CARE OF CREATION
The work of California Interfaith Power and Light is energized by the understanding that every major faith tradition call on us to be stewards of Creation. We have a responsibility to protect the earth for our children and future generations. For CIPL members, faithfulness to the care of creation is a spiritual mandate. We continually strive to nourish our commitment to the goal of living as responsible stewards. In so doing, we draw from the wisdom of Creation's many faith traditions.
At this sacred time of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year when the first revelation of the Holy Qur'an is commemorated, we lift up this prayer from the tradition of Islam:
Call to Prayer (The Azan)
Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great.
Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah.
Come to prayer. Come to prayer.
Come to Success. Come to Success.
Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah.
Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah.
Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah.
Hayya 'alas-Salah. Hayya 'alas-Salah.
Hayya 'alas-Salah. Hayya 'alas-Salah.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar
HOT TOPICS
Hurricanes and Global Warming
There has been no dearth of expert opinion, since Katrina, about the connection between hurricanes and global warming. The consensus limits the correlation to hurricane intensity, agreeing that the number and locations of hurricanes have remained constant in the past several decades since hurricane monitoring began. The severity of hurricanes the experts agree, are intensifying. An article in the Washington Post in mid-September stated, "Severe hurricanes and cyclones have become more common worldwide as ocean temperatures have increased, according to a study published today in the journal Science." Georgia Tech climatologist, Judith Curry, and colleagues studied satellite data from the past 35 years as well as computer models before reaching their conclusion: "Category 4 and 5 hurricanes - storms with winds of 131 miles per hour or higher - rose from an average of 10 a year in the 1970s to 18 a year since 1990"
The Washington Post
"Severe Hurricanes Increasing, Study Finds", by Juliet Eilperin, September 16th, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/15/AR2005091502234.html
While politicians and talk show hosts continue to banter and bluster, a recent editorial in the New York Times (September 28) proclaimed that the time has come to "connect the dots." The trend of warmer oceans and atmospheric temperature increases will not be reversed any time soon, the article contends, and continues, "one thing humans can do is to reduce their own contribution to global warming by controlling industrial emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The alarm bells have been ringing for a long time, but Katrina and Rita should serve as yet another warning to an administration that has belittled the science of global warming."
Spread the Word to "Connect the Dots" in Your Community
We need your help to spread the word and “connect the dots” in the faith community about global warming and environmental stewardship. Forward this newsletter to your friends and neighbors and talk to them about these important issues. Visit www.interfaithpower.org and check out the resources CIPL brings to congregations throughout the state.
With your help, and the help of your community, we can “connect the dots” and get people of faith involved and active. Individually we can make a difference, but by working together we can mobilize the faith community and make a huge difference to the health of our planet, our neighborhoods and our friends and families.
Article originally posted at: The New York Times, "Time to Connect the Dots", Wednesday September 28th, 2005 http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/28/opinion/28wed1.html?hp
Warmings Heat Up
 On September 16, the 2005 Independent News & Media (UK) Ltd. published an article that should give us all pause. The article, written by UK journalist Steve Connor, suggests that the Arctic thaw that we have been reading about for some years now, may have already put the planet over the edge. In his daunting article on recent scientific reports, which Conner entitled Global Warming, Past the Point of No Return, he states, “Scientists fear that the Arctic has now entered an irreversible phase of warming which will accelerate the loss of the polar sea ice that has helped to keep the climate stable for thousands of years.” Giving authority to Connor's article, a report recently co-authored by the National Snow and Ice Data Center, NASA and the University of Washington warns of a future arctic summer that could be ice free.
Sea ice usually thaws in the summer and refreezes in the winter, but scientists studying polar ice since 1978 say that there has been a dramatic decline in the rate of ice recovery in winter, particularly in the last four years. The more ice that is lost to the sea's surface, the more dark open water there is for the sun to warm and the less reflective surface there is to bounce the sun's heat out of earth's atmosphere. This positive feedback cycle results in the rises in sea levels that we know are already happening. As sea levels rise, there is more water covering the globe and reduced areas of land mass. All of this equals dramatic climate change, not to mention the massive implications to human communities.
The sea ice that floats on the surface of the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas has diminished by about 16% since scientists began measurement and current trends suggest that the rate of the loss of sea ice is accelerating. Sea Ice in September of the current year was expected to be at an all time low.
