april 2008 interfaith connection newsletter, interfaith works

8/8/2019 April 2008 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

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April 2008, p. 1

INTERFAITH CONNECTIONInterfaith Works nurtures and promotes

interfaith understanding, respect,and action on social issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORK IS JUSTICE WORKby Carol McKinley

Earth Day [April 22] is a time of celebration, a day on which we acknowledge the wonder of this planet onwhich we live and the amazing abundance of life forms that share it with us. It is a time in which we arereminded to walk more gently on the earth, to be better stewards of this biosphere and the blue-green hillsof earth. Earth Day also challenges faith communities to look more closely at how humanitys profligateuse of earths resources water, fossil fuels, the soil offends religious precepts fundamental to mostfaiths: justice, equity, and compassion.

As the climate changes, the global food supply, peoples homes, and health, will be affected. All climate

change experts agree that the poorest of the poor in the world, including the poorest in prosperoussocieties, will suffer the most, for the poor are least able to adapt to climate change.

And the changes can be disastrous. According to a recent CBS news report, an increase of just twodegrees Fahrenheit could mean significant changes in the lives of millions. Africa by 2020 is looking at anadditional 75 to 250 million people going thirsty because of climate change; deadly diseases primarilyassociated with floods and droughts are expected to rise in Asia; crop failures due to ongoing drought arealready occurring in Australia, a major grain producer.

In the face of changes that will affect the lives of millions of the poor, powerless, and landless, how mightwe as justice-seeking people respond to global warming and the environmental crisis?

First, we can recognize that global warming is more than an environmental and scientific crisis; it is one ofthe greatest spiritual and moral crises facing humanity today.

We can recognize our responsibility to share equitably in the earths resources, and work to reduce theUnited States production of greenhouse gasses. We can acknowledge that emitting more than 25% of theworlds greenhouse gasses while being only 4% of the worlds population is an injustice.

We can respond to the cry of the earth and the cries of the poor by calling for equitable apportionment ofearths abundant resources, and reducing our own consumption.

Finally, we can muster our creativity, courage, and devotion to heal this planet and its peoples, calling ourcongregations, communities, and leaders to honor values of justice and compassion.

See the calendar on page 4 for information on IW Earth Stewardship events and meetings.

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507(360) 357-7224 * [email protected] * www.interfaith-works.orgIssue No. 2008-04


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April 2008, p. 3

EARTH by Sister Mimi Maloney, SNJM

We stand at a critical moment in Earths history, atime when humanity must choose its future Tomove forward we must recognize that in the midst of

a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms weare one human family and one Earth community witha common destiny. Preamble Earth Charter

I love this picture of earth taken from space. Itrepresents one of our greatest technological

achievements the step out intospace but really this picturehas a far deeper significance,because for the first time ever,we have seen ourselves and theplanet from the outside, and theview has changed everything.

In a real sense this image of Earth has become areligious icon for me a sacred symbol of that whichis holy and precious because it elicits suchprofound feelings of awe and wonder, feelings ofoneness and interconnectedness, feelings of being apart of something so much greater. This picture alsospeaks eloquently of the ineffable beauty of Earth andof its increasing vulnerability and fragility, and bringshome to me, in a way nothing else can, that we areOne Planetary Community, One Sacred Community,sailing through space on Planet Earth together.

The theme for Earth Day this year is Global Warmingand Global Climate Change.

For people of faith, really, for all of us, the care ofGods Creation and the protection of Earth and thelife-support systems on Planet Earth from thedevastating effects of Global Warming are not justenvironmental issues. Fundamentally, they are moraland ethical issues and the responsibility of everyone.

Please visit the Earth Stewardship page on the IWwebsite (www.interfaith-works.org/Earth.html) for alist of resources we can use to educate ourselves and

our faith communities about this vitally importantissue.

HELP CROP STOP HUNGER

Become a Crop Walker, or contribute to a Walker.If you want to get involved but dont know how,phone Kathy at 357-7224, or Wayne and Carol at

352-9703. Or donate online at by going towww.cropwalk.org, click the little box that saysRegister Today and then follow the links toThurston County Crop Walk.

Funds raised will provide food and clean water tohungry people locally, nationally and around theglobe. In 2007 our Walk raised $50,331 forhunger relief! To learn more about ThurstonCounty Crop Walk, visit our website atwww.interfaith-works.org/cropwalk.html

Below: Lynn Magnuson (Pacific NW Regional

Director of Crop Walk) and Governor ChristineGregoire at the 2007 Thurston County Crop Walk

HOT MEALS WANTED

If you, or your organization would like to providea hot meal on a regular basis (such as once aweek) during Camp Quixotes stay at theOlympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation(2200 East End St, West Olympia), pleasecontact Selena Kilmoyer at 360-951-0326 [email protected].


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April 2008, p. 4

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Interfaith Works is pleased to announce some of the activities and events of our members and cooperatingorganizations; IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details & events at www.interfaith-works.org

April 15Tuesday6:45 p.m.

IW Annual meeting

Everyone is welcome to Interfaith Works' annual meeting at The United Churches. Therewill be a short but crucial business portion (adopting the annual budget and electingdirectors) surrounded by socializing, inspiration, entertainment, celebrating, and lots ofdoor prizes. For details, see the latest IW newsletter or call Interfaith Works at 357-7224.

April 19 Sat.12 - 3 p.m.

Free Electronic Waste Disposal EventAt Westfield Mall (625 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia). Sponsored by 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

April 26Saturday11 a.m.

Christian Science: What, Why and How? Learn what Christian Science is, how it heals, andwhy many people in our community depend upon its teachings to meet all their needs includinghealthcare. Come to this free one hour talk at the State Theater, 4th Ave & Wash St, Olympia, byMarceil DeLacy, CSB, of Seattle. Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Olympia.Everyone is welcome. For more information call 352-1572.

