February 16, 2022View as Webpage

Blessings this day!
We all need encouragement. Sometimes our work as a community to care for our sacred Common Home feels lonely and overwhelming.

That is why spiritual paths and practices are so important. There is so much that we cannot see and do not know. There are many ways forward that we have not imagined. Our work takes place in many in many ways and infused with our spiritual practices. Lately I have found this poem/prayer of the Persian mystic Hafiz holds much wisdom for our moment. Translation for this poem is from Love Poems from God, Daniel Ladinsky. Thank you Hafiz and other ancestors for wisdom walking with us.
How
did the rose
ever open its heart
and give to this world all of its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light against its being,
otherwise we all remain too
frightened.

Please check out upcoming events, resources and some easy Advocacy actions that make a difference.

Peace and good, Joan Brown,osf Executive Director
Events and More
Turning Climate Despair into Climate Hope
February 20, 3 pm, virtual zoom
First Congregational United Church of Christ
An experience of sharing and listening to how climate work can be one of hope. Engagement of youth, Green Justice, and actions and approaches for change that bring hope in a despairing world. Contact [email protected] for zoom link.

Lenten series Ways of the Earth
Thursdays, March 3, March 17, March 31 concluding with worship Wed. April 13 --5:30 each session ---Flyer
Virtual via zoom
Cladio Carvalhaes This series is for Christians during Lent (but anyone can register). Claudio
Brazilian Theologian Carvalhaes, Brazilian Theologian, Associate Professor of Worship at Union
Theological Seminary, NY, leads the sessions that integrates the suffering of our times and our planet with the suffering of Jesus. Teachings will be offered with time for personal experiences and reflections in between. A special resource KUDO will be used for group sharing in between sessions. A donation of $25 is requested (no one will be turned away). Link for info and registration. Brazilian Theologian to Lead Lenten Reflections on Earth & Environment – New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light

Water Prayer at Rio Grande, ABQ
Algonquin Elder Grandmother Nancy--Water Song
Friday, March 4, 4 pm Flyer
Rio Grande at Campbell
We welcome back Grandmother Nancy who led us in water blessings several years ago. She is of the Algonquin and French heritage, a follower of the Red Road since childhood, Sundancer and Sacred Pipe carrier. bring a blanket or chair. Park on Trellis St and meet at the kiosk with Eagle before river.

Interfaith Forest of Bliss Tree Plantings
Various places and times in Spring
Valle de Oro Project through ABQ Wildlife Federation Sat. March 5, Sun. March 6
Register through ABQ Wildlife Federation by contacting cameron@riograndereturn. Limit 20..
For more information about volunteer tree planting opportunities now and into spring contact Ann Mccartney.

 The Colomban Center for Peace and Justice, with whom our board member Cynthia Gonzalez work in El Paso is sponsoring several upcoming events.
Fasting for Creation: How Lent Can Help Us Care for Creation
Tuesday, March 15 at 4:00pm ET
 #Faith4Earth: How People of Faith are Caring for Creation this Earth Day
Tuesday, April 19 at 4:00pm ET

Earth Celebration and Solar Blessing
Sunday, April 24, 10 am worship 11 am solar blessing
St. Thomas of Canterbury, University, ABQ
St. Thomas of Cangerbury Episcopal Church invites everyone to come celebrate Earth Sunday as they bless their solar panel installation. All are welcome.
Resources
The theme of IPL's 2022’s Faith Climate Action Week is “Sacred Trust: Our children’s right to a livable future.” We will examine our responsibility to safeguard our Earth for future generations, and how our faiths call us to respond with bold and just solutions to climate change. This year’s dates are April 22-May 1.
The free downloadable kit in English is coming in March.
The printed kit is still available in English for a limited time.

Looking for ways to save energy in your house of worship?
Want to explore if you can install solar in your house of worship?
Need some funds to jumpstart your work?---we have a no interest loan fund you can pay back over several years.

Advocacy Actions
Federal Action from National IPL---Deadline, Feb 22.
In coordination with the Climate Action Campaign (CAC), IPL and some of our faith-based partners, are circulating this people of faith petition to Biden calling on him to keep his promise to take meaningful action on climate justice and do everything he can to get BBBA through the Senate. The letter will be delivered via a Hill press event on 2/25. IPL will also get it to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Faith Leader letter to protect Chaco Canyon--Deadline March 29
Chaco Canyon is a sacred place to the many Pueblos, and Navjo people in New Mexico and beyond. Oil an gas drilling around this place continues to threaten it for them and for the many visitors who come to learn about Chacoan history and visit this holy place. Please read and consider signing this national letter. Here is the link to the letter where other spiritual and faith leaders can sign on.