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Greetings!
 During the holy seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Hanukkah, we give thanks for the gift of light. As we enjoy the lights of Christmas and Hanukkah, may we share with others the light of love, peace, and joy and become beacons of promise and hope in our world. We have faith that, together, we can move towards a future that cherishes God's Earth and cares for the vulnerable and coming generations. Are you and your faith community looking for meaningful ways to honor creation during the holidays? Here are a couple of suggestions: Interfaith Power and Light's Gift of Life Carbon Covenant program offers a way to reach out to developing nations by helping communities in the Global South work to reverse deforestation and build sustainable livelihoods. Projects supported by your donation could include:
Also, resources offered by Interfaith Power and Light's Cool Harvest program can help members of your faith community to make climate-friendly food choices. Download the free kits and plan your holiday festivities with this in mind.
We wish you a blessed season. Be a Power and Light in this world!
Sara Ward, Director
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Ohio Congregations:
Part of the Climate Solution
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Our goal...15 new congregations committed to SAVING ENERGY through OhIPL's Energy Stewards or Energy Audits programs by the beginning of the new year! Why? Because we want Ohio congregations to be guiding lights of hope in a world threatened by global warming. Could your congregation be ready to take action?
Find out more about saving energy by attending the Energy Stewardship for Houses of Worship webinar. We are offering three more opportunities for you to attend the Energy Stewardship webinar in 2012, so we hope you will attend, encourage others to attend, or pass along the information to other congregations in your community. Let's reach our goal!
The Energy Stewardship for Houses of Worship webinar will be offered on the following dates:
December 5th (10:00am)
Please register for this webinar here.
December 11th (7:00pm) Please register for this webinar here.
December 12th (3:00pm) Please register for this webinar here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We hope you will pick a date and join us to learn more about energy stewardship. If you have further questions, please visit our website's Energy Stewards page or call Craig Foster, OhIPL Technical Consultant, at 614-940-6274. |
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More Webinars Coming in 2013
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We are excited to announce these new webinars scheduled for January, 2013:
Renewing Climate Stewardship: Drawing from the Deep Wells of Our Religions
January 10th (7:00-8:00pm)
Presenter: Greg Hitzhusen, PhD., M.Div
Following his re-election, President Obama pledged to work for an America "that isn't threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet." At this critical time, how can we renew our spirits and our efforts to provide a moral-ethical response to climate change? What religious and spiritual roots do people of faith draw on to address climate change? Where can we find inspiration for our efforts and meet what President Obama called "the obligation to future generations to do something about" climate change?
Join Greg Hitzhusen, PhD, M.Div., for this webinar as we explore our response to climate change through the lens of our religious tenets and find inspiration to carry on the mission. Dr. Hitzhusen is a Lecturer in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. He was founding Director and now serves as Board Chair of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light.
Click here to register for this webinar.
A Climate of Change in Ohio: Science, Health, and Our Response
January 17th (7:00-8:00pm)
Presenter: Leanne M. Jablonski, FMI, PhD
What evidence is there of climate change in Ohio? What impacts are scientists seeing on our ecosystems, agriculture and health? What are the connections between global warming, air quality, renewable energy and policy solutions? Drawing on scientific evidence and Union of Concerned Scientists reports, Dr. Jablonski will overview climate change impacts in the heartland and offer examples of actions that can be taken individually, in our faith communities, and workplace practices.
Leanne Jablonski FMI is a Marianist Sister and a climate change ecologist, pastoral minister and educator. Sister Leanne directs the Marianist Environmental Education Center (http://meec.udayton.edu)
is Ohio Coordinator for the Union of Concerned Scientists (http://ucsusa.org) and a University of Dayton part-time faculty member on the Coordinating team of UD's Sustainability Energy Environment Initiative. Dr. Jablonski is engaged in justice and sustainability work statewide to national levels and was founding coordinator of the Ohio Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign.
Click here to register for this webinar.
After you register for a webinar, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We look forward to sharing with you in this webinar series. You can participate from the comfort of your home, or gather a group around a computer in your house of worship. |
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An Advent Calendar and 24/6
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 For the tech-savvy in your Christian faith community, you might want to use the Advent poster developed by The Advent Conspiracy. Every day in December a new thought, picture or video that tells the story of Christmas and how it's still changing the world in radical ways will be posted. Just download and print this poster. Then, for each day in December, scan the QR codes to open up a new story.
Here's a gift for that all-too busy person on your list...Dr. Matthew Sleeth (of Blessed Earth) has written a new book, entitled, 24/6, A prescription for a healthier, happier life, which encourages us to develop a sabbatical life.
Click here for a review of this book. |
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The Green Menorah Covenant
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The Green Menorah is the symbol of a covenant among Jewish communities and congregations to renew the miracle of Hanukkah with respect to the Earth. The idea of the Green Menorah is to encourage action to deal with global warming.
There are two aspects of the Green Menorah Covenant: hands-on action by congregations and congregants to reduce actual CO2 emissions on their own and to infuse their own celebrations of Jewish festivals, life-cycle events, prayers, and education with eco-consciousness; and advocacy for change in public policy. For more information on The Green Menorah Covenant, visit The Shalom Center of Philadelphia, PA.
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Give thanks, and give of your time:
 Did you encourage your children to give thanks during the Thanksgiving holiday? In this continued season of giving, encourage your children to give of their time. There are many ways for you and your children to volunteer this holiday season. You can serve the needs of the homeless, the hungry, and the battered by working together, along with other volunteers at the nearest city mission. Or you can collect trash in your community; recycle the cans that you collect and use the money to buy and plant trees. There is no better way to learn about others (and yourself) than through community service; go out and be a light in the world!
Energy Savings Tip of the Day:
Use solar powered Christmas lights to decorate your home or garden this year! This will save you money on your electric bill, and is better for the environment, as well!
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Are you ready to commit to reducing your carbon footprint and to help your congregation reduce its energy use? Become a Covenant Congregation or an Individual Covenant Member of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light. We will work with you directly to support your earth care ministries and steps towards better stewardship. You can Join us online or download the Covenant form and mail it to us.
To become a Covenant Congregation ONLINE, click here.
To make an Individual Covenant ONLINE, click here.
For the Covenant Congregation FORM (mail in), click here.
For the Individual Covenant FORM (mail in), click here. |
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Ohio Interfaith Power and Light
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| Thank you for being a part of the effort to provide the religious response to climate change.
Ohio Interfaith Power and Light
6230 Busch Blvd, Suite 430
Columbus, Ohio 43229-1879
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