week road trip, after pandemic limitations seemed less forbidding. They also had the adventure of traveling in their electric Chevy Bolt and exploring Fast Charging stations up and down New England and the mid-Atlantic. Their ultimate destination was Ocracoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks, with many visits with family and friends in between. They also fancied themselves as "birders," especially Tim and Betsy's sister Margaret.
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September sailing on Boston Harbor--who could resist? Linda Pursley enjoyed a breezy afternoon crewing for “captain” Faith Perry, as pictured here.
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In late September Linda Pursley enjoyed a visit from a dear friend (and Nate’s godmother) who lives in San Francisco, and they had not seen in over 2.5 years. Although Linda has now lived in Mass more than 20 years, she had never been to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, so they went to MV and stayed in Oak Bluffs. (Linda and Nathan had always hoped to visit Dean Denniston when he was summering there.) They enjoyed spectacular weather, learning about the African American history, as well as the Campground and Cottages, since Linda was raised in the Methodist/United Methodist Church.
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Both at the Martha's Vineyard Museum and the book by Richard Taylor (Martha's Vineyard: Race, Property, and the Power of Place) Linda learned about the Rev. Oscar E. Denniston, who came from Jamaica and started the first black church on the Vineyard. So, she reached out to Donald Denniston, who informed her that Oscar was his grandfather and the the MV Museum did a special exhibit on the Denniston family a few years ago. Above are a couple of photos Donald shared of his grandfather’s family and the house where his father, Dean, was born. Below, Linda shares a few of the cottages and the sunset she enjoyed on Menemsha Beach.
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Update on Yusuf Badibanga;
Good News from the Congo
by Anne Crane
Many Covenant folks who were around in 2014 may remember Yusuf Badibanga, the young Congolese boy who lived with our family while undergoing a second round of surgeries at the Shriners Hospital for severe burns sustained when he was six years old. Yusuf had lost his right arm in the electrical accident that nearly killed him, but when he left Boston in July 2014, he not only had a prosthetic arm, but extensive skin grafts had transformed his appearance significantly.
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I returned with Yusuf to his home in the Congo that summer and got him enrolled in a good school run by a pastor who was a graduate of Presbyterian schools. Yusuf’s injuries had severely interrupted his education, though he did briefly attend two public schools during his two visits to Boston. When he entered the school in his home town of Kananga in the DRC at age 13, he was placed in the fourth grade. Despite many challenges, including the death of his mother three years ago, Yusuf has |
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consistently remained among the top three students in his class, according to the director of his school, with whom I am in regular contact.
Yusuf is now 20 years old and is entering his final year of high school. My friend Simon Ntumba, the Director of the Protestant Printing Press, which is not far from Yusuf’s school, has recently taken the young man under his wing and helped him establish a small bank account with some seed money we sent. Simon has also bought a cell phone for Yusuf and is helping him establish a small business selling cell phone minutes. This will enable him to become more self supporting as he figures out what to do after completing secondary school. Simon has also enrolled Yusuf in a leadership training program scheduled for next May and supported by the Presbyterian Church there. This program trains young people in entrepreneurial skills.
Yusuf now writes me short emails in English and French, signing his name, “Iverstar, Artiste”. He has apparently gained a reputation as a musician and a skilled soccer player.
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Grassroots Climate Activism in the Democratic Republic of Congo
By Evelyn Kimber
In researching international speakers for October's Boston Veg Food Fest, it was inspiring to learn of the work of Joshua Kirkandi Mufabule and the grassroots nonprofit he founded, Forum des Amis de Developpement et la Protection de l’Environnement (FADPE). He and his volunteer team of climate activists inserted Vegan Lifestyle
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Mobilization into their Awareness Program on Environmental Education. They set up a reforestation project, with a nursery to provide 10,000 seedlings, planting trees in schools and distributing tree seedlings to the community in the City of Goma and in the schools and villages around the Virunga National Park. They focus their hope on children as the decision-makers of the future. Read about FADPE's mission and work.
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Under the Mango Tree
By Tim Groves for Nica Companions
Note: This column will be a monthly sharing of stories from our sister church community, Dulce Nombre de Jesus, in northwest Nicaragua.
During this time of Covid-19 and food scarcity, our siblings in Dulce Nombre de Jesús continue to share with us their efforts, like us, to work to find ways to support Mother Earth. Here are excerpts and photos from the recent Community Letter to Covenant.
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Hello dear brothers and sisters at Church of the Covenant.
We greet you with much love, wishing that our God would fill you with blessings.
We received your letter and we are happy to know about all the activities you are doing, how beautiful the photos of the places you visited and the biblical reflections that are related to the tour you have done. [They loved the photos we sent to them of our outdoor worship on Sunday, September 19.]
