Interfaith Service for the Climate & 2015 COOL CLIMATE AWARDS
Celebrating 15 years of California faith community climate action and honoring outstanding green congregations Tuesday, November 10th Cathedral of Christ the Light 2121 Harrison Street Oakland, CA 94612
Interfaith Service for the Climate & 2015 Cool Climate Awards Celebration
Prelude Peace Invocation arranged by Alice Parker Offered by Dancer’s Circle - an interfaith group offering sacred dance in the Bay Area for over 40 years. Opening Hymn & Procession All Creatures of the Earth and Sky Francis of Assisi, 1225; paraphrase William H. Draper, 1919; alt. All creatures of the earth and sky, With gladness lift your voices high, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam: O sing praises, O sing praises, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heav'n along, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou rising morn in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice: O sing praises, O sing praises, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou flowing water, pure and clear, Make music for thy God to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, That givest us both warmth and light: O sing praises, O sing praises, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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Dear mother earth, who day by day Unfoldest blesings on our way, Alleluia! Alleluia! The flow'rs and fruits that in thee grow, Let them thy glory also show: O sing praises, O sing praises, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! All ye of understanding heart, Forgiving others, take your part, Alleluia! Alleluia! Let all things their Creator bless, Worshipping God in humbleness: O sing praises, O sing praises, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Welcome & Prayer The Very Rev. Jay Matthews, Rector, Cathedral of Christ the Light As Rector of this beautiful sacred space, with joy and hope, I welcome you to the Cathedral of Christ the Light for this important gathering celebrating 15 years of California faith community climate action, honoring outstanding green congregations and praying for a successful UN Paris Climate Conference which begins later this month. Let us begin with a prayer offered to all people of goodwill by Pope Francis‌ A prayer for our earth All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts
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of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Overview of Evening & Acknowledgements The Rev. Will Scott Program Director, California Interfaith Power & Light Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. For 15 years California Interfaith Power & Light has been living into our founding mission: to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming as a moral issue. Today, CIPL is a network of nearly 700 congregations committed to addressing climate change from Chico to San Diego, Mono Lake to Monterey Bay. Over these years you have sent thousands of emails to your legislators urging strong climate policies, you have marched and petitioned, spoken at local, state and national government hearings, challenged greed, injustice, fought against dirty energy (and won, goodbye Keystone Pipeline!), divested your institutions from fossil fuels, you have done energy audits of your houses of worship, upgraded your lighting, insulated your facilities, installed solar, electric charging stations, bought renewable energy, replaced concrete with greenery, planted trees and vegetable gardens, cut your personal carbon footprints and and hosted Preachins on Global Warming. Tonight is about celebrating you and especially the winners of this year’s 2015 Cool Climate Award winners, it is about finding nourishment in fellowship with one another, inspiration in each others faith traditions, music and actions to protect creation. May tonight’s service help each of us find hope and perseverance for the long haul, the planet depends on it. This evening would not have happened had choirs like those behind me not volunteered to sing, if Heather MacLeod hadn’t stepped up to assist with coordinating them, if MaAn Barcelo and so many of you here tonight had not helped with outreach. If Greg Scott had not helped secure some wonderful beverages for the reception afterwards. Please look carefully at your bulletin and notice the many gifts given to support this evening and California Interfaith Power & Light, look especially at the handout listing the choirs and their directors. We want to thank especially the Cathedral of Christ the Light’s Rector Jay Matthews, Jean Evans, Rudy de Vos and many others in the Archdiocese of Oakland for welcoming us. Tonight is about giving thanks for the Earth, for you the faith communities of California and the abundant spiritual resources we have to offer the movement for
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climate action when we work together. Tonight I hope you find many things to be grateful for and inspired by but know that those of us who work for IPL are most inspired by and grateful for you. You show us every day that the words of California transplant and spiritual great Dr. Seuss ring true that “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot nothings going to get better. Its not.” The interfaith movement for climate action is growing stronger every day and it is because people like each of you care a whole awful lot. Thanks!
