Caring for God’s Creation with St. Mark’s AME Zion in East Palo Alto

We are still feeling the joy from this past weekend, when we had the chance to show up, connect, and celebrate community in a truly meaningful way.

In partnership with St. Mark’s AME Zion, we tabled to share resources from the Air District, offering information alongside something a little more tangible and joyful, free spider plants for neighbors to take home.

Hosted by Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) in a shared community space in East Palo Alto, the event brought together a vibrant and diverse group of neighbors. We spent most of our time in conversation with young Latine families, listening, learning, and building real relationships. These were not surface level exchanges; they were moments of connection rooted in care, curiosity, and a shared desire for healthier communities.

We pointed our neighbors to our East Palo Alto Clean Air hub, inviting folks into a shared space of learning and practical action. Conversations flowed from everyday realities, kids dealing with asthma, elders navigating heat and wildfire smoke, to real solutions we can begin using right now, grounding clean air not just as a distant policy issue but as something we can actively shape in our own homes and communities.

We talked about how modern tools like air purifiers, improved ventilation, and simple air quality monitors can give people more control and protection, especially as climate impacts intensify. At the same time, we lifted up what we called God’s ancient technology: plants. Handing out spider plants opened up something deeper, a conversation about care, breath, and reciprocity.

We also had the chance to strengthen partnerships with incredible organizations like Canopy, our tree partner on the Peninsula, and many others doing vital work in the region. There was a spirit of collaboration in the air that reminded us what is possible when we come together with intention.

And it was not all tabling and talking. We danced. We sang. We shared homemade tacos. We laughed. It felt like the kind of gathering that nourishes both body and spirit, the kind that reminds you why this work matters.

This was more than just a first event. It was a glimpse of what community rooted in justice, joy, and connection can look like. We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, shared space, and made the evening so special.

Here is to many more moments like this.