Welcome to the April Newsletter of the UCC Northeast Environmental Justice Center!
This monthly e-newsletter offers information about global, national, regional and local news, action opportunities and events centered on the climate justice movement. The intention is to inform, educate and help folks connect with the movement and each other, so that we can amplify our collective voice on behalf of Creation here in southern New England (and beyond). If you find these e-newsletters helpful, please share widely, and encourage others to subscribe. If you have environmental events open to the public or legislative actions (especially if you're from MA or RI) that you would like to include in future e-newsletters, please be in touch. Thanks for reading!
Pam Arifian, Director
UCC Northeast Environmental Justice Center Happenings
It's been a busy couple of months for the UCC Northeast Environmental Justice Center! Here's a look at what we've been up to.
Church Visits & Workshops
Sowing seeds during the Creation Care workshop with the Oasis Multi-Church Youth Group, March 2019.
I was pleased to offer a Creation Care workshop to the Oasis Multi-Church Youth Group in the New Haven area in early March, and to each of the four CTUCC Confirmation Retreats held this past winter at Silver Lake Conference Center. The Retreats hosted 150 youth and adults from 17 congregations. The Creation Care workshop offers engaging activities for youth to explore how our choices have an impact on our planet, and how we can make different decisions that will cause less harm.
I was honored to offer an environmental-justice themed sermon and discussion after worship at Church of Christ, Congregational in Goshen, and a children's sermon and a Second Hour Workshop at First Congregational Church of Glastonbury. The Environmental Justice and the UCC workshop offered an overview of the issues and the UCC's involvement at various levels, and offered opportunities for the participants to connect with a broader movement, both within the church and in the wider community. The workshop was well-attended by folks who are now re-inspired to deepen their environmental witness, starting with a goal of attaining Level 3 Green Church Award!
At Super Saturday on March 17th in Wilbraham, MA, I led a workshop called "Climate Change Resonance Circle." This workshop offered participants an opportunity to support each other in processing and externalizing the big emotions that the climate crisis evokes in us through the practice of storytelling and resonance. Grace O'Connor, UCONN Urban Semester Intern for the CTUCC this semester, attended the workshop at Super Saturday and offered this reflection. Thanks to all who participated! The next Super Saturday will be held on October 5th in Framingham, MA. Has your church or members of your church been involved in climate action or environmental justice initiatives? What stories or collaborations can you share that would be inspiring and informative for others to get engaged in the movement? Please submit your workshop proposals by the end of April.
Next up for environmental programming is the annual Environmental Justice for All! Retreat for 8th - 12th graders at Silver Lake Conference Center, May 17-19, 2019. We have some space available, please register by May 6th!
Advocacy
Pam Arifian, her daughter, and Danielle Peterson at the Hartford Youth Climate Strike, March 15, 2019
I attended the Youth Climate Strike in Hartford, which was part of a global youth action, inspired by Greta Thunberg's school climate strike. I was thrilled that Silver Lake Conference Center alumna and environmental activist Danielle Peterson helped to organize this youth- and young-adult-led witness to demand immediate action in support of a just transition from fossil fuels to 100% clean, renewable energy. It was a great event, with inspiring youth and young adult speakers. I am grateful for the passion and energy of these youth activists and the impact of their actions, and for the adults who support them.
The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing on April 4th to provide a platform for those most affected by climate change to make their case for action. Aji Piper, an 18-year-old plaintiff in the federal climate law suit Juliana v. United States, testified before the committee, asking policymakers to take responsibility for the government's continued actions that cause the climate crisis and ensure future generations the right to a safe climate. On June 4th, 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the interlocutory appeal and the preliminary injunction.
For more on the Green New Deal, take a look at last month's e-newsletter for an overview, as well as UCC supportive response, and critiques by the Indigenous Environmental Network and Food & Water Watch.
There was a public hearing on April 4th with the CT Siting Council to hear comments about the re-opened application for a 650-megawatt fracked natural gas power plant on Lake Road in Killingly, CT.
TAKE ACTION!
The Siting Council will accept public comments until May 4, 2019. Voice your opposition to this power plant, and encourage the development of clean energy infrastructure in CT instead. Submit your comments via email.
As part of the Atlantic Bridge pipeline project, Spectra Energy (known as Enbridge), plans to build a fracked gas compressor station in a densely populated urban area, adjacent to the new Fore River bridge. Health, odor and noise impacts pose serious health risks for residents of Weymouth, Quincy, Braintree and South Shore. Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station is actively organizing and opposing the compressor station.
Water Privatization Bill Withdrawn in Providence, RI
Big water news coming in from Rhode Island: in response to opposition by indigenous leaders and community groups, Providence Mayor Elorza canceled plans to privatize the city's water system. Special thanks to Rev. Brendan Curran, VP of Justice and Witness for RICUCC Board of Directors and Associate Pastor at Barrington Congregational Church, who wrote this blog post inviting witness through vigils and advocacy, and to the Water is Life Land and Water Sovereignty Campaign for their work in getting this water privatization bill withdrawn!
Fill out a survey about what your church is doing to care for God's Creation. The UCC Environmental Justice Ministry will conduct an annual survey of all the churches in the denomination in order to gather data on what churches are doing to care for God's creation. We want to be able to measure and assess our denomination’s activity and growth in these areas.
Pledge to become a Creation Care Voter! Through this pledge, you can commit to consistently vote their values in caring for God's Creation. Thanks to a partnership with the Environmental Voter Project, those who make pledge receive free reminders to show up for each election.
Learn from Blessed Tomorrow about how best to communicate about climate change. Blessed Tomorrow is a coalition of diverse religious partners, including the UCC, working to advance climate solutions in faithful service to God. They offer research-based, message-driven resources, guides and talking points to help people of faith have effective and meaningful conversations on climate change.
Where: CT State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT
Sign Up for the 2019 Environmental Justice for All! Retreat
Are there 8th - 12th graders in your life who might be interested in a weekend of community and fun, and of learning about environmental issues and how to harness their talents to create a more just and sustainable future?
Come to Camp! Register for Silver Lake Summer Camp 2019
The Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT offers summer camp programs with countless events and activities for youth in grades 4-12 designed to facilitate leadership, community, deeper faith, and life-long friendships.
Sunday, May 19th, 2019 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm! This is a FREE event - please RSVP here
Come for a tour, learn about and sign up camp programs, meet staff members and program leaders, have some fun climbing the ropes course and enjoy a s'more by the campfire!
