The Pollinator: An environmental justice forum for the sharing of ideas and inspiration.
Dear Pollinators,
One of the lectionary readings for this Sunday has long been my scripture of choice for reflecting upon the climate crisis and our collective situation today. The Israelites are fleeing Egypt and Pharaoh's army only to be stopped by the Red Sea. For me, the story captures that feeling of being up against a wall with time running out. Whether it is getting to the other side of an impassable liquid barrier or reducing green house emissions, the science of the situation doesn't look good. The root of the problem, however, can't be captured by science. We wouldn't be trapped in this predicament if it wasn't for the destructive empire that brought us to this impasse and which now brings us to the brink of ruin. We are stuck, and the chariots are stampeding toward us.
In our desperation for a story of hope, it is easy to jump ahead to the scene in which Miriam sings and dances on the other side of the Red Sea after the waters part. Before hitting the fast forward button to that place in which the seemingly impossible has become possible, we might benefit from first rewinding to an earlier scene, so that we can better understand this remarkable turn of events.
Just before the Red Sea is reached, God prepares Moses for what is about to happen. God warns, "Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, 'They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has closed in on them.'" Those who rule over empires and benefit from them will always want everyone else to believe that we are stuck in a place with no alternatives. They want us to see only the barriers that confine our sense of what is possible. They want to put an end to imagining a way forward.
Leaving an empire is often not a quick process. As the Israelites learned, it can take years, and it is something that is done one step at a time with a vision that sees beyond all obstacles.
The next election will not lead us directly into the Promised Land, but it could get us closer to it if we keep putting one foot in front of the other. Below are opportunities for doing just that.
With gratitude for your ministry,
Volunteer Opportunity to Turn Out Environmental Voters
On Wednesdays beginning September 16, a UCC team from across the country will be partnering with the Environmental Voter Project to send text messages encouraging people in twelve states to get their vote-by-mail ballots and then mail them. There will be regular training sessions for new volunteers. If you think you might be interested, email the Rev. Roberta Rominger for more information.
Children and Youth Speak: Your Vote Matters
With the climate crisis, the younger generations have served as today's prophets in provoking a global reckoning of the dire situation faced. As the November 3rd elections approach, children and youth are raising their voices again with a moral urgency as they awaken us to how much is at stake. This webinar will present children and youth leaders who have a message and perspective that needs to be heard. Register now!
"Ms. Frizzle" Praises Church Garden
“Ms. Frizzle” from the beloved TV series The Magic School Bus visited the Monarch/Pollinator Garden of First Congregational Church of Sonoma. She joined the local mayor and others for a special Pollinator Week event at the garden. The event is part of an effort to keep this summer from being the last summer for the Western Monarch Butterfly. Read more about the creative and inspiring activities that took place.
Reflection on Religion and Voting
We have heard about the Religious Right being a powerful force in politics, but is there a way that people of faith can be a powerful force for good when it comes to the environment? Environmental voters are an increasingly powerful and sizable voting block. With this commentary by the Rev. Brooks Berndt, consider the current electoral landscape and the potential place within it for Christians who care for God's creation.
Digital Potluck: Crispy Potatoes with Vegan Nacho Sauce
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. This week the focus is on crispy potatoes with a vegan nacho sauce. An appeal is also made for a "healthy" version of raspberry squares.