Weekly Serving of Good News, 5-27-2023

Good news is a powerful motivator for action, &  there‘s lots of  good news  about climate mitigation, adaptation/resilience, and justice. Here’s a sample…

Sat 27 May

High school students in Hillsboro learn how to run a sustainable farm

Antarctic ice melt may be reversible due to rising land beneath

Construction of the nation’s first large-scale wind farm now underway off the Massachusetts coast  

How The Renewable Boom Can Counter Energy Poverty In Rural Areas 

US approves expansive Southwest renewable energy project, involving Arizona 

Reclaimed Kentucky Coal Mine Sees the Sun Shining on New Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Toyota 

Engineers harvest abundant clean energy from thin air, 24/7

Solar investment outshines oil as race for clean energy heats up  

Invasion of Ukraine ‘has fuelled funding boom for clean energy

New Bedford looks to light the world with wind power 

Where to Find the Energy to Save the World

Abandoned coal mines may be gold mines for geothermal energy

Unlocking the Potential of Geothermal Energy: A Path to Clean Power and Sustainable Solutions

The Great Potential Of Tidal Energy

Tidal Wave Energy Is Emerging Globally: Find Out Who’s Leading the Way
Compiled Good News stories

Faith-based Climate Action Opportunities, 5-27-2023

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  share the number of the actions below you take this week using this google form. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

National  Resources Defense Council

ConocoPhillips’ Willow oil drilling project in the western Arctic will add hundreds of millions of metric tons of carbon pollution to our atmosphere. These jaw-dropping emissions are virtually guaranteed to accelerate the climate crisis, resulting in more harm to communities already in distress from unnatural floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms. And it’d be a disaster for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds. Construction work in the Arctic has stopped because ice roads melt during the spring and summer. No roads mean no heavy machinery. This is our chance to overwhelm ConocoPhillips with letters of opposition they can’t ignore. Demand ConocoPhillips Stop Arctic Drilling. 

People vs. Fossil Fuels

At a hearing on an emergency motion filed by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa on May 18, Western District Court Judge William Conley stated that it was only a matter of time before the 70-year-old Enbridge Line 5 crude oil pipeline that runs across the Bad River Band’s territory would be shut down. (Judge declares Line 5 pipeline will be shut down:”It’s just a question of when”). The Bad River is eroding fast, which will expose the pipeline. Stand with the Bad River Band and join us in making calls for an immediate shutdown!  Call the Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Line National Response Hotline 800-424-8802

Stop the Money Pipeline

Most new fossil fuel projects require insurance. If it can’t get insurance, the project can’t be built. That’s why it’s so important that insurance companies end their support of oil and gas expansion. The Hartford is one of the biggest insurers of new oil and gas projects in the country. Tell top decision-makers and executives at The Hartford and make it clear: if they want to be a climate leader, they must stop insuring new fossil fuel projects. Send Email

Compiled Action Opportunities

Do petitions work?

Petitions can help advance a cause by:

  • Raising awareness and signaling public opinion to decision-makers, influencing their decisions;
  • Showing the media that there is a story worth covering;
  • Helping organizations gain supporters and identify people who may want to get more involved on an issue; and
  • Providing an accessible avenue for activism and civic engagement, inviting people who might not otherwise get involved in those spaces to participate.

Are Petitions ‘slacktivism’?

Critics have often labeled online petitions as another form of “slacktivism,” pointing to their low-risk nature that doesn’t commit its signers to any further action other than the click of a button. But it’s exactly that ease and accessibility which make petitions powerful tools, Clark-Parsons says. “Both research and anecdotal evidence tell us that most people will not take part in activism that requires great risk or high levels of commitment,” Clark-Parsons said. “What critics refer to as ‘slacktivism’ can actually create an alternative outlet for those who would typically not get involved in any movement at all.” With the help of petitions, organizers and movement leaders can visualize who their supporters are and who are “the people who agree with their mission but aren’t willing to take major actions to support it just yet,” she says.

Behind the Music: Lovely sky and sea; well, it used to be.

The earth has been a subject of inspiration for composers across the world for centuries; each of the musical compositions below were used for today’s service with this Sunday’s theme in mind: building relationships through care for our earth.

