Earth Care News
February 2018
In this newsletter:
VTIPL Annual Conference – Ideas Invited
Faith Climate Action Week: April 14 – 22, 2018 and Sermon Challenge
Vermont Clean Water Day: Thursday, Feb. 22, 10 am – 4 pm, Montpelier
Our Watershed in Winter: Where the Sacred and Science Meet
Merchants of Doubt Documentary Film Showing, Mar. 8, Jericho
Viking Economics Author, George Lakey, Speaks in Burlington
Lawmakers Forge Ahead with Carbon Tax Plan
Governor Scott’s Response to Climate Recommendations Disappoints
Tell Trump Administration: No Offshore Oil Drilling Expansion
Mission LifeForce — Support Law to Eradicate Ecocide
VTIPL Annual Conference – Ideas Invited
Planning for VTIPL’s annual conference has begun — it will held in the fall in the Burlington area. We’re gathering ideas, especially for workshops. Be in touch if you have a suggestion to put into the mix!
Faith Climate Action Week: April 14 – 22, 2018 and Sermon ChallengeEncourage your congregation to take part in national Interfaith Power & Light’s Faith Climate Action Week! People across the country will be preaching about climate change and caring for Earth, leading workshops and information sessions to help people conserve energy and use it efficiently, and taking action to address global climate change. We encourage your congregation to choose a way to participate during the nine days from April 14 to 22 or in the preceding or following weeks. Please be in touch with VTIPL to invite us to come and give a sermon or lead a program. The national IPL website has more information and will soon have 2018 materials available.
Also, The United Church of Christ is having a sermon challenge! Across the country, they’re challenging congregations to help reach the goal of 1,000 or more sermons preached about climate change and caring for creation. This initiative is in solidarity with the 21 youth who have taken our federal government to court over climate change. Clergy and youth are encouraged to make a pledge to preach a sermon in coming months. Find out more about the youth involved in the lawsuit, the organization dedicated to this work – Our Children’s Trust, and pledge to preach a sermon here.
Vermont Clean Water Day: Thursday, Feb. 22, 10 am – 4 pm, Montpelier
This is a day to celebrate Vermont’s waters and call on lawmakers to invest in cleaning up and protecting these waters. The day begins at 10 am at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier with an issue overview and lobbying 101. From there, participants march to the State House for a press event and to meet with legislators. The day ends with a reception at the State House. Join VTIPL and many fellow Vermonters in attending this day of action! More information is on the Facebook page.
Our Watershed in Winter: Where the Sacred and Science Meet
This free event on Sat., Feb. 24 from 10 am – noon at Common Ground Center in Starksboro (473 Tatro Road) has great activities for all! The Vermont Clean Water Network invites you to this morning of snowshoeing or hiking around the headwaters of Lewis Creek. Learn from a naturalist about special land and aquatic features in a winter landscape. Reflect on sacred interpretations of headwaters as they begin their journey to Lake Champlain. Snowshoes, fun activities, snacks, and warm beverages provided! Registration is required. Click here.
Merchants of Doubt Documentary Film Showing, Mar. 8, Jericho
The Merchants of Doubt film showing will be at Deborah Rawson Memorial Library in Jericho, Thursday, Mar. 8 at 7 pm. VTIPL continues to show this excellent documentary around the state. If you haven’t yet seen it, contact VTIPL to schedule a showing in your community! The event is free and open to all. To find out more about the film, watch the trailer.
Viking Economics Author, George Lakey, to Speak in Burlington
George Lakey is an activist, sociologist, and author of many books including his recent one, Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians Got It Right and How We Can Too. He will speak in Burlington at First Unitarian Universalist Society at the top of Church Street on Friday, March 16, 7 pm. Admission is free, and donations are accepted at the door. Childcare is available – must register by March 5th giving number and ages of children. His talk will be “A Divided America: What Can We Learn from the Nordics?” Transition Town Charlotte is the event sponsor along with many co-sponsors including VTIPL. George will also be speaking at two events in Middlebury in March.
Lawmakers Forge Ahead with Carbon Tax Plan
This VTDigger article by Mike Polhamus tells about the recent legislation introduced in both the VT House and Senate to put a price on carbon. Governor Scott is opposing even the recommendation of his Climate Action Commission to conduct a thorough study of pricing carbon pollution.
Governor Scott’s Response to Climate Recommendations Disappoints
In her commentary, Johanna Miller speaks of the letter Governor Scott sent to his Climate Action Commission last week in which he dismisses many of the Commission’s initial recommendations, including his rejection of the recommendation for an impartial study of carbon pricing and other decarbonization strategies. Johanna Miller, Director of Vermont Natural Resources Council’s Energy and Climate Program and member of the Governor’s Climate Action Commission, goes on to say, “this disappointing response is the most powerful demonstration to date that Governor Scott might not be willing to take substantive action when it comes to climate.”
Tell Trump Administration: No Offshore Oil Drilling Expansion
Sign onto National Interfaith Power & Light’s petition urging Interior Secretary Zinke to rescind the misguided proposal for oil drilling off our coasts.
Mission LifeForce — Support Law to Eradicate Ecocide
Watch this short video to find out more!
VTIPL helps people of faith and spirit to better understand the climate crisis and to take action to care for Earth.
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light
P.O. Box 209, Richmond, VT 05477
info@vtipl.org 802-434-3397 www.vtipl.org