Article first posted by The Independent, "Global warming 'past the point of no return", by Steve Connor, Science Editor
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article312997.ece
GOOD NEWS:
Cool Solutions
 A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change posits carbon dioxide capture and storage as one possible option to mitigate global warming. This is a promising addition to current and future technologies designed to protect climate. The report was written by 100 experts from over 30 countries and was reviewed by many climate change experts and governments. Capture and storage of CO2 will be an important agenda item in the United Nations Climate Change Conference scheduled in Montreal from November 28 to December 9 of this year. You can read more about the report by visiting the IPCC website at http://www.ipcc.ch/
The Wheel Deal
So what is the truth about riding a bicycle more in order to pollute the environment less? Getting more exercise is usually a plus for all body systems, but are we breathing more of those harmful emissions than if we were driving our cars and thereby sacrificing our personal health to spare Mother Earth? A surprising answer is offered in an article on this questions published in The Daily Grist, an online magazine devoted to environmental news and commentary. In it, the health related questions about wheeling your way to work are addressed. The gist of the Grist is good news! You are not breathing in more pollution by riding you bike. In fact, the place where there is the greatest concentration of CO2 and other bad-for-you gases is inside your car in the center lane of traffic. Read this article as you contemplate your transportation options and ponder the ways you can do your part to lower emissions. Click on The Grist, "Ask Umbra", Wednesday September 28th, 2005
http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2005/09/28/bicycling/index.html?source=daily/BAGCVECHVJ1.DTL
Cool World Cities Step Up to the Plate on Climate Change
75% of the world's energy is used to heat, light, and keep people on the move in our world's cities. Leaders of more than twenty major cities on the globe are meeting in London to talk about how they each can accept the lead and the challenge to lower emissions and arrest climate change. An article released by BBC News on October 4, reported that the World Cities Leadership Climate Change Summit brought together representatives from a diverse range of cities, including Beijing, Delhi, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Mexico City and Kingston. Among the cities already taking important steps to address climate change are:
* Berlin, where 75% of new buildings have to include solar panels in their design
* Mexico City, which plans to replace 80,000 taxis with low-emissions vehicles
by 2006
* Chicago, which is encouraging the use of rooftop gardens to keep buildings cool
* Copenhagen, where one-third of the population cycles to work.
To read the complete article, go to: BBC News, "Cities swap expertise on climate" http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4306178.stm
CIPL NEWS
Way to Go, Sally!
We are proud to announce that the Rev. Sally Bingham, CIPL founder and the Executive Director of the Regeneration Project, was invited to attend the Clinton Global Initiative in New York last month where world leaders met to discuss the following challenges:
* The Escape from Poverty: Forging a New Deal Between the Developed
and Developing World
* Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation
* Climate Change: Business Opportunity, Business Challenge
* Governance, Enterprise and Investment
Invitees were given the opportunity to make organizational “pledges” to help lower CO2 levels throughout the world - by starting with their own members. On behalf of the National Interfaith Power & Light movement she founded, Rev. Bingham pledged that the 16 affiliated state IP&L's would increase their cumulative membership base by 1,000 congregations next year to greatly increase the organization's energy conservation efforts nationally.
It is significant to note that as the leader of a faith-based organization, Rev. Bingham had a presence and a voice at this prestigious gathering. In her words, “we are on their radar screen!” Congratulations to all of you for helping to prove that united, we can make a difference.
Featured Faith Community: Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church
55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, California
A CIPL Member since 2002, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, whose pastor is the Rev. Dr. David Sammons, models what it means to be a steward of the earth. As one among many UUC congregations, Mt. Diablo is a part of their denomination's “Green Sanctuary Program”, a program which strives to “live out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community.” The guiding principle in their work of earth care and stewardship comes from ėThe Seventh Principle Project' which focuses on “the theological, spiritual, and ethical aspects of human values and activities that affect the health and sustainability of the living earth.”
Mt. Diablo has formed a “Green Sanctuary Committee,” which has directed that a congregational energy audit be conducted to evaluate MDUUC's energy use and its environmental impact, and make recommendations and changes on both. The Committee's mission statement further calls for infusing all aspects of church life with an awareness of its environmental impact. The “greening” work includes encouraging members to make personal lifestyle changes that lighten their impact on the environment and to see the connections between environmental awareness and spiritual practice. In short, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church is making the adjustments that we all need to make to live differently on the earth, finding our rightful space within the web of life with respect for all life systems. We are proud to have MDUUC as a member of the California Interfaith Power and Light program which promotes the same goals and values. To learn more about this progressive faith community's life, visit their website at www.mduuc.org. To find out more about the Unitarian Universalist Green Sanctuary Program, visit http://www.uuaspp.org/gspoverview.html
Interfaith Festival of Holy Convergence
CIPL was honored to be a part of an interfaith festival celebrating Ramadan, The Feast of St. Francis, Rosh Hashanah, the Anniversary of Gandhi's birth and World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 2nd at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville. The event included about two dozen faith groups and community organizations. The event incorporated the walking of the labyrinth, meditation, drumming, the Blessing of the Animals, an Interfaith Panel, symphonic gonging, dances of universal peace, food, music and much more. CIPL had an opportunity to share its mission and ministry with the scores of attendees who stopped by our table to learn about global warming, energy emissions reduction and conservation of energy.
CIPL Outreach Director, Rev. Sally Juarez (center), talking to attendees
at the CIPL display at the Interfaith Festival of Holy Convergence.
COOL TIPS
This month's Cool Tips comes to you from Environmental Defense, published under the heading, “20 Tips to Help Reduce Global Warming.”
* Use the energy saving setting to dry dishes, or let them air dry.
* Wash laundry in warm or cold water, not hot.
* Turn down the water heater to about 120 degrees.
