Inside:
- Reflection: Translating his Words into Action
- Outdoor Experience for Young Adults
- Faith Conference in Virginia
- Tree Planting Opportunities
- Funding, Funding, Funding!
- The Cry of the Earth Speaker Series at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Community
- Meet Senator Cardin
- Maryland Climate Expos
- Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Translating his Words into Action
A Spiritual High.
..that's about all we can say about the emotions, excitement, and hope fueled by Pope Francis' visit, the prayer vigil, rallies and speakers. Then last week Jews celebrated Sukkot, a holiday deeply tied to water and appreciation of this gift that sustains all life. The Pope reminded us that such gifts are meant to be treasured, and shared equally among all people - rich and poor. Pope Francis united the world around positive invocations such as love your neighbor, welcome the stranger, heal the struggling, and work for a better future.
In a nod to Martin Luther King Jr., Pope Francis, in referring to degradation of the Earth, said, "we have defaulted on this promissory note, and now is the time to honor it." He later went on to say, "Climate change is a problem we can no longer leave to future generations." And, in closing out his homily during the Papal Mass, he subtly inserted a plea for progressive steps, "...forward...let's keep moving forward." The full transcripts of his various speeches during his US visit can be accessed here.
And, so now, we return to the tasks at hand with renewed focus and excited purpose. Looking to engage your congregation? We have the following openings in our programs:
Prefer to engage as an individual rather than mobilize your congregation?
Pope Francis said, "Our response must be one of hope and healing, peace and justice." Kirvin Bonner at Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church is already leading his church in that action. You can read the story of their project in the Capital Gazette here.
It will not be easy to translate Pope Francis' call into action. It will take dedication. It will require you to go to meetings, read emails, plant trees in the cold, dig gardens with not enough helpers, and write letters to your legislators. It will require you to awaken people in your community who have not yet experienced a change of heart. But, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake is trying to make your job a little easier. Read our emails, stay in touch, call us if you have trouble, check out our off-the-shelf programs, resources, toolkits, and menu of ideas. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
We hope these resources will help you be better prepared to translate his words into action.
Bring the encyclical to life in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with an experiential, interfaith series for young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) to heighten awareness on local issues and cultivate new public advocates. This amazing 3-part series designed to strengthen our understanding of Pope Francis' encyclical teachings and how to relate his call to action in our everyday lives. Participants will gain knowledge about our relationship with water, local threats to clean water, and how to actively respond to the profound moral challenges of our time. Click here for more information and registration.
Praise and Lament Tour: Saturday, October 17, Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, 10am - 3pm. Experience the beauty of creation and encounter the challenges it faces.
Environmental Justice: Saturday, October 31, Eagle Harbor, MD, 10am - 3pm. Enjoy the ecology, engage with the local community, and consider the interrelationship of environment, community, economy, and justice.
Responding in Faith: Saturday, November 14, St. Camillus Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD, 10am - 3pm. Witness a faith community working to heal creation. Panel discussion faith leaders on authentic, faith-based advocacy.
Click here for more information and registration.
Faith Conference in Virginia
Chesapeake Bay Foundation is hosing "Living Waters: Wading In", on October 7th in Richmond, Virginia. This is an interfaith conference that seeks to dive a little deeper into all facets of creation care. This conference will offer all participants an opportunity to listen to experts, share successes and lessons learned, and establish group goals to guide your environmental stewardship in the future. The conference will provide an inclusive and open atmosphere for all faiths discuss:
- The scientific and theological basis for stewardship
- Methods for motivating a congregation to action
- On-the-ground practices to improve water quality
- The faith community’s response to climate change
- Lessons in advocacy
More details and registration are here. Questions? Contact Ann Jurszyk at 804-780-1392 or[email protected]
Tree Planting Opportunities
We are also still enrolling faith communities for free tree plantings for 2016. Trees for Sacred Placesprovides everything your community needs for the tree planting, customized support, and an educational/spiritual workshop specific for your faith tradition. This program is available throughout the state of Maryland.
For either of these opportunities, contact Bonnie Sorak at [email protected] or 410-609-6852. View and download Flyer here.
Tree Planting Days: You are welcome to witness any of our fall tree plantings!
Funding, Funding, Funding!
There are many open grant opportunities right now. We are providing limited information below, but you're welcome to reach out to us if you need help in preparing a plan of action or seek advice on applying for a grant. Contact us at 410-609-6852 for support!
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EPA Urban Waters Small Grants - Up to $60,000 for community engagement, training, education, and innovative demonstration projects in specific EPA-designated eligible areas. Due November 20th.
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St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Grant Endowment - Flexible grants available for a wide variety of social justice issues, including environmental conservation. Due November 30th.
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Chesapeake Bay Trust Outreach and Restoration Grant - Up to $50,000 for outreach and up to $75,000 for restoration projects, available throughout Maryland. Due December 2nd.