Musical Offering “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Folliott S. Pierpoint Choir of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, CA Readings from Global Sacred Traditions on our Climate Crisis Rabbi Marv Goodman, Mohammad Hoda, Abbess Linda Ruth Cutts, G.L. Hodge, Barbara Bisel, Fr. John Coleman, S.J., Rev. Earl Koteen Intro Read by Barbara Bisel The world’s faith traditions stand united in their commitment to address climate change as moral issue. We will now share a few words from some of the recent declarations from global faith communities calling for a strong binding agreement at the upcoming Paris Climate Conference. In addition to words from Pope Francis’ encyclical the passages you will now hear read come from the Hindu, Jewish, Islamic, Protestant, and Buddhist religious traditions. Read by Rev. Earl Koteen “Knowing that the Divine is present everywhere and in all things, Hindus strive to do no harm. We hold a deep reverence for life and an awareness that the great forces of nature—the earth, the water, the fire, the air and space—as well as all the various orders of life, including plants and trees, forests and animals, are bound to each other within life’s cosmic web. “ Read by Rabbi Marv Goodman As Jews, we ask the question whether the sources of traditional Jewish wisdom can offer guidance to our political efforts to prevent disaster and heal our relationship with the Earth.... we call for a new sense of eco-social justice – a tikkun olam that includes tikkun tevel, the healing of our planet. We urge those who have been focusing on social justice to address the climate crisis, and those who have been focusing on the climate crisis to address social justice. Read by Mohammed Hoda In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate We affirm that Allah is the Lord and Sustainer (Rabb) of all beings…. We affirm that – God created the Earth in
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perfect equilibrium (mīzān) The climate change catastrophe is a result of the human disruption of this balance. We recognize that we are but a miniscule part of the divine order, yet within that order, we are exceptionally powerful beings, and have the responsibility to establish good and avert evil in every way we can. Read by G.L. Hodge As protestants, we...stand together to express deep concern for the consequences of climate change…Our religious convictions… tell us about concern for the vulnerable: climate change is leading to unprecedented ecological degradation, affecting in particular the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations. It is an irrefutable moral duty for all governments to agree on concrete and measurable steps towards global climate justice and partnerships for climate resilience. Therefore: COP21 is the right time for ensuring climate justice. We call for a fair, ambitious and binding global deal applicable to all countries…. Read by Fr. John Coleman, SJ As Roman Catholics and people of good will…the urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal…– needs to be progressively replaced without delay. Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility…We believers cannot fail to ask God for a positive outcome to the present discussions Read by Eijun Linda Ruth Cutts As Buddhists….we call on world leaders to recognize and address our universal responsibility to protect the web of life for the benefit of all, now and for the future. We call on all Parties in Paris..to be guided by the moral dimensions of climate change…to agree to phase out fossil fuels and move towards 100 percent clean energy…to create the political will to close the emissions gap…to make a common commitment to help vulnerable developing countries prepare for climate impacts and transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Musical Offering "Prayer of St. Francis" by Allen Pote (b.1945) Choristers of St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Green Building to Montclair Presbyterian Church, Oakland Presented by Rev. Ambrose Carroll, CIPL Steering Committee member
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After two years of research and planning, Montclair Presbyterian Church, known for its history of strong environmental advocacy, installed 66 new solar panels on its roof. The project was a way for Montclair to walk the talk, and put climate solutions into action at their own facility. The church sits on the banks of a daylighted section of Temescal Creek, surrounded by native plantings, and with the solar panels the church now demonstrates its ecological awareness from foundation to rooftop. The panels are expected to supply an impressive 95% of the electricity used on the church campus. The $75,000 project was made possible by initial gifts totaling more than $50,000 from members of the congregation. For this 250-member church, the cost of the panels represents a considerable financial commitment. But where there is a will, there is a way, and Montclair Presbyterian’s members have shown that galvanizing individual commitments is what makes a big daunting project like this possible. The solar project was spearheaded by the church’s passionate SPLASH committee, its green team, which has been active for decades. Montclair Presbyterian is definitely NOT resting on their solar laurels. They have used the installation as an opportunity to educate their members on renewable energy, and to inspire members of the community to undertake similar energy projects. Each month, the church posts on its website a monthly report stating the amount of solar energy generated, relating it to the equivalent miles driven avoided, trees grown for a decade, and CO2 emissions avoided. Additional Green Building actions by Montclair include installing low flow toilets and urinals and a 200 gallon water barrel for rain catchment, which is used to water a youth group garden. The congregation’s industrial dishwasher uses it own recycled water . Montclair Presbyterian Church – congratulations on being a green beacon in the hills of Oakland. Rev. Ben Daniels is joined by members of Montclair Presbyterian to their Cool Climate Award for Green Building.
Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Climate Education to Islamic Shura Council of Southern California Presented by Allis Druffel, CIPL Southern California Outreach Director
In our world, where the nexus of ecology and faith is crucial, the Muslim community both locally and globally, has become outspoken supporters of the path to sustainability. Numerous “green concepts” and teachings in the Qu’ran and other holy writings of Islam, such as the sayings of the Prophet Mohammad, are numerous, and form the basis for rejuvenated action on the climate challenges we face today. The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is a stellar example of how the Islamic community’s is responding to the climate challenge.
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The Islamic Shura Council participates in programs with Green Muslims, GreenFaith, and California Interfaith Power & Light. The Council has embraced and amplified the groundbreaking Islamic Declaration on Climate Change, released this year. When CIPL is looking for Islamic support on key legislation, the Council’s Executive Director, Shakeel Syed, is always first on the list to contact. Under Shakeel’s guidance, the Council has supported many policy initiatives, including California’s Clean Cars Standards, strong Net Metering, and, most recently a multi faith sign-on letter in support of Senate Bill 32. The Islamic Shura Council plays a critical role as a convenor, and its reach is widespread across Southern California. Thanks to the Shura Council’s leadership, mosques, Islamic organizations and individuals who work with the Council are educating fellow Muslims about living sustainably and from water conservation to solar energy. CIPL Steering Committee member Mohammad Hoda, is an Energy Advisor for the Council and works with mosques to create a model for energy-efficiency measures. Mohammad recently returned from the Emerging Leader Multi-faith Climate Convergence in Rome in June, where he shared stories of the Muslim community’s climate leadership in the U.S. Mohammed Hoda is here to receive the Cool Climate Award for Climate Education. Congratulations to the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Advocacy to St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Oakland Presented by Susan Stephenson, CIPL Executive Director
Forty years ago, St. Augustine’s helped launch a local breakfast program for school children with a little known Oakland group called the Black Panthers. That program morphed into a national one, and helped influence the school lunch and breakfast programs that are now a national standard. It’s appropriate that St. Augustine’s also played a role in launching a California initiative called Interfaith Power & Light. Nearly 15 years ago St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church on Telegraph Ave. in Oakland was the site of California IPL’s first major public event. The San Francisco Chronicle reported at the time that “an alliance of religious groups initiated a pulpit-power campaign yesterday to convert the state's estimated 50,000 congregations into energy savers and users of renewable sources of power. ‘This is going to save money and save Creation,’ the Rev. Sally Bingham …declared as Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown screwed in a low-power fluorescent bulb in the sanctuary of an Oakland church. I was fortunate to be there that day, and I remember clearly how our Jesuit-schooled mayor Jerry Brown relished taking the pulpit, saying ‘Religion stands outside the current ideology as a prophetic witness to call us back to the fundamentals,”
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Today, St. Augustine’s continues to advocate for community health, safety and environmental justice by supporting the No Coal in Oakland Campaign. The Rev. Dr. Kwasi Thornell, current interim Rector of St. Augustine’s along with Deacon Frank Sterling recently hosted an organizing meeting for East Bay faith leaders concerned about a proposed coal export terminal. St. Augustine’s regularly engages in advocacy for the common good through involvement with Genesis. Last year, St. Augustine’s and the Genesis network were successful in gaining $15 million in funding to support a Free Youth Bus Pass program, so youth are able to lower their carbon footprint and still get to weekend jobs, visit relatives, and take advantage of the many cultural, educational and recreational activities of Oakland. In addition to public policy advocacy, St. Augustine’s commitment to the community and the environment includes hands-on projects like their One Good Meal program, which serves 30 to 50 people every other Saturday. The meal and food pantry features produce grown in the congregation’s very own vegetable garden. The Rev. Kwasi Thornell joined by members of St. Augustine’s, Oakland are here to receive their Cool Climate Award for Advocacy
Musical Offering “E Ma Lama” - A song/dance from the Hawaiian hula tradition arr. Mark and Sharie Anderson Dances of Universal Peace, SierraLynne White and dancers Musical Offering “Turn Around” by John P. Kee Allen Temple Women’s Chorus, Oakland Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Youth Engagement to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Sacramento Presented by Katelyn Roedner-Sutter, CIPL Steering Committee member
St. Francis of Assisi parish in Sacramento is serious about modeling energy stewardship and instilling future generations with a love of Creation. Its kindergarten through 8th grade school updated all its light fixtures (dating from 1927) and bulbs to 100% LED, including interior and exterior floodlights and signage. Lights on the stairwells have light sensors. The air conditioning system was changed from radiant heat from boilers to a “slim unit,” an in-and-out pipe and return system that uses no ducts, dramatically reducing leakage and energy use. The school put three huge exhaust fans (similar to whole house fans) on the roof of the parish hall and gym. Exterior windows employ ultra-violet coating. The school also sends parents notices and information electronically, further reducing the need for paper. Beyond its energy-efficiency improvements, St. Francis School is a place where children get to interact with God’s creation. The grass in the school garden has been converted to four planter beds with vegetables on drip irrigation that the students tend. Each week,