May 4Sunday2-4 p.m.

An Afternoon of Story and Song All are welcome at First Christian Church for a fun afternoonto benefit the Jackie Register Cancer Fund. Jackie is 23 and under treatment for lymphoma.Music by Ric Zassenhaus, Diane Whalen and Leanne Bergford. Stories by Billie Mazzei, RandiMoe and Margaret Lott. For more info call Billie, 943-2504 Free Will Offering.

May 10Saturday

9:30 a.m. -5 p.m.

Introduction to the Enneagram - The Enneagram is an important tool for understanding ourselvesand others. This class is most suitable for new students though anyone with an interest mayattend. Register by Friday, May 2. Cost $60. Call The Priory Spirituality Center at 438-2595 or visitwww.stplacid.org for details on this and other Priory programs.

May 13Tues. 12 noon IW newsletter deadline for articles, calendar items, and ads for the May IW newsletter(coming out about May 20).

May 14Wednesday

12 noon

Earth Stewardship Committee meeting All are welcome to IW's Earth StewardshipCommittee meetings in the First Christian Church library (7th & Franklin, Olympia). Nextmeeting June 11. For more information, please contactMarijke van Roojen at 754-3740.

May 14Wednesday7 9 p.m.

Earth Care Series Please join in viewing & discussing the video "The Global Brain"at Traditions Caf (300 5th Ave SW, downtown Olympia). This event is co-sponsoredby IW's Earth Stewardship Committee and Earth Care Catholics of Olympia. Details atwww.Interfaith-Works.org or call Mimi Maloney at 459-5825.

May 20Tuesday7 - 9 p.m.

IW Program Council meetingThe IW Program Council holds its monthly meeting at The United Churches to plan and

execute the programs and projects of Interfaith Works. All interested persons areinvited. For details, call Interfaith Works at 357-7224.

May 5Monday eve.

Reverend James M. Lawson, leader in the civil rights movement, will be speaking in the Olympiaarea; place & time TBD. Call Paul Gallegos, TESC, at 867-6368 for more information.


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April 2008, p. 5

WANT TO VOLUNTEER AT ST.

PETER HOSPITAL?

If you are interested in learning more aboutbecoming a Hospitality Volunteer for the Spiritual

Care Department at Providence St. Peter Hospital,you are invited to an informational meeting onMay 6, 2008, from 10-11 a.m. in the ExecutiveConference Room at the hospital. Directions to theclassroom can be obtained from the InformationDesk in the hospital lobby. For those accepted intothe program, classes will meet one morning a weekfor 8 weeks for a total of 24 hours of training. If youwish to attend the information session, pleasecontact Beverly Hartz at 360-493-7238.

Thank youtoLacey Presbyterian Church

for hosting IWs EmergencyOverflow Shelter in March

IW NEWSLETTER

Please let us know if you, someone else, a faith community or another organization would like to receive acopy of our monthly newsletter, either by U.S. mail or by email, or if you would like to be removed from our list.

The deadline for the next newsletter is 12 noon on Tuesday, May 13. If you have ideas for articles,announcements, or other newsletter items, let us know and send them in. Thanks!

SUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORKSUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORKSUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORKSUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORKWe appreciate your one-time gift or monthly contribution, no matter the amount.

I would like to support the programs and activities of Interfaith Works

Amount of Gift:______________ ( ) one-time ( ) monthly _____Please send information about individual membership

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Phone:___________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________________________

Please include this form and make checks payable to Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507.

Your gift to Interfaith Works, a 501(c)3 organization, is deductible as allowed under federal tax law.

PAID ADS

CROP WALK is May 4CROP WALK is May 4CROP WALK is May 4CROP WALK is May 4

Last year walkers raised

over $50,000for hunger-relief.

You can help top that in 2008.

To volunteer, walk or pledge call352-9703 or 357-7224 today.


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April 2008, p. 6

PAID ADS

Great Mother Batik Workshopwith Julia Moore, Artist for the Goddess

In honor of our life givers and nurturers, create a sacred

image of the Great Mother using wax, silk and dyes. Artexperience not needed. Julia will lead an exercise to helpaccess your own sacred images of the goddess.

May 10, 2008 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Mothers & Daughters $150 per couple

$95 per individual. To register contact Julia at

360-459-4001 or [email protected]

An Afternoon of Story and SongMay 4 2-4 pm

First Christian Church7th and Franklin

Stories by Billie Mazzei, Randi Moe,Margaret Lott

Music by Ric Zassenhaus,Diane Whalen, Leanne Bergford

Benefit Jackie Register Cancer Fund(Jackie is Billies granddaughter)

Free Will Offering

OLYMPIA CHORAL SOCIETY

FREE SPRING CONCERT

2008: A Choral OdysseyFri, Sat, MAY 16-17 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, MAY 18 at 2 PM

North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey600 Sleater-Kinney Road, north of Martin Way

Director: Terry Shaw

Seek and You Will Find...Another way to be catholicAll are welcome to experience catholic worship in a new,inclusive way, based on the Beatitudes of Christ. Lacey'sEcumenical Catholic Community invites everyone toparticipate in Eucharistic lay-led liturgies on the 1st and3rd Sundays of every month, 11 a.m., at the LaceyWomen's Club House (829 Lacey St. Turn rt. onto Lacey St.from the Lacey Blvd./Pacific Ave. roundabout.)

(360) 459-8121 [email protected]

www.ecumenical-catholic-communion.org

For information about running a $10 ad, contact [email protected] or 357-7224

Interfaith WorksPO Box 1221Olympia WA 98507

Return service requested

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 325Olympia, Wa 98501

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