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We know that it is everyone's task to take care of Mother Earth, raising awareness and reflecting through different activities such as: Putting garbage in a proper place, not cutting down trees, not burning our fields, and planting more trees. We know that our realities for caring for our planet are very different, but together as brothers and sisters we must be examples for both communities.
We have a small garden with vegetables and ornamental plants around the Church and Ruber planted some corn plants. We plan to eat chilotes (baby corn) and corn in the church. We have also built the entrance ramp to the church porch with some materials from the river, sand and stones and cement that we have bought. The entire community worked in this project. As the saying goes, in union there is strength.
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In a few days, one of the largest hospitals in the country will be inaugurated in Chinandega. This hospital will be completely equipped to attend people. This fills us with enthusiasm since people suffering with chronic illnesses will not have to go all the way down to Managua for treatment.
Every Thursday and Sunday we meet and share the word of God reflecting and comparing it with our reality. We also share many ideas about how not to be more vulnerable to drought and climate phenomena. We also want to thank you for all the support you have given us for the food purchases, we are eternally grateful.
With much love and affection,
the community of Dulce Nombre de Jesús.
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Council Report
By Anne Crane for Council
The October 12 Covenant Council meeting was moderated by Rev. Josh Lazard. Rev. Rob Mark was in Washington D.C as part of a multi-faith contingent participating in the People vs. Fossil Fuels week of action.
Rev. Josh read the staff report submitted by Rev. Rob in which he described the All Church Retreat as a “wild success” which was well worth the work that went into the planning. Rob specifically thanked Diane Lauber for her work in organizing the retreat, and he expressed gratitude for the presence on Saturday of Tom, Kate and Josh, for the Covenant folks who participated by Zoom and for the Zoom meeting with our Nicaraguan companions. (See more details on the retreat in Karen Henry’s report.)
Rob’s report noted “the staff continue to respond faithfully to the ongoing challenges of hybrid worship, …a significant lift.” There is some discussion of hiring a five hour a week staff person to help with Digital Ministry starting in 2022. He also reported a steady increase in pastoral care related needs in recent weeks, a need to address some building related “points of stress” with Women’s Lunch Place, and the ongoing focus on ministering to children and young families as well as to young adults in these days.
On behalf of the Christian Formation for Children and Youth Committee (CFCY), Karen Henry reported that Rev. Kate is keeping in touch with families in an effort to create a meaningful program for all. Hopefully, the children will be involved in continuing the weaving project begun at the All Church Retreat.
Karen also reported on the Committee on Youth and Children’s Education (CYCE), noting that families who want to attend worship in person are encouraged to use the nursery one family at a time for health reasons. Volunteers will staff the nursery until a childcare provider is hired. There are a few viable candidates for the childcare position, but the search may be suspended for a few weeks. There will be at least one more afternoon scheduled to finish cleaning the Godly Play materials and toys in the nursery.
Betty Southwick reported on the activities of the Climate Jubilee Team, both past and future. These include the outdoor worship on September 19 and several events in October: the All Church Retreat, a jaunt in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, the Prayer Vigil on the steps of Covenant (with other faith communities standing up for climate justice), Rev. Rob’s participation in the People vs. Fossil fuels actions in D.C., and the Vegan Festival. Plans for the future include a Blessing of the Animals on November 7, and another All Church Read in January. There may also be another Adult Education discussion on climate change before the end of the year.
Reporting on behalf of the Building Committee, Liz Vizza noted that Open Sanctuary has done well and that it may continue a few more Saturdays into November if the weather holds up. She said that the recently refurbished Angel and Cornelius window will be dedicated on November 14, and that the Renew the Light Campaign is reaching out to the Covenant diaspora and foundations for support.
Trudi Veldman reported on behalf of the Membership Development Committee that 34 people have attended Porches for Eight gatherings so far. And reporting for the Memorials Committee, Nancy Holloman noted that work is ongoing to collect stories for memory books for Dean Denniston and Josephine Black, both longtime pillars of Covenant who died in recent years.
The Council passed two motions made by the Personnel Committee: (1) to approve a one-time bonus for Simone Devito in appreciation for the work she is doing for Open Sanctuary, and (2) to extend Jesus Vargas as interim Sunday sexton until the end of the year to help with the added tasks associated with the hybrid services during the pandemic.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 P.M., and Rev. Joshua closed with a prayer.
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November Birthdays
5 Arnold Rots
7 Trudi Veldman
16 Rich Jackson, Elaine Sullivan
18 Donald Denniston
21 Gerri Owen
24 Dan Evans
If your November birthday does not appear above, please notify the church office so we can include you next year!
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November 2021 Calendar
most up-to-date church calendar.
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About This Issue
November 2021 Covenant News
Editor and Graphics: Evelyn Kimber
Deadline for the December 2021 Covenant News is Friday, November 26. Please email your submissions to Evelyn Kimber at ebkimber@gmail.com.
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67 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-266-7480
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