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the children clean their desks and recycle as much as possible. Recycle bins abound on the campus and there is no bottled water at the school. Last year, the second grade class adopted 22 manatees as a class project and now the kindergarten through fifth grade classes have adopted their own animals to sponsor. True to its name and mission, the three-story school has a mural in the stairwell, starting on the top floor and ending at the bottom, illustrating St. Francis’s prayer “Canticle of the Creatures,” care for Creation, and on the main floor, the Sacramento Delta. Its “Student Learning Expectations” include respect and responsibility for creation. One of the elected positions on the student council is an “environmental commissioner” , integrating ecological principles with school curriculum within the student body and administration. St. Francis’ Principal, Ivan Hrga, lifts up the example of historical Catholic saints. “We try to carry out the mission of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi in everything we do.” Congratulations to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Sacramento for your exemplary work bringing up the next generation of climate caretakers. Betsy Rifsnider and other members of St. Francis Parish, Sacramento are here to receive their Cool Climate Award for Young Adult Engagement
Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Energy Efficiency to Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis Presented by The Rev. Sally Bingham, CIPL President and Founder
Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015 with a thoroughly modern energy makeover. Early this year, a $1.6 million renovation and expansion of the church narthex, social hall, Sunday school rooms, meeting rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms was completed. The renovation included replacing the Sanctuary roof and installing drought tolerant landscaping. In consultation with a green architect, a full complement of energy-efficiency improvements was carefully planned and implemented. There are new double-paned windows; insulation was added; and water use is now reduced by the use of low-flow toilets and California native landscaping. A cool roof was installed over the renovated building as well as the Sanctuary for a 7 to 15 percent energy savings. Kitchen appliances were replaced with more efficient Energy Star appliances. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC retrofit yielded a PG&E incentive payment of almost $6,000 dollars, as well as a big reduction in energy use. In the planning of the retrofit, the building envelope was studied and the building project itself was done with sustainability in mind: building materials were re-used and construction and demolition waste was sorted for recycling. In addition to their impressive energy efficiency work, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation serves as an example to their community of ecological education and
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advocacy for climate and energy legislations. Church members and pastor Dan Smith have joined CIPL Lobby Days in Sacramento. They have hosted many events to educate and inspire action, including forums centered on the nexus of water, faith and ethics; the restoration of local waterways; an Adopt-A-Highway clean-up program; and children’s workshops on the wonder and care for Creation. The leadership of Dina Biscotti, a much-beloved member of the church and CIPL volunteer, was a key driver of all these projects. Dina coordinated workshops on the nexus of food and faith, and discussions on the faith community’s engagement in the political realm. She was also a big supporter of CIPL and she used to love this annual awards event, which she traveled from Davis to attend. Church of the Incarnation and we at CIPL miss Dina greatly, but her good works endure and her enthusiasm and spirit live on in our endeavors. Congratulations to Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, we are pleased to present you with the 2015 Cool Climate Award for Energy Efficiency in memory of Dina Biscotti. Pastor Dan Smith is joined by members of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis as they pick up their Cool Climate Award for Energy Efficiency
Presentation of 2015 Cool Climate Award for Water to Ramona Convent Secondary School Presented by Mark Carlson, CIPL Steering Committee member
Ramona Convent, passionate about justice in its curriculum for young women, and mindful of the deep equity disparities brought on by lack of access to water, has integrated water education into the curriculum, designed to educate and instill habitual water conservation habits and thinking about water as a human right and justice issue. First-year freshmen and their parents receive an orientation at the beginning of the year on water facts and why the Sisters of the Holy Names have taken a stand against the privatization of water. At orientation, freshmen receive a water canteen with their name on it. All campus water fountains are filtered and Sr. Anna fills a big container full of filtered ice water every day. The freshman curriculum also includes the movie "Flow" which shows the water hardship faced by the developing world, how tap water is cheaper, safer, and more regulated than bottled water, and how private water companies are exploiting communities. Two representatives from the Alhambra Water District come into the classroom to talk about water runoff and conservation. Every other year, there is a Water Assembly, organized by students featuring local and global water concerns, such as the relationship between water use and fracking; the lack of clean water in developing countries; humanity’s impact on oceans; California’s drought; and a variety of water-conservation techniques. Each year, the school celebrates International Coastal Clean-Up Day with a Beach Cleanup at Long Beach. Ramona Convent is currently in the process of a water audit, aiming to convert its lawns into California native landscaping employing drip irrigation. Join me in welcoming Sister Anna Keim of Ramona Convent who is here to receive the award for Water conservation.