* As appliances are replaced, select the most energy efficient ones.
* Adjust a room's thermostat to be lower in winter and higher in summer.
* Clean or replace dirty air filters, which can save five percent of
the energy used.
* Put energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs in the most-used
light fixtures.
* Wrap the water heater in an insulating jacket.
* Install low-flow showerheads to use less water.
* Caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows to plug air leaks.
* Ask the utility company to do a home energy audit.
* Walk, bike, carpool, or use mass-transit whenever possible.
* Purchase a car that gets good gas mileage.
* Buy minimally packaged goods and choose reusable products over
disposable ones.
* Be sure your car's air conditioner coolant is recycled after servicing.
* Insulate walls and attic to save as much as 25 percent on heating bills.
* If windows need to be replaced, install energy saving models.
* Plant trees next to the house to provide shade in summer, and protection from
the winter winds.
* Be a community activist. Set up recycling programs and promote energy
efficiency at schools and work places.
* Stay informed about environmental issues. Keep track of government
representatives' voting records, and write or call to express concerns
and opinions.
Do you want a great price on the new reflector CFL's?
They are the style you often find in recessed lighting, lobbies, conference rooms and in outdoor applications. EPA Energy Star for Congregations is offering these lights at volume prices with FREE shipping as part of a challenge campaign. You can find out about the campaign and order at http://www.pnl.gov/rlamps/ordering.stm
They can also be ordered by phone at 1-800 431-3000
Energy Star for Congregations Awards Applications
Did you know that your CIPL Membership automatically makes you an Energy Star congregation? If your faith community has been engaging in energy saving practices, which we know you have, you might be eligible for an Energy Star National Award. To find out more about this EPA program, click on http://128.121.47.106/index.cfm?c=sb_success.sb_awardsapp
Applications are due December 31st so check out the criteria and application form now. If your congregation receives an Energy Star Award, let us know about it so we can honor you in our Newsletter!
EVENTS
Energy Efficient Light Bulb Exchange
Sponsored by CIPL & SDG&E
Saturday, October 1st
10AM - 2 PM
First Lutheran Church Parking Lot
1420 3rd Avenue
San Diego, California
Click here to download more information on the event
NorCalSolar 2005 Solar Homes Tours
Saturday, October 1st
in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco,
Oakland, Santa Rosa and Fresno.
For more information,
click here: http://www.norcalsolar.org
Sacramento CIPL Working Group
Monday, October 3rd
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
St. John's Lutheran Church
2nd Floor Conference Room
1701 L Street
Sacramento, California
RSVP to Rev. Dexter McNamara
916-448-2212
dexter@isbsacramento.org
La Puente Health Fair
Saturday, October 8th
11:00-3:00 p.m.
Del Haven Christian Church
15302 E. Francisquito Avenue
La Puente, California 91744
For information please call Marge Bermann at 626-814-2450
Baldwin Park Health Fair
October 15th
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
4161 Baldwin Park Blvd
Baldwin Park, Califorina
For information please call Marge Bermann at 626-814-2450
Greater Richmond Interfaith Program/CIPL Clergy Breakfast
Tuesday, October 18th
8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Co-sponsored by GRIP (Greater Richmond Interfaith Program)
Easter Hill United Methodist Church
3911 Cutting Blvd.
Richmond, Califorina
RSVP to Rev. Sally Juarez
(510) 763-4217
outreach@interfaithpower.org
Environmental Stewardship and Your Faith Community
Saturday, November 5th
9:30 a.m. Refreshments, 10:00-Noon Program
Sage Granada Park UMC
1850 W. Hellman Ave.
Alhambra, California
For more information contact:
Tom Bourne at tom@interfaithpower.org
or 916-442-5447
Local contact:
Marge Bermann at 626-814-2450
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Does your congregation have an eco-event coming up? Let us help you get the word out to all of our covenant congregations. Do you know of a great film or reading that you wish everyone would take advantage of? Let us know about it and we will include it in the Newsletter. Send us all copy by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month's edition. Email Rev. Sally Juarez at outreach@interfaithpower.org.
CLOSING REFLECTION
The beginning of the Jewish New Year marks the start of the Jewish High Holy Days, the ten days of Penitence and the final day of Atonement.
“On Rosh Hashanah all who enter the world pass before God
like sheep in a flock.” (Tractate Rosh Hashanah 1:2)
Psalm 42:2-6
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after
Thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: 'When shall I come
and appear before God?'
My tears have been my food day and night, while they say unto me
all the day: 'Where is Thy God?'
These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I
passed on with the throng,
and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise,
a multitude keeping holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why moanest thou within me?
Hope thou in God;
for I shall yet praise Him for the salvation of His countenance.”
Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society).
In Honor of Ghandi's Birthday
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
The CIPL E-Newsletter is produced by:
California Interfaith Power & Light
2715 K Street, Suite D
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-442-5447
www.interfaithpower.org
Rev. Sally Juarez
Outreach Director
outreach@interfaithpower.org
Tom Bourne
Executive Director
tom@interfaithpower.org
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