Tag: film

Now Available: Video of August’s PA IPL Statewide Summer Film Series

Discussion with Kirsi Jansa about “The Sustainability Pioneers”

PA IPL Statewide Summer Film Series – August 2022 – Discussion with Kirsi Jansa about “The Sustainability Pioneers”

PA IPL is offering our summer film series for the second year in a row! This August we viewed The Sustainability Pioneers, a series of short documentaries focusing on the achievable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy & sustainable living. Artist & visual storyteller, Kirsi Jansa, offers her films free of charge on her website. Kirsi joined us for a discussion of her films on Monday, August 29th from 7:00-8:30pm.

Kirsi believes in “Pausing. Bearing Witness. Connecting for Good.” From her website:

Kirsi Jansa has been practicing compassion-based awareness and openness with Tara Rokpa Therapy for almost 20 years. She is a certified Healing Relaxation course leader and offers relaxation courses and workshops. She is inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and has studied facilitation with Work That Reconnects network and Active Hope non-profit.

Kirsi is a visual storyteller by craft and passion. A native Finn, Kirsi worked for the Finnish Broadcasting Company as a tv-reporter focusing on environment and health from the early 1990’s until moving to the US and Pennsylvania in 2008. In Pittsburgh, she started exploring energy, environmental health, and climate solutions in her short documentary series Gas Rush Stories and Sustainability Pioneers. In 2016, Kirsi and her climateering colleagues co-founded Creatives for Climate collective with an intention to spark social change by sparking community dialogue around climate emergency.

There is no fee for this program, but a suggested $5 donation will help us keep doing this work.

Now Available: Video of June’s PA IPL Statewide Summer Film Series

Discussion with Jonathan Sprout about his NetZero Lifestyle, Music, & Short Films

PA IPL Statewide Summer Film Series – June 2022 – Discussion with Jonathan Sprout about his NetZero Lifestyle, Music, & Short Films

PA IPL is offering our summer film series for the second year in a row! This June we viewed a series of films by Jonathan Sprout, founder of Force for Good. Jonathan joined us for a discussion of his NetZero Lifestyle, music, and short films on Monday, June 20th from 7:00-8:30pm.

Jonathan founded Force for Good in 2016. Jonathan states:
Our primary objective through our music and films is to unify, empower, and inspire people to become activists. We are optimists who promote peace, equality, and compassion for all. We hope that you will join us. Be the force that uplifts the doers of good.

To fulfill his mission, Jonathan provides his films, free of charge, on the Force for Good website. All films run between 5-10 minutes, so PA IPL encourages you to watch all of the Force for Good films. They are informative and inspirational. They will remind you of what we work so hard to protect. However, if your time is limited, we suggest: Oceans, Wind Energy, Plastic, Reverence, Wilderness, Natural, Homeless, Ice, Organic, Harmony, Grace, Community, Hope, Solar, and Happiness.

There is no fee for this program, but a suggested $5 donation will help us keep doing this work.

FREE stuff! Paris to Pittsburgh screening kits

Get it because it’s worth getting — the FREE part makes it easy!

Between now and mid-August, congregations, community groups, and even individuals can register to get a free screening kit for Paris to Pittsburgh, National Geographic’s realistic, hopeful film about climate action and solutions. Running time 79 minutes, in segments. The screening kit includes the original film materials, plus some additional supports from Interfaith Power & Light.

Continue reading FREE stuff! Paris to Pittsburgh screening kits

links and resources from Facing the Climate Crisis: Called to Save our Sacred Home.

Our 2018 statewide Annual Conference Facing the Climate Crisis: Called to Save our Sacred Common Home was a wonderful conference, beautifully planned, filled with deeply generous leadership and participation.  It was also in Pittsburgh, on October 27, 2018, the day of the hate-motivated killings at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill.  The terrible news broke just as the first people were arriving. Most people heard the news at the conference. We made space for prayers together, and songs and prayers already planned took on different significance.  A few were unable to be there. Those who were gathered found comfort in the chance to be in a community of caring.  By the time we adjourned, thanks to the strength of the Pittsburgh networks present, people left with times and places for multiple vigils and services over the next three days.

We will continue to share resources from the day here as they are shared with us.  We are so grateful to the volunteers, leaders, speakers, musicians,  sponsors and attendees who made it all possible.

opening

Rev. David Carlisle had to miss the conference to be fully present for a family emergency; Rabbi Ron Symons was called to respond to the shootings.

workshops and workshop leaders

Workshops and workshop leaders are all cross-linked on our Annual Conference page.  When “portable” materials are generously shared with us, we will share them with you — though they certainly will be pale compared to the richness of the interaction, leadership, and community of the in-person workshops.

PA IPL’s 2018 Visionary Award to Dr. Patricia DeMarco was beautifully received by Mark Dixon and Kirsi Jansa, who delivered the plaque and award citation to her after the conference.  We are delighted that Patty’s treatments have been successful, and she is now focused on regaining her remarkable energy.

These sponsors helped make the day possible
business sponsors

faith community sponsors

Gathering and break times were enriched by the presence of many allies at information tables.

Our delicious vegetarian lunch was from Baby Loves Tacos, and the amazing apples we snacked on were Stayman Winesaps from Penns Corner Farm Alliance.

Program book ads also helped underwrite the conference, and lift up the work of friends and allies.  Thank you.

 

Thanks at Thanksgiving, plus a little inspirational downtime

It seems appropriate this week of Thanksgiving to share our ways of giving thanks.  My family joins hands and sings a simple grace most nights as we gather around the table.

Evening is here
the board is spread
thanks be to God
who gives us bread

The one below  is longer, and we use it less often, but it’s one of my favorites.  It captures so much in so few words, and I am thankful for the miracle of renewing life that provides my food, and for all the hands that touch it from seed to mouth.  It can be sung in a 4-part round.

For sun and rain
for grass and grain
for all who toil
on sea and soil
that we may eat
this daily food
we give our loving thanks to God.

Does anyone else have favorites?  Please share in the comments!

Inspirational downtime
When you’re done with your dinner, your post-prandial walk, and as many games of Clue, charades and Bananagrams as you can handle for one evening, consider sharing some truly stunning scenery with your family.  It might even count for extra credit in earth science for your middle school relatives.

Several PA IPL members in State College recently attended a screening of the 93-minute video, HOME at Penn State.  The website description introduces the film in the paragraph below.  Reviews just call it “eye candy”   It’s available in several languages, so choose the one you know best, or one you’re learning. 

“Internationally renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand makes his feature directorial debut with this environmentally conscious documentary produced by Luc Besson, and narrated by Glenn Close. Shot in 54 countries and 120 locations over 217 days, Home presents the many wonders of planet Earth from an entirely aerial perspective. As such, we are afforded the unique opportunity to witness our changing environment from an entirely new vantage point. In our 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has hopelessly upset Mother Nature’s delicate balance. Some experts claim that we have less than ten years to change our patterns of consumption and reverse the trend before the damage is irreversible. Produced to inspire action and encourage thoughtful debate, Home poses the prospect that unless we act quickly, we risk losing the only home we may ever have.”

Arthus-Bertrand’s website GoodPlanet has more stunning film related to the International Year of Forests.  A series of free photo-art posters are available for schools and others wanting to host educational events about forests.  They’re gorgeous.  Would they spark inspiration, discussion, or prayer in the halls of your congregation’s building?