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Musical Offering “An Invocation to Water” Rita Sahai and the Vasundhara Choir Call to Action The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham President & Founder, Interfaith Power & Light This Little Light of Mine All This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine (x3) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. All around California, I’m gonna let it shine (x3) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. All around the world, I'm gonna let it shine (x3) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine (x3) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Closing Procession Everyone is invited to join the choirs and clergy as we exit and proceed to the Hall of Honors for a celebratory reception.
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2015 Cool Climate Award Honorees Green Building – Montclair Presbyterian Church, Oakland Montclair Presbyterian Church, known for its commitment to climate change solutions, installed 66 new solar panels on the roof of its facilities. The panels were dedicated at a celebratory Sunday worship service and are expected to supply an impressive 95% of the electricity needed on the church campus. The $75,000 project was made possible by initial gifts totaling more than $50,000 from members of the congregation. The balance will be funded by individuals sponsoring full or partial panels ranging from $100 to $1,000 as well as from member loans. Montclair also installed a 200 gallon barrel for water catchment. Honorable Mentions in this category include Center for Spiritual Living San Jose & First Congregational Church of Sonoma, UCC who are both engaged in solar energy projects on their houses of worship. Advocacy – St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Oakland Nearly 15 years ago, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church on Telegraph Ave. in Oakland was the site of Interfaith Power & Light’s first major event. Today, St. Augustine’s continues to advocate for health, safety and environmental justice by supporting the No Coal in Oakland Campaign. St. Augustine’s engages in advocacy for the common good through Genesis, the local Bay Area affiliate of the Gamaliel Network. Last year, St. Augustine’s and the Genesis network were successful in gaining $15 million in funding to support a Free Youth Bus Pass program, enabling youth to lower their carbon footprint and still get to jobs, visit relatives, and attend cultural, educational and recreational activities. St. Augustine’s commitment to the community and the environment includes hands-on projects like their One Good Meal program which features produce grown in the congregation’s vegetable garden. Honorable Mentions in this category include Church by the Side of the Road in Berkeley for their support of Faith Against Fracking, and Lakeshore Baptist Church and First Unitarian Church of Oakland for their support of the Alameda Interfaith Climate Action Network.
