Links for October to Pray, Act, and Mobilize

Dear Friends,

Leaves are turning, seasons shifting, and all creation reminds us that change and resilience are woven into the fabric of life. We gather in new rhythms of worship, learning, and action.

This month brings prayerful celebrations that honor centuries-old traditions, modern ways to go green and cut carbon, and even the simple beauty of Chinese tea. Read on to discover how you and your house of worship can Pray, Act, and Mobilize for climate and creation care.

— Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light

Pray: Worship, Devotion & Faith-Based Education

Season of Creation Pilgrimage & Catholic Mass

Saturday, Oct 4, 11:50 AM–2:30 PM | Our Lady Help of Christians, Newton

A pilgrimage marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures. Stops include a venerable beech tree, a “no-plastic” store, and a community garden, concluding with a Care for Creation Mass with Bishop Cristiano Barbosa.

Laudato Si’ Global Ecumenical Celebration

Friday, Oct 4, 9:00 AM | Livestream

Join Christians worldwide in an online gathering on the Feast of St. Francis to close the Season of Creation with prayer and youth-led reflection.

From Anxiety to Action: Cultivating Spiritual Courage to Confront the Climate Crisis

Sunday, Oct 19, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Jewish Community of Amherst

A Dayenu Circles workshop drawing on Jewish wisdom, grief and resilience practices, and storytelling for courageous climate action.

Reinventing “Coffee Hour” & Tea Time

Wednesday, Nov 5, 6:00–9:00 PM | Eliot Church of Newton

How can fellowship itself be an act of creation care? Hosted by Green Newton, this evening will feature induction stove demos, Chinese tea traditions, and a community potluck as we reimagine “coffee hour” for sustainability. Alexander Lee and Iris Tang will share their knowledge of the Boston Tea Party, Chinese tea traditions, and induction stoves to spark a fun, interactive evening of camaraderie for all who attend.

Can Your Congregation Support MassIPL?

We depend on the generosity of congregations like yours. This fall, we're asking for your support in these ways:

Make a gift to MassIPL (more here)
Include us as a supported organization in your 2026 budget
Invite us to speak, teach, or present in your congregation

We're renewing our work for faith and climate at this critical time. Thank you for your partnership with us!

Act: Cut Your Congregation’s Carbon

Making Climate Action Affordable with MassSave

Free webinars: Oct 3 (12:00 PM) & Oct 6 (7:30 PM)

Learn how houses of worship and community-owned buildings can cut costs and carbon emissions through weatherization, steam system upgrades, lighting, and heat pumps. Thanks to Mass Save, eligible projects may receive incentives covering up to 100% of costs.

Members of our MassIPL team will share practical tips, share examples from MA congregregations we've worked with , and explain how upgrades like insulation can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 20%. These sessions will answer your questions and offer clear next steps.

Oct 3 Webinar | Oct 6 Webinar

Sun Day Solar Canopies Celebration at Temple Emunah

Sun., Oct. 19, 11:30 AM | 9 Piper Road, Lexington MA

Join MassIPL, Jewish Climate Action Network (JCAN), and other partners for a celebration of solar canopies and the power of community solar to advance both creation care and social justice. Hosted by Temple Emunah in Lexington, the event will show how solar can cut carbon, lower costs, and expand access to clean energy—including for low-income neighbors. Contact jewishclimateaction@gmail.com for more information.

Charged Up: Battery Storage with Solar Webinar

Wednesday, Oct 29, 12:00–1:00 PM

From our friends in Connecticut: Learn how solar + battery storage can power houses of worship even at night and during outages. Sponsored by IREJN and CT Green Bank.

Heat Pump Savings Alert

Enroll before Nov. 1

Massachusetts utilities now offer a special winter rate for households and congregations with heat pumps, saving you $500+ this winter. If you have heat pumps installed, call your utility (Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil) to enroll. Learn more here or watch this video explainer.

MassCEC BETA: Free Energy Planning for Houses of Worship

Rolling Deadline

Faith communities can now receive free, in-depth decarbonization planning through MassCEC’s pilot program. Participants get step-by-step guidance for retrofits and electrification. All building sizes are now eligible! Details here.

Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Deadlines

Act by Dec 31, 2025

Many federal incentives for heat pumps, solar, and weatherization expire or shrink after Dec 31. Check your eligibility now.

Use the Rewiring America calculator

Member Success Story: FUUSN’s Green HVAC Journey

The First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) modernized its historic buildings with efficient HVAC upgrades, cutting greenhouse gas emissions ahead of local climate goals. Read their success story of faithful stewardship on our website.

Mobilize: Advocate for a Faithful Climate Future

Hillman Energy Storage Public Hearing

Thursday, Oct 9, 6:30 PM | Tewksbury Memorial High School & Zoom

Advocacy opportunity: Help us stand up for climate justice and green infrastructure. In partnership with Greenlight America, MassIPL is calling on members of the public to attend a hearing on the proposed Tewksbury battery storage project. This clean energy investment will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, strengthen grid reliability, and help prevent use of the polluting peaker plant in Lowell—a facility that has long burdened nearby communities.

The MA Energy Facilities Siting Board is accepting testimony at Tewksbury Memorial High School (320 Pleasant Street) or via Zoom. Written comments are accepted until Friday, Oct 24.

To prepare, the Sierra Club is hosting a Project 101/Testimony Training Webinar today, Wednesday, Oct 1, at 6 PM. This session will answer questions and help folks feel ready to testify.

Proposed MA Climate Legislation with Mark Dyen

Sunday, Oct 5, 7:00 PM | Online

There are several promising bills in the Massachusetts legislature right now that could make a major difference in reducing carbon emissions for years to come. Learn about these proposals and how you can join others in campaigning for their passage. Understanding the legislation is the first step to effective advocacy.

Energy advocate Mark Dyen will explain the bills clearly and answer questions. Mark has been a leader in energy efficiency since the 1970s, helping to create Mass Save, advance electric rate reforms, and establish winter utility shut-off protections. He has also consulted for the U.S. Department of Energy and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.