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Yay Earth! Upcoming Online Courses and a Whole Lotta Earth Stuff...
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Earth Love


<<First Name>>,

What does it mean to be in relationship with the earth? I would think it could involve many of the elements that are part of a relationship we have with a person we love dearly.

It could involve listening to the earth—its needs, its songs, its sighs and groans. Savoring the earth—its beauty, its goodness. Protecting the earth, from what would harm it. Liberating the earth, from what binds it.

It could involve receiving the earth—its gifts, its contributions. Respecting the earth, as an end and not simply a means. Engaging the earth gently, rather than abusivelyWorking with the earth, rather than dominating it. Living with hope for the earth, celebrating both what it is and what it could be.

It could involve taking responsibility for the earth's flourishing, as much as it is yours to take. Or maybe even going above and beyond your responsibility, in a way, since many others who could and should take responsibility may not, and the earth could use a little extra love from you, if you happen to have a little extra love to give.

-Matt

THIS WEEK'S CONTENT
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Quick Notes...


Next Sunday: Join us for worship via Zoom! Link to join: https://zoom.us/j/481596095

Tonight: The CFC Book Group is discussing Ch. 7 of The Color of Compromise. Link to joinhttps://zoom.us/j/347822642 

From Last Sunday: CFC Quarterly Meeting for Business Minutes: MINUTES 4/19
 

A note from Wess Daniels about an online learning opportunity:

"Resisting Empire: An Online Study of Poverty, Empire and the Book of Revelation in the Time of Covid19." 
In this free 6-week online course we will look at the Book of Revelation from a Liberation Theology perspective, and using the book, “Resisting Empire: The Book of Revelation as Resistance” as the backdrop. We will take time to understand not only questions about "end times," and what it means to resist the "religion of empire" in this moment, but we will work to read the bible "off center," with the perspective of the victims of empire at the heart of our interpretation. We will meet weekly starting on Wednesday, April 29, 1pm PST. Sign up for more details at: https://shrtm.nu/resistempire

 

A note from Ruthie Tippin about another online learning opportunity:

"Radical Spirituality: the Early History of the Quakers." This free online course will begin Monday, April 27th. The instructor is Ben Pink Dandelion and is offered through Woodbrooke, the Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, England. Through this course, we will be finding out about what lies at the heart of Quaker beginnings, who its main characters were, and how in a few weeks during the summer of 1652 the Quaker movement was formed in the north of England. The course will run for five weeks. To register, go to Radical Spirituality: the Early History of the Quakers

Some Earth Day Resources and Perspectives

Watch "Earth Day 2020 Live"


Earth Day Live will feature a three-day livestream where millions of people can join activists, celebrities, musicians, and more in an epic moment of community and hope for the future. (watch here)
 

Earth Day 2020 (official site)


The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge—but also the vast opportunities—of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable...(read more)
 

Eco-Justice: Ecological Responsibility Linked with Social Justice 

by Quaker Earthcare Witness

Flint, Michigan, an economically depressed area, lost control over decisions affecting the public. Penny-wise and pound-foolish decisions were made by the state to change the source of Flint's drinking water in 2014, resulting in serious contamination. Public complaints were ignored until outsiders exposed the situation. In March, 2017, a federal judge approved a $97 million solution to the problem. (1). Why did it take so long and how many other water systems are like Flint’s? (read more)

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day From Home

from the editors of The Old Farmer's Almanac

This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The connection that we have to nature, plants, and the land is integral to our health and all that we are. Earth Day reminds us to take care of our planet—whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting more trees, recycling and repurposing, or going on a walk in a green space amidst the wildflowers. See ideas to celebrate! (read more)

25 Earth Day Facts—Plus, How to Help the Planet Even While 'Social Distancing'

by Lindsay Lowe

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Every year on April 22, people around the world mobilize to address some of the most urgent threats facing our environment, from climate change to deforestation to plastic pollution. We’re taking a look at what you need to know about this year’s Earth Day events, as well as looking at some fascinating Earth Day facts...(read more)

What the Climate Movement Is Getting Wrong on Earth Day

by Michael Grunwald

Fifty years ago, 20 million Americans took to the streets for the first Earth Day, voting with their feet against the degradation of the planet. Pogo cartoonist Walt Kelly captured the moment with his legendary anti-pollution poster: “We have met the enemy and he is us." On Wednesday, environmentalists around the world will take to their keyboards for the 50th Earth Day, forced online by the coronavirus crisis but still dedicated to saving the planet from the slower-motion climate crisis. As the earth has begun to broil, though, the Earth Day movement has reshaped its narrative...(read more)

Eco-fascism in the Age of the Coronavirus

by Andre Lawes Menchavez

Eco-fascism is the application of fascist ideology in solving environmental issues, often placing the greater good of the environment above the loss and endangerment of individual lives. Those targeted are often found in communities of color, or are of lower socio-economic status—those who are most impacted by climate change due to their inability to withstand its effects...(read more)

Returning the Gift

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

In the teachings of my Potawatomi ancestors, responsibilities and gifts are understood as two sides of the same coin. The possession of a gift is coupled with a duty to use it for the benefit of all. A thrush is given the gift of song—and so has a responsibility to greet the day with music. Salmon have the gift of travel, so they accept the duty of carrying food upriver. So when we ask ourselves, what is our responsibility to the Earth, we are also asking, “What is our gift?” (read more)

Seth Mountain - "God Bless the Grass" // Ballard Sessions LIVE #6

Earth Care Tip of the Week: Four Ways to Recycle Clothes You Don't Wear Anymore


From the CFC Earth Care Committee

1. Donate what you can to someone in need; your trash might be someone else’s treasure. Moreover, donation offers an excellent means to give new life to your clothes that aren't serving you anymore. Most of the time, your local thrift shop supports your community in one way or another. 

2. Even your threadbare outfits can be put to reuse for insulation, car seat stuffing, upholstery stuffing, and other purposes with the help of textile recycling. There are several companies and organizations that conduct textile recycling programs to repurpose your well-worn clothes and accessories. A quick Google search can help you find one in your area.

3. Create tote bags, produce bags, reusable facial rounds, reusable napkins, house cleaning supplies - there are endless options here, you just have to think about what you need and go for it!

4. Have clothing made of natural materials like cotton, wool, or linen? You can compost them! Strip down all the non-biodegradable and synthetic stuff from your garment, like plastic tags, buttons, zips, etc. Next, shred your clothing item into smaller pieces to accelerate the decomposition rate. Lastly, ensure your composting heap stays in balance by adding wetter items (vegetable peelings or garden cuttings) and keeping the clothing composition at a maximum of 25%.

Text of the Week

Acts 2:14a, 36-41: (NRSV)
14a But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them…
36 “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Sunday Sermons

Did you miss a Sunday? You can find messages from past weeks below. 
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