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Education – Islamic Shura Council of Southern California The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California has embraced and amplified the groundbreaking Islamic Declaration on Climate Change, released this year. The Council has supported many policy initiatives, including California’s Clean Cars Standards, strong Net Metering, and, most recently an impressive faith sign-on letter in support of SB 32. The Islamic Center of San Diego has celebrated Earth Day, highlighting Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, author of “Green Deen: What Islam Teaches Us About Protecting the Planet;” Imam Mustafa Umar of the Islamic Institute of Orange County was featured on an NPR interview focused on the action of the Muslim community following the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical; and Mohammad Hoda, Energy Advisor for the Council, is working with mosques to create a model for energy-efficiency measures. Mohammad recently returned from the Emerging Leader Multi-faith Climate Convergence in Rome in June, where he was inspired and shared stories on the involvement of the Muslim community in the climate crisis. Honorable Mentions in this category include St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Stockton for hosting a climate and agriculture gathering last year, the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo who launched a Carbon Diet program, and St. Agnes & St. Ignatius Catholic Churches in San Francisco for their work on promoting Pope Francis’ encyclical. Youth Engagement – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Sacramento St. Francis of Assisi parish in Sacramento is serious about forming future generations with a true love of Creation and a responsibility to all the Earth. Its kindergarten through eighth grade school updated all its light fixtures (dating from 1927) and bulbs to 100% LED, including interior and exterior floodlights and signage. Lights on the stairwells have light sensors. The air conditioning system was changed from radiant heat from boilers to a “slim unit,” an in-and-out pipe and return system that uses no ducts, dramatically reducing leakage and energy use. The school put three huge exhaust fans (similar to whole house fans) on the roof of the parish hall and gym. Exterior windows employ ultra-violet coating. Two TV monitors on the walls have replaced the need for printed announcements. The school also sends parents notices and information electronically, further reducing the need for paper. Beyond the energy-efficiency measures, St. Francis School is a place where children thrive and interact with God’s creation. The grass in the
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school garden has been converted to four planter beds with vegetables on drip irrigation. Honorable Mentions in this category include Pastoral Juvenil, of the Los Angeles Archdiocese for their youth program on climate change and Central United Methodist Church, Stockton for the congregation’s youth group’s work at a Stockton urban agriculture project. Energy Efficiency – Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis Incarnation has gone the extra mile to make its campus energy efficient and conservation conscious. In early 2015, a $1.6 million renovation and expansion of the church narthex, social hall, Sunday school rooms, meeting rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms was completed. The renovation included replacing the Sanctuary roof and installation of drought friendly landscaping. In consultation with a green architect, a full complement of energy-efficiency measures was carefully planned and implemented. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC retrofit yielded a PG&E incentive payment of almost $6,000 dollars as well as an impressive reduction in energy use. Double-pane windows, glass doors and insulation were added; and water use is now reduced by the use of low-flow toilets and California native landscaping. A cool roof was installed over the renovated building as well as the Sanctuary for a 7 to 15 percent energy savings. Kitchen appliances were replaced with more efficient Energy Star appliances. Honorable Mentions in this category include Macedonia Baptist Church, Los Angeles, Park Presidio United Methodist Church, San Francisco and Congregation Beth David, Saratoga who have all made strides to reduce their energy usage. Water- Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra Ramona Convent, passionate about justice in its curriculum for young women, and mindful of the deep equity disparities brought on by lack of access to water, has integrated water education into the curriculum, designed to educate and instill habitual water conservation habits and thinking about water as a human right and justice issue. First-year freshmen and their parents receive an orientation at the beginning of the year on water facts and why the Sisters of the Holy Names have taken a stand against the privatization of water. At orientation, freshmen receive a water canteen with their name on it. All campus water fountains are filtered and Sr. Anna fills a big container full of filtered ice water every day. The freshman curriculum also includes the movie "Flow" which shows the water hardship faced by the developing world, how tap water is cheaper, safer, and more regulated than bottled water, and how private water
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companies are exploiting communities. Two representatives from the Alhambra Water District come into the classroom to talk about water runoff and conservation. Every other year, there is a Water Assembly, organized by students featuring local and global water concerns, such as the relationship between water use and fracking; the lack of clean water in developing countries; humanity’s impact on oceans; California’s drought; and a variety of water-conservation techniques. Each year, the school celebrates International Coastal Clean-Up Day with a Beach Cleanup at Long Beach. Ramona Convent is currently in the process of a water audit, aiming to convert its lawns into California native landscaping employing drip irrigation. Honorable Mentions in this category include The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto who have limited their water usage and shifted to drought resistant landscaping.
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Acknowledgements Tonight’s service was made possible by the generous sharing of time, talent and treasure by many. Thank you especially to Heather MacLeod who coordinated this evening’s array of musical offerings. Thank you to Rev. MaAn Barcelo for assisting with the readings at tonight’s service and food arrangements. Appreciation to Greg Scott for arranging beverage donations. Thank you to everyone at the Cathedral of Christ the Light and the Archdiocese of Oakland especially Jean Evans for welcoming us. Thank you to Barbara Bisel for reception support and the entire CIPL Steering Committee for support of tonight’s event.