The choir’s first anthem, “Emerald Stream” (by Seth Houston) is a rollicking tune reminiscent of a sea shanty or drinking song, but while toe-tapping and moving to the beat, careful listeners will have caught the warning the song offers: 

So, now, my people beware,

You’re in charge of the seas and the earth and the air,

You’d better take extr-odinary care

Of the earth, our only home.

 “Earth Song”, the choir’s second anthem, originally started as an instrumental work, but Frank Ticheli stated “this music is just begging to be sung by a chorus”.  “Earth Song” beseeches the world for kindness and peace, while praising the healing power of music and song.

Sing, Be, Live, See…the scorched earth cries out in vain.

Today’s offertory “Look Around” hails from the 1991 musical The Will Rodgers Follies.  Alone, the music of “Look Around” is lovely and poignant, but only when the song lyrics are known is the sadness of this beautiful song understood.

Look around, the world’s a lovely place, lovely sky and sea; well, it used to be.

Look around, the world is shining bright, watch the green grass grow; well, that once was so.

Where’s the spring that loved the rain?

Where’s the grove down Lover’s Lane?

Look around, they vanish overnight

Where’s the lovely world we used to see.

And finally, Joni Mitchell’s beloved “Big Yellow Taxi” reminds us of the consequences of our actions on the environment and the need to take responsibility for protecting our planet.

Today’s service will hopefully inspire us to take action to care for our planet and build stronger relationships with each other and the earth. We can reflect on the importance of preserving our natural resources, taking responsibility for our actions, and fostering appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world around us. By doing so, we can build a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world for all.

Faith-Based Climate Action News, 4-8-23

Climate Action Team business meeting: 

Thu 13  Apr, 7:00 – 8:15 PM

(Join the Zoom Meeting)

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Good News This Week

Sustainable salmon fishing the Lummi way

The Largest Holder of Native American Human Remains is Preparing to Return Thousands of Indigenous Ancestors

Washington Tribes, Government Get $550K Settlement to Clean Seattle Superfund Site

Oregon is going electric: The latest

PacifiCorp plans to accelerate shift from coal to renewable energy

‘Green industrial age’ can be sustainable development breakthrough

Renewables Projected To Overtake Coal Worldwide By 2027

Alaska’s Tongass National Forest Gets the Protections It Deserves

Better Batteries: OSU research breakthrough

SRP and Plus Power to launch construction of 1GWh BESS in Arizona for mid-2024 COD

This Texas geothermal startup is storing energy in the ground

Stryde to support ten new geothermal projects following recent contract wins.

US electricity from renewables surpasses coal for first time

Inside Colorado’s plan to expand geothermal energy

Pop-Up Solar: Can Farmers Make Fertilizer, Fuel and Electricity from the Sun?

The world’s most powerful wind turbine reaches 15 MW for the first time

Indiana Michigan Power plans 4 solar power plants

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Faith-based Climate Action Opportunities

Ongoing

Towards Net Zero: Monitor your use of fossil fuels and resulting carbon emissions.  <Info>, <Sign up>  

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  share the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. <Share>

Sat 8 Apr

From: UUs for Social Justice <link>

Act For A Climate-Smart Farm Bill. This year, as faith-based actors, we have an essential role in showcasing that faith advocates see a moral imperative for a proposal that shifts to a greener, more sustainable, regenerative approach. Please take action: Review our  Handout, send a message using our <online letter platform>, and distribute an Action Poster.

From: Interfaith Power & Light <link>

Join us in calling on Toyota to stop lobbying against climate change provisions and join other automakers in pledging to deliver 100% electric vehicles by 2035! . Toyota ranked among the “world’s most obstructive companies on climate policy” of 2022, with oil giants like Exxon Mobil and Chevron. <Toyota: It’s time to answer the call.>

From: Native Organizers Alliance <link>

With the House of Representatives passing HR1 (the “Polluters over People Act”), the bill now moves to the Senate. Although top Senate Democrats and the White House have signaled they’re against the full bill, they may still want to pass a core element of the bill in an effort to fast-track fossil fuel development and extraction. This would roll back foundational environmental laws and regulations that safeguard Native communities. Together, we must demonstrate massive public opposition to HR1 and any actions meant to remove Native voices from critical policy decisions, <Sign & Send>

Action Opportunities from recent weeks <link>

Do petitions work? <link>.

