Green Sanctuary December 2024 News
Climate Justice Revival Sows Seeds of Change
On Saturday November 16, over two dozen UUs met to learn more about how climate change and social justice intersect. We practiced how to listen deeply, being fully present, curious, and appreciative. We created a shared vision of thriving communities with all kinds of people, plants, and animals enjoying a world with affordable housing, clear flowing streams, healthy food, and lots and lots of birds, flowers, and trees.
We identified and mapped over 100 challenging and intersecting realities in the way of that vision – things like fear of others, unbridled capitalism, money in politics, inadequate education, and a materialist culture. That big picture made it clear how injustice to other people is linked with injustice to the planet. A little embodied practice prepared us to joyfully brainstorm over 180 possible solutions to the challenging realities, with a lot of focus on mental health, better housing, greener agriculture, fair wages, nature education, and building community.
Then we worked in pairs to use Sacred Circles to clarify what our community needs, what kind of work brings us joy, and what we are willing to commit to.
To finish, we identified nearly a dozen ideas for our congregation to begin work on our shared vision.
On Sunday November 17, we celebrated the hard work of Saturday by sharing in a water blessing for care of the planet. Watch this space for more information on our plans for climate justice actions.
December Better Together –
Each month of Better Together we have actions that members of the congregation can take to address climate Mitigation, Adaptation, Resilience, and Justice. Winter’s focus is Justice and Equity. December calls us to Rescue the Future by understanding how our choices today affect future generations and to act responsibly on that knowledge.
Learn About Youth-led Lawsuits On Climate Change – With legal help of Our Children’s Trust, youth have sued to stop fossil fuel projects in Alaska, California, Montana, Utah, Hawaii, and even the U.S. Check out this PBS video about Held v. Montana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbtpFOofUnA
Rethink the Gifts for Yourself Trend – One story about the origin of Christmas gift giving is that a bishop in Myra (now Türkiye in the 3rd or 4th century secretly donated gold for the dowries of three daughters of a poor family. Somehow that tradition of helping the poor at this time of year has morphed into a tradition of giving a gift to oneself, because you deserve it. Consider a gift to the future for yourself and donate to an organization working on climate change.
Celebrate the Holidays Sustainably – Live or artificial tree? Both have issues, but it takes 5-10 years of reusing an artificial tree to reduce its climate impact relative to a live tree. (Washington Post Nov 25, 2022). Switch to LED lights. Make your own decorations, check out a thrift store, or shop a local craft bazaar. Wrap presents in fabric, newsprint (the comics!) or plain brown paper you decorate. Skip the shopping and give cash (not gift cards) – you can personalize it with caring note. These small actions, done consistently, can add up.
Social and Environmental Justice Sunday, December 8
Green Sanctuary is collaborating with the Social Justice Team to hold Social and Environmental engagement activities on second Sundays. Look for this sign and help us make good trouble by writing a letter, penning a postcard, or signing a petition for a SEJ cause. (SEJ is pronounced “sedge” like the plant.)
Our December Meeting Will be on Zoom!
Green Sanctuary is Wednesday, December 11, 7 pm at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88132264216. Contact Jan Weaver – jan.weaver57@gmail.com for more information or to get on our email list.