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California Interfaith Power & Light Steering Committee
The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham President & Founder Interfaith Power & LIght Barbara Bisel Episcopal Diocese of California Pastor Christopher Breedlove Community United Church of Christ, Fresno Mark Carlson Lutheran Office of Public Policy The Rev. Ambrose Carroll Church by the Side of the Road, Berkeley Fr. John Coleman, S.J. St. Ignatius Parish, USF
Rabbi Marvin Goodman Northern California Board of Rabbis Mohammad Hoda Islamic Shura Council of Southern California G.L. Hodge Providence Baptist Church, San Francisco The Rev. Earl Koteen Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry California The Rev. Peter Rood Holy Nativity Parish, Los Angeles Katelyn Roedner Sutter Catholic Charities of Stockton
CIPL Staff
Susan Stephenson Executive Director Allis Druffel Southern California Outreach Director The Rev. Will Scott Program Director
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Music Notes & Acknowledgements
“My God Is Amazing” by Deneice Williams offering by Kymi Armour of St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Church, Emeryville Fr. Aidan McAleenan, Pastor Peace Invocation arranged by Alice Parker (Melody is based on an Omaha Native American flute melody, and Native American Sign Language is used during the dance.) Offered by Dancer’s Circle - an interfaith group offering sacred dance in the Bay Area for over 40 years. Dancers: Chris Bachich, Jacqueline Chew, Jacqueline Corl, Ellen Marshall, Juliet Montagnon, Aurora Packwood, Lori Santos Genia Simpson - choreographer “For the Beauty of the Earth” Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, CA Anthony Lien, Choir Director Rev. Daniel R. Smith, Pastor "Prayer of St. Francis" by Allen Pote (b.1945) Choristers of St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland Sara Evinger, Conductor & Accompanist Jun Kim, Minister of Music The Reverend Scott Denman, Rector Dances of Universal Peace SierraLynne White and dancers “Turn Around” by John P. Kee Allen Temple Women’s Chorus Accompanist: Mr. Michael Hill Drummer: Mr. Marlon Green Choir Director: Sandra Iglehart The Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr. Senior Pastor An Invocation to Water Rita Sahai and the Vasundhara Choir
2015 Cool Climate Awards Event Sponsors Prophets ($1000 and above) New Resource Bank PG&E Episcopal Charities Pacific Green Energy by American Solar Saints ($500 and above) The Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Delicato Family Vineyards The Next Generation Gurus ($250 and above) Catholic Charities of Stockton Northern California Board of Rabbis St. Ignatius Parish, San Francisco Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Vote Solar Angels ($100 and above) Lutheran Office of Public Policy Progressive Christians Uniting Islamic Shura Council of Southern CA Anthony & Katelyn Roedner Sutter Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, Los Angeles New Liberation Presbyterian Church, San Francisco Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Californians Against Fracking 350 Bay Area Re-Volv California Interfaith Power & Light is a nearly 700 congregation strong statewide religious response to global warming. We are the flagship affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light campaign, now with affiliates in 40 states. IPL was launched in the Bay Area in 2000. www.interfaithpower.org 415-391-4214
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Thank you to these additional sponsors & supporters of tonight’s event
Commonweal GRID Alternatives California Institute for Integral Studies Office of Life and Justice Coordinator Protección de la Vida y Justicia Social Diocese of Oakland Rabbi Oren Postrel Vivek Anand The Rev. Laurie Manning
Upcoming Events Thursday, November 12 Faith Against Fracking will be delivering a letter to Governor Brown, signed by over 100 faith leaders, calling on him to stop fracking and extreme fossil fuel extraction. 11 a.m. on the West Steps of the Capitol Building, Sacramento
Monday, November 16
Faith Against Coal Exports Planning Meeting 6:30 p.m. West Side Missionary Baptist Church (732 Willow St. Oakland)
Saturday, November 21
At the Northern California Climate Mobilization, people of many faiths will be praying with their feet. Join members of Kehilla Community Synagogue, the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California and the Montclair Presbyterian Church to march together for climate repair. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Shabbat service from 10-10:45 near the Lake Merritt Amphitheater th at 12 Street and Lake Merritt Blvd, Oakland followed by assembly and march to Oakland City Hall for a Rally at 1:00pm At 2 pm, everyone is invited to have lunch at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California at 1433 Madison Street, Oakland. Bring a bag lunch and eat together in the café on the second level. NorCal Climate Mobilization 10:30 am – Gather at Lake Merritt Amphitheater 12:00 noon – March 1:00 pm – Rally at Frank Ogawa/Oscar Grant Plaza