Dear Pollinators,
A verse in the Bible that is sometimes cited in relationship to voting and elections is Deuteronomy 1:13 which says, “Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.” Moses proceeds to emphasize that a key characteristic of such a leader is someone who is fair amid divisions among the people. He then addresses the first big issue to be confronted: finding and securing good land for the Hebrew people.
While our system of governance is far different today, the underlying principles of what make for good governance have not. Over and over again what many of our current issues boil down to is securing and maintaining the public commons in a way that is fair and equitable. We can see this today in headlines about our postal service, our public schools, and our environment. Some would like to erode, privatize, and pollute the public commons for greed and personal gain, while others see the public commons as the basis for our moral life together—a just world in which we can all survive and thrive.
Among those with the most at stake in the upcoming election are those who cannot vote: our children and youth. At present, we are setting fire to their future and to the planet that they are in the process of inheriting. For this reason, the next Creation Justice Webinar is devoted to lifting up the voices and concerns of the younger generations. I invite you to register now to hear their urgent message to voters.
With gratitude for your ministry,
U.S. Postal Service Action Alert and Advocacy Toolkit
To protect God’s creation, we need to protect the vote. Right now that means ensuring that people are able to vote by mail during the pandemic. The UCC has issued an action alert and an advocacy toolkit to compel congress to take action by providing the funding the U.S. Postal Service needs to meet the demands of the moment. Furthermore, oversight is needed to make sure no efforts are made to reduce access or slow down the mail. Take action now!
Congregations and Conferences Seek Voter Pledges
Congregations and Conferences are taking creative approaches to encourage members to vote. The UCC’s Southern New England Conference has issued a challenge for 75% of the worshippers in their congregation to take the UCC’s Creation Care Voter Pledge. Plymouth UCC in Shaker Heights, Ohio is seeking 170 pledges from members “to vote, vote informed, and vote early.” Members are then encouraged to invite at least three friends to pledge as well. For resources on voting and creation care, check out this web page.
Free Book Offer
A limited number of free copies are available for the book Cathedral on Fire: A Church Handbook for the Climate Crisis. The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley who serves as the Board Chair for Interfaith Power & Light writes that book “shares what I feel is missing in the environmental movement, which is, ‘HOPE AT THE GUT LEVEL.’” Request a copy now.
Digital Potluck: Plant-Lover’s Pizza!
In this issue of the Pollinator, we are piloting a new feature. While churches are unable to gather for potlucks during the pandemic, we can still share our sacred love for heavenly delectable gifts online. As the UCC’s Kairos Call to Action notes, eating plant rich foods is good for both the body and the planet. There are lots of terrific potluck foods that could fit this description. This week we offer recipe ideas for a Plant-Lover’s Pizza!
The Pollinator: An environmental justice forum for the sharing of ideas and inspiration.