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City of Gaithersburg Watershed Grant - Up to $50,000 in funding for on-the-ground restoration that will help meet local water quality and runoff reduction improvement goals. Due December 4th.
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Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant - $20,000 to $300,000 in funding for restoration projects in the County, outside City of Annapolis. Due December 3rd.
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Mini-Grants for Restoration - Up to $5,000 for restoration projects, tree plantings, etc. Rolling deadline.
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Environmental Education Grants - Limited to accredited K-12 Schools, including faith-based schools are eligible. Both large and mini-grants available. Mini-grants are rolling deadline, larger grants due December 4th.
The Cry of the Earth
We hope you can participate in one of the remaining sessions in this Series “The Cry of the Earth”, hosted by St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 120 N. Front Street, Baltimore, 21202. More information here. They have secured nationally-known speakers.
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October 14, 7 PM – Jack Haught, Georgetown University, Science, Theology, and “Laudato Si”
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October 28 – Mary Evelyn Tucker, Yale University, An Integrating Vision: Ecology, Economics, Equity
Senator Cardin visiting Earth Forum at First Presbyterian Church
As an outcome from IPC's meeting with Senator Cardin in July, he has agreed to participate in the October meeting of the Earth Forum of Howard County. All are encouraged to attend. Sunday, October 18th at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, Maryland. More detail here.
Maryland Climate Expos!
Please plan to attend one of these Maryland Climate Expos near you, and volunteer a couple of hours to help IPC staff a table at these events. Without you, IPC will miss the opportunity to spread the word about the great work being done by faith communities and to engage new people in the movement. We will provide you with everything you need. Contact Bonnie Sorak at[email protected] or 443-799-0349. More information about these events can be found HERE:
Owings Mills- Sunday, October 11th, 1-4pm Jewish Community Center, 3506 Gwynnebrook Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117
La Plata- Saturday, October 17th, 1-4pm College of Southern Maryland 8730 Mitchell Rd, Rm BI113, La Plata, MD 20646
District Heights- Saturday, October 24th, 1-5pm Suitland Community Center 5600 Regency Lane , District Heights, MD 20747
Edgewood- Thursday, November 12th, 5-8pm Boys and Girls Club 2002 Cedar Dr, Edgewood, MD 21040
Columbia-Tuesday, November 17th, 7-9 pm Columbia East Library, Center for Aging 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
Baltimore- Saturday, November 21st, 11am-2pm Baltimore City Community College 2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Upcoming Events
Sept. 12-Oct. 31 Saturdays at 9:30-11:00 am, Study series on Pope Francis' encyclical at St. Dominic Catholic Church (led by St. Dominic's parish priests), 630 E St., SW, Washington DC 2002. Participants should bring their own copy of the encyclical. All are welcome.
Oct. 8th - Ribbon-cutting of the first church in Prince George's County to receive county-funded stormwater projects on their grounds. Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church, 7808 Marlboror Pike, District Heights, Maryland. 10:30 am - all are welcome to show their support.
Oct. 10th – Remaining Session of a 3-part Series “Laudato Si’” hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Derwood. More details here.
Oct. 11th 1pm-4pm Maryland Climate Coalition’s (MDCC) Energy, Health & Climate Expo 2015:Baltimore County with Delegate Dana Stein at the Ben and Esther Rosenbloom Jewish Community Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117. More information about this event here and for more upcoming events see full list here.
Oct. 13th - Please keep the leaders at United Church of Christ in Annapolis in your prayers as they break ground on their new stormwater project! All are welcome to show their support: 8 Carvel Circle, Edgewater, Maryland.
Oct. 17 12 pm - 4 pm Feast of St. Francis Family Fun Day and Blessing of Animals. St. Pius X Church, 6428 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212. Visit Blue Water Baltimore's table display about this church’s project plans. (Rescheduled to this date due to weather)
Oct. 17th 1-4pm Maryland Climate Coalition’s (MDCC) Energy, Health & Climate Expo 2015: La Plata- College of Southern Maryland 8730 Mitchell Rd, Rm BI113, La Plata, MD 20646 Interact with local nonprofit and advocacy groups. Take a moment to hear from local legislators and energy leaders on the importance of acting on climate in Maryland. EmPOWER Maryland’s fun and educational Energy Arcades will appeal to children.
Oct. 24th 1-5pm Maryland Climate Coalition’s (MDCC) Energy, Health & Climate Expo 2015: District Heights, Suitland Community Center 5600 Regency Lane , District Heights, MD 20747
IPC Needs Volunteers 
- Help with our Database
- Table at events
- Become a member of our Speaker’s Bureau
- Help with Administrative Tasks
- Assist with Website updates
- We’ll tailor something to suit your expertise!
If you have some time and would like to help us to spread our message more effectively please contact Bonnie Sorak at [email protected].
http://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/
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