Petitions can help advance a cause by:

  • Raising awareness and signaling public opinion to decision-makers, influencing their decisions;
  • Showing the media that there is a story worth covering;
  • Helping organizations gain supporters and identify people who may want to get more involved on an issue; and
  • Providing an accessible avenue for activism and civic engagement, inviting people who might not otherwise get involved in those spaces to participate.

Are Petitions ‘slacktivism’? <link>

Critics have often labeled online petitions as another form of “slacktivism,” pointing to their low-risk nature that doesn’t commit its signers to any further action other than the click of a button. But it’s exactly that ease and accessibility which make petitions powerful tools, Clark-Parsons says. “Both research and anecdotal evidence tell us that most people will not take part in activism that requires great risk or high levels of commitment,” Clark-Parsons said. “What critics refer to as ‘slacktivism’ can actually create an alternative outlet for those who would typically not get involved in any movement at all.” With the help of petitions, organizers and movement leaders can visualize who their supporters are and who are “the people who agree with their mission but aren’t willing to take major actions to support it just yet,” she says.

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Of Note This Week

From: Climate Action Team. Why do Unitarians care about the 2023 Farm Bill?

From: Corvallis Sustainability Coalition:  Shift Together campaign to address the climate crisis by helping

everyone in the Corvallis community shift to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

From: UU Ministry for Earth. Monthly (April) Musings

From: The Environmental Voter Project.: Report: The Hidden Potential of Green Voters in Red States

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Upcoming

Sat 15 Apr: 

GREEN LIVING HOME & EV EXPO Benton Co. Fairgrounds Auditorium

Learn about the latest in building materials and equipment as well as improved construction methods. A wide variety of vendors will be showing exciting new products. Watch a fun cooking demonstration on an induction stove, tour the Better Building Coach that features energy-saving mechanical systems. Be sure to check out the Renter’s Corner, featuring many moveable items geared to make your life better. <Press Release> <Flyer>

Sun 16 Apr:

Earth Month service @ UUFC. Building relationships through care for our Earth

Tue 18 Apr, 10:00 AM

Interfaith Power & Light  Farm Bill webinar. 

As people of faith and conscience, we are called to promote the dignity and worth of all people. The Farm Bill — an enormous multibillion-dollar agriculture and nutrition bill passed every five years, presents a unique opportunity to create solutions that better protect our planet, and support farmers as they grow and harvest healthy food for all. For too long, powerful corporations have influenced what farmers grow, often pushing farms towards conventional agricultural practices that contribute to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Farm Bill, Congress can champion a transition to support farmers towards more sustainable practices that help mitigate climate change, instead of contributing to it. It is imperative we shift our agricultural policies to better support farmers in creating a more sustainable and just future for all of our neighbors. <Register>

Thu 20 Apr .5:00 PM

UU Ministry for Earth EARTH DAY WORSHIP 

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Save the Date for the Men’s Retreat

2023 UUFC Men’s Retreat

Save the Date:

November 3-5, 2023

All whose primary identification is male are welcome to the beautiful Menucha Conference Center on the Columbia Gorge in early November.   Car pools will be available to aid in transport and reduce carbon impacts, and scholarships will help to defray the cost of attendance.  Our theme is still under development, but is likely to involve reflection on when and why we choose to tune-in vs. to tune-out in our personal and public lives.  Your ideas are welcome. As usual, we will hold an open-mic session for sharing poems, songs, jokes, and more Saturday evening.   

For more information, contact planning committee members:

Steve Strauss – 541-760-7357, steve.strauss@oregonstate.edu

Jed Irvine – 541-740-5633, irvine@eecs.oregonstate.edu

Gary Barnes – 541-752-9826, gary32640@gmail.com

Nick Houtman – 541-829-3442, nickhoutman8@aol.com

Lloyd Wagenschutz – 541-753-9071, lpwz124@comcast.net 

Whom Do You Seek?

The Easter story of the rebirth of Jesus is one of the foundational stories of the Christian faith. It’s also part of one of the foundational stories of theatrical tradition! Learn how in today’s podcast.

