...And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Taking inspiration from this little detail at the end of Matthew's account of the nativity, Stephen Lewis, Matthew Wesley Williams, and Dori Grineko Baker put forth Another Way Manifesto in their book, Another Way: Living & Leading Change on Purpose. The whole book is worth a read, but the following points from their Manifesto strike me as particularly relevant to environmental ministries:

• There is a future that mourns if you and I do not step into our purpose.
• Leadership is a communal practice that builds the capacity of a team, community, or organization to envision and enact a future informed by the past and the diverse people around us.
• In the face of uncertainty and destabilization, give yourself permission to prioritize experimentation and prototyping. Pay attention to history, power, justice, and equity or you will merely make change without making a difference.

Throughout the rest of this season of Epiphany (through Feb. 21!), I encourage you and your teams to explore these invitations (and check out a beautiful visualization of the entire Manifesto here). How might Another Way of working give us new space for relationship, creativity, and the fullness of life in our working toward climate and environmental justice?

My prayers are with you and your ministries, and I'm always glad to be in conversation with you. - Emma

Upcoming Events

In the next month:

• Join our Environmental Ministries Cross Pollination Gathering! Our next topic is planning for spiritual practices and action steps during Lent. Monday, January 16, 6:30pm
• Energy Efficiency Programs for Connecticut Houses of Worship - IREJN has new and expanded energy efficiency programs for religious communities in 2023, including funding assistance available for energy efficiency measures in houses of worship. Tuesday, January 31, 7pm
• Forum on Environmental Legislation in Connecticut - led by IREJN, hosted in person at First Church of West Hartford. Monday, February 13, 6:30pm
• Forum on Solar for Massachusetts Houses of Worship - MAIPL leads this forum, with special focus on federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. Wednesday, February 14, noon. 
• Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Shelters, and the Healing of the World - The BTS Center hosts a conversation with author of Refugia Faith, Debra Rienstra, with panel discussion with young adults on the intergenerational nature of the climate crisis. Thursday, February 15, 7pm. (This event has a registration fee, but SNEUCC has several free tickets -- just ask Emma!)

During Lent:

• Renewing God's Creation: Daily Meditations for Lent -- Lent invites us to reflect on our relationships with God, each other, and the Earth upon which all life depends. The inspirational daily meditations during the Forty Days of Lent come from many sources as we honor the wisdom of many voices and traditions. .

Earth Month and beyond:

• Faith Climate Action Week -- get your toolkit now! This year's theme is Living the Golden Rule: Just Transition to a clean energy economy.
• Youth Environmental Justice Retreat -- the February session is full, but the Saturday, May 6 session at Silver Lake has spots remaining! Youth (middle and high school) will engage scripture and spiritual practices, learn about environmental racism and environmental justice, and experience God's Creation. Scholarships available - contact Emma to discuss what will work for you.