Faith in Action - MBTA

This past Sunday, Greening Grace organized a letter writing protest against the proposed MBTA service reductions and fair increases.  The proposed changes would have a devastating effect on the most vulnerable including seniors and low income in Medford and other effected communities.  They would also take Massachusetts backwards in the fight against Climate Change and increase traffic on our already crowded roads in and around Boston.

We wrote over a dozen letters to the MBTA, local and state officials with signatures from dozens of members of Grace Church.  Some letters were written by hand, while others typed.  The kids joined in too, decorating the envelopes with environmentally and public transit themed art.

Everyone that attended was glad they could do their part and show support for legislators opposing the proposals and encourage other legislators to do the same.

If you would like more information on setting up your own letter writing campaign, contact us at GreeningGrace@gracemedford.org.  It was fun and easy and makes a difference.

Peace!
Jon

Faith Communities involved in Climate Change Conversation

Bishop Geoff Davies is at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Durban, South Africa (COP17). He was interviewed by OneClimate.net, who are reporting live from Durban during COP17.   Bishop Davies relates the need for action on climate change and the economic resistance to abolishing slavery in England and Apartheid in South Africa.

Here are some other really powerful quotes from Bishop Davies:

We believe in life before death.

Christians should worry less about getting to heaven and more about climate crisis on earth

We have been tasked by God to look after this creation and to look after one another on this creation.

Destruction of creation is a sin against God and crime against humanity.

Listen to this powerful call to action of the Faith Community by Bishop Davies.

Peace, Jon

In your mind, what is the most important thing (or lack of) coming out of the international negotiations in Durban?

"FLOW" Showing at Unitarian Universalist Church on Friday

Given the interest in social justice and water we have at Grace, I thought everyone should be aware of this opportunity to see this film.  I haven't see it myself, but based on the description I want to see it.

Peace,
Jon

Nov. 18: Film in Medford about water and the environment

The Social Justice Committees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford and the First Parish Church of Malden will hold a screening of the award-winning documentary, "FLOW", produced by Irena Salina.

Come learn about what experts and scientists are calling the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st century: the world water crisis.

Beyond identifying the problem, "FLOW" also gives viewers a look at practical solutions to the water crisis.

The film will be followed by a discussion led by Nick Cohen, a local expert in fresh water conservation, and an Environmental Justice Coordinator. Nick is also
with Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-Cap) and the Mystic River Watershed Collaborative.

The event takes place Friday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in Benker Hall, Unitarian Universalist Church, 147 High St., Medford. There will be refreshments served. All are welcome.

For further information contact: Michael Glen, 781-396-6424 or Karen Lynch,
781-420-6186.

For a Greener Earth - Green Faith Series - Joseph Asaya

Joseph Asaya showing his home made laminate solar panels.

On Wednesday, March 26, 2011 Josephy Asaya shared his story with Grace Church about how he is making a difference in Nigeria with solar energy. His story is shared below. Enjoy!










Think about what you can do to make a difference.

Join us for the Screening of the Work of 1,000 with Marion Stoddart

On Wednesday, March 30 beginning at 6:45pm we will be showing the 30 minute documentary The Work of 1,000 directed by Sue Edwards and featuring Marion Stoddart and her work to save the Nashua River in NH.  Following the screening, we are very excited to have both Marion Stoddart and Sue Edwards for a discussion.

Nashua River, NH before
The Work of 1,000

This is the third of five parts of our Green Faith Series on Environmental Stewardship at Grace Church (160 High St).  A community dinner is served at 6pm.  All are welcome!

Check out http://gracemedford.org/greenfaith for a complete listing of the events and further details.

Here is some more information about the movie and Marion:

Marion Stoddart, a young mother of three, lived next to one of the nation's most polluted rivers. At a low point in her own life, she took on its clean-up as a personal cause-for herself, for the community, and for future generations. She had no special skills or training, but what she did have was a vision for what was possible. And, an unwavering resolve to save the dying river. Marion's historic success in cleaning up the Nashua River-recognized by the United Nations, National Geographic, and chronicled in books and now a movie-is an inspirational lesson about the impact one person can have in the world.

http://workof1000.org/

The screening is free, though we will be taking a free will offering to help defray the costs.

Come watch a 30-minute film about her, and meet Marion Stoddart as we discover together how we might turn our vision of change into a reality.

All are welcome!

Jon

Greener Earth: Leading Green Projects Locally and Internationally

Join us as we welcome Joseph Asaya from the Greener Earth campaign dedicated to the full rejuvenation of the earth’s green nature by giving opportunities to people in the third world countries to have access to Solar Energy. Our discussion will include the benefits associated with living green such as cost benefits, reduction of carbon footprints and health benefits as well as the dangers of continuing in the status quo such as the rise of water level, global warming, death to polar bears and eventually the quick end to earth.

This is part of our “Wednesdays at Grace” Lenten Green Faith Series taking place every Wednesday evening from 6:45-8pm from March 16 to April 13 at Grace Episcopal Church in Medford, MA. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm.

All are welcome!

Eco-Worship with Bishop Bud Cederholm

Tonight we gathered together in the Lords name to learn and worship with a focus on the world that God created.  Bishop Bud Cederholm led us through an Eco-Themed Worship Service covering the aspects of Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Proclamation, Offering, & Prayer with a touch on Existing and New Practices.

The evening was filled with songs and poetry, reflection and sharing.


For me the reflection and exploration of the hazelnuts was moving.  I also really enjoyed the music video "Take AIM at Climate Change" and the clear message to start by doing one little thing and then another to make a difference.

The next event in the Green Faith Lenten Series is coming up on Wednesday, March 23rd featuring Joseph Asaya sharing his work in Africa providing sustainable energy to rural areas.  Please join us!

Peace,
Jon

Tread Lightly for Lent - Lenten Green Calendar of Activities

On Sunday, copies of the "Tread Lightly for Lent" calendar of environmentally conscience activities for each day in Lent were made available in the Parish Hall.  This wonderful calendar was put together by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Environmental Ministries and is the best "green" Lenten calendar we found so the Greening Grace Team decided we should reflect on it at Grace Church.

You can pick up a copy in the Parish Hall or download it from the web:

http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/environment/pdf/lentcalendarnew.pdf

The activities include a good mix of reflection, action and ideas. 

My favorite action is to

Collect your personal trash and recyclables throughout the day. At the end of the day, survey your waste and think of ways to reduce. On average, Americans create 4.6 pounds of waste a day.
Saturday, March 12th from Tread Lightly for Lent

Please take a look and consider these actions during Lent.  The Episcopal Church has similar resources for many of the programs linked to within the Presbyterian Church.  Please ask us if you need help finding local contact information or have a question about .

Genesis 2:15 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹⁵ The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Exciting Green Faith Lenten Education Series

Come join us at Grace Episcopal Church on Wednesday evenings in Lent for the Green Faith Environmental Education Series.  The lectures will start at 6:45pm and go until about 8pm. Bishop Bud Cederholm (The "Green" Bishop) will get us started on March 16th.

Click Here for more details including the line up of speakers and events.