1. Did you know that UCC ministers coined the phrase “environmental racism” and played a leading role in giving birth to the environmental justice movement in the 1980s?
During a six week campaign of civil disobedience in 1982, a movement was born that made national headlines and introduced the world to the issue of environmental racism. Learn more about this inspiring movement in which the UCC became the driving organizational force.
2. Did you know that the UCC has formed a special partnership with a leading climate organization called 350.org, so that church green teams are now becoming 350 affiliates?
Members of the United Church of Christ have often worked with 350.org in the pursuit of justice and shared goals. This informal, longstanding relationship is now being deepened through a pilot endeavor that encourages and invites UCC green teams to affiliate with 350. Read about this exciting undertaking.
3. Did you know that in places like Flint and Standing Rock the UCC has been actively involved in standing alongside those struggling for justice?
Solidarity is one form that love takes in the ministry of environmental justice. The goal is to find ways that local churches and members can actively support others who are facing environmental injustices. Read more about this important part of our work together.
4. Did you know that the UCC is building a powerful environmental network that stays connected through a blog and e-newsletter called The Pollinator?
The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration, so that we might become more fruitful in the pursuit of environmental justice. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation. Read the Pollinator blog and sign-up for its newsletter.
5. Did you know that UCC churches are deepening and expanding their commitment to the environment by becoming Creation Justice Churches?
Whether it is taking on climate change or addressing the lead poisoning of children, environmental justice ministries could not have a higher purpose or calling than they do now. Join the movement and become a Creation Justice Church. Learn about the six steps for doing just that.
Click the link for more information or head to www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries
A Creation Justice Meditation for Lent
…….but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles……Isaiah 40:31
I saw my first eagle on a small island off the Maine coastline. It was the 1970’s and any eagle sighting in any of the lower forty-eight states was noteworthy. As Rachel Carson had explained in “Silent Spring”, the effects of pesticides had wreaked havoc on all birds, especially birds of prey. But things have changed. This week a Facebook friend posted a picture of two eagles resting in a nearby tree; she lives in North Heidelberg township. I recently visited a spot on the Susquehanna River where many bald eagles can be seen on any winter day. (You can take a virtual trip by visiting https://vimeo.com/152926627). Their recovery is due to the tireless work of environmentalists who believed it to be possible.
Today our planet is faced with a larger challenge as we watch temperatures rise and glaciers melt. El Nino, a weather generating system in the Pacific has changed from a periodic phenomena to a permanent resident. Sixty Minutes and other programs document the tireless efforts of the researchers, lawmakers and citizens who work to understand Global Climate Change and affect policies that slow or stop it.
Most of us are familiar with the Isaiah passage about eagles. But we may forget what precedes it: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary;his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint,and strengthens the powerless”. This is Good News, not only to the Creation but to all mankind. (R.Edwards, IUCC)
Prayer
O God, we ask that you give us, the faint, the power to work for justice for all Creatures, great and small, and grant strength to our neighbors who face great challenges. May your justice roll down like water, until all of your Creation is redeemed. Amen.
In Micah (6) we we hear this question and the answer:
And what does the Lord require of you?
To seek justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
How can IUCC turn “Love into Action” to honor God’s Creation? Check out the video at UCC Creation Justice.
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 