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.
The annual Earth Hour party fundraiser for PA Interfaith Power & Light includes a silent auction, tasty snacks & excellent and varied live music: Los Tikis, Wiggus and Friends, and Tranceformation.
As part of the world wide Earth Hour celebrations, we will go lights out and all-acoustic from 8:30-9:30.
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
Gathering song
A version of the Buddhist Metta Sutra (Loving Kindess), led by George Hoguet. Sung to the tune of Amazing Grace May I be filled with loving kindness May I be well May I be peaceful and at ease May I be happy May You…. May We…. May All…
Return to the Home of Your Soul –song written by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, led by Barb Ballenger, and sung by all present, audio captured by filmmaker (and workshop leader) Kirsi Jansa
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.
Kirsi Jansa’s slides (with video links) from Finding Our Power— Community Conversations
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
The Environmental Justice Committee of PA IPL member congregation Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has selected 3 documentaries to be shown at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute for a Green on Screen series. Each will be followed by thought-provoking discussions as part of the committee’s ongoing mission to educate and advocate for God’s creation in the congregation and the larger community
Wednesdays, April 12 – 26, 7:00 p.m., Bryn Mawr Film Institute, with talk-backs running for about 30 minutes at the conclusion of the film.
4/18 – The Islands and the Whales discussion with Lisa J Rodrigues, PhD.
Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director, Geography & the Environment, Villanova University
Scottish filmmaker Mike Day turns his lens on the isolated North Atlantic archipelago of the Faroe Islands with The Islands and the Whales, which won the DOC NYC Grand Jury Prize and the Hot Docs Emerging International Filmmaker Award in 2016. The longtime hunting practices of the Faroese are threatened by dangerously high mercury levels in whales, decimated seabird populations and anti-whaling activists. Day explores the undeniably timely tensions between the environment, health, tradition and culture.
In their remote home on the Faroe Islands, the islanders have always accepted what nature could provide and been proud to put local food on the table. Because their soil yields little bounty, the Faroese harvest their seas. As a result, the islanders are among the first to feel the impact of our ever more polluted oceans. Contaminated by the outside world, the whales they capture are toxic. What once ensured their survival now endangers their children, and the Faroese must make a choice between health and tradition.
4/25 – LOOK & SEE: A Portrait of Wendell Berry discussion with Rev. Gilson Waldkoenig, PhD
Paulssen-Hale-Maurer Prof. of Church in Society, United Lutheran Seminary
The Environmental Justice Committee of PA IPL member congregation Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has selected 3 documentaries to be shown at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute for a Green on Screen series. Each will be followed by thought-provoking discussions as part of the committee’s ongoing mission to educate and advocate for God’s creation in the congregation and the larger community
Wednesdays, April 12 – 26, 7:00 p.m., Bryn Mawr Film Institute, with talk-backs running for about 30 minutes at the conclusion of the film.
In How to Let Go of the World and Love All The Things Climate Can’t Change, Oscar Nominated director Josh Fox (GASLAND) continues in his deeply personal style, investigating climate change – the greatest threat our world has ever known. Traveling to 12 countries on 6 continents, the film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks, what is it that climate change can’t destroy? What is so deep within us that no calamity can take it away?
4/18 – The Islands and the Whales discussion with Lisa J Rodrigues
Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director, Geography & the Environment, Villanova University
4/25 – LOOK & SEE: A Portrait of Wendell Berry discussion with Rev. Gilson Waldkoenig, PhD
Paulssen-Hale-Maurer Prof. of Church in Society, United Lutheran Seminary
Bidder 70 centers on an extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience demanding government and industry accountability. In 2008, University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher committed an act which would redefine patriotism in our time, igniting a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of climate justice.
Follow Tim, Bidder 70, from college student to incarcerated felon. Redefine justice for yourself. Choose your side.