Sound and Music Attributions

Mystical Universe by MusicLFiles

Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7646-mystical-universeLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Easy Lemon (30 second) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/3695-easy-lemon-30-second-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

“Quem Quaeritis” – Early English Drama, part 1

Films for the Humanities

Building Expansion Project: One More Step and Moving Forward

Save the Date: March 6th

The Building Expansion Team and the Board are in agreement: we can move forward to expand the social hall and make the whole building more energy efficient and safe. We have already invested in this process and we’ll still be able to accomplish a lot. First, the Corvallis City Council needs to vote to let us rescind our request for a new conditional use permit. That meeting will be on March 6. Once we have that assurance, we’ll schedule an open meeting for all who are interested to talk about the next steps and what the project can include now.

Weekly Serving of Good News, 2-25-2023

After Centuries Of Stealing Land, The U.S. Govt Is Actually Inviting Tribes To Help Manage It

Mass seed collection in Oregon designed to protect native trees from invasive species

Interior Department Proposes First-Ever Offshore Wind Sale in Gulf of Mexico

Republicans in the US ‘battery belt’ embrace Biden’s climate spending

West’s growing cleantech is denting Chinese dominance over green energy

State demand for offshore wind nearly doubled in 2022

Exhibition showcases millets as ‘smart food’, rich in heritage and full of potential

We Just Protected a Pristine Midwest Wilderness from Mining

Live in an apartment? This new solar technology cut could your bills in half

Here comes the world’s first offshore wind seaweed farm

A new device turns waste heat into electricity

Scotland reaches tidal energy milestone

Geothermal energy may soon be viable in Texas – because of fracking

Hawaiian Electric achieves 32% renewable energy in 2022

Florida just got its largest rooftop solar system ever

Auckland Airport to build giant rooftop solar array

United Airlines creates fund for sustainable aviation fuel 

In search for sustainable materials, developers turn to hemp

HPE Financial Services Is For The ‘First Time’ Ever ‘Rewarding’ Customers For Sustainability

Music Update

There has been a lot of music happening at the UUFC since the beginning of Covid. After almost two years of the choir being on hiatus due to the pandemic, we are so happy to have them back with us. Last spring they started meeting just to sing hymns, wearing masks and sitting far apart. It was a tough time, but they were so excited to be singing together. 

Last summer they made their first appearance after almost two years of not singing in services at all. They were small but mighty, and now they’re nearly as big as before, and are continuing to grow. We are so glad to have Stephen Evans-Renterria leading the choir. He has been doing an incredible job and brings a lot of enthusiasm to our services. If you are interested in singing in choir, talk to Steven about joining. He’ll be the one waving his arms in front of the choir when they sing. 

David Servias has stepped away from being the regular choir director to help in other areas like technology and the website, but is still overseeing our music program. You will see him at the piano with the band. That’s right, we have a band now! We tried putting together a band to lead hymns for the first time last Spring, and we had so much fun that we’ve been doing it ever since about once a month. Steve Strauss (guitar), George Beekman (percussion), and Gary Barnes (singer) have been part of this group since the beginning. Julie Harter (guitar) and Matt Matthews (guitarrón – ask him to show it to you!) joined us for the first time on Christmas Eve, and Priscilla Galasso sang with us for the first time in February. We only rehearse the morning of, so it’s very exciting and we have a great time. If you play guitar, bass, percussion, or sing, and you enjoy flying by the seat of your pants, talk to David. 

We did say goodbye to one of our members, Lynn Scott, who moved to Scotland this month. Lynn helped us through the pandemic when we were only doing outdoor services, with less than 30 people and she led the songs. We are so grateful for the music she brought to our services, and we wish her the best in her new adventures. 

We’ve had some great guest musicians since we’ve come back to in person services, including Johanna Beekman, Compass Rose, and Roy Zimmerman. But the most important part of our music program is all of you who come together on Sunday morning to join in the singing, clapping, and dancing. We are so excited to have everyone back together making music!

Justice Work Thank You Notes

Justice Work Thank You Notes

Each month, the Fellowship’s Social Concerns team selects a nonprofit organization to support. Then, Sunday offerings for the month support that organization.

Thanks for your Sunday contributions that help our larger community! 

Here are some thank you letters we have received from nonprofit organizations we have supported through our monthly Social Concerns.

APANO