Calendar

Apr
1
Fri
Earth Month Ecochallenge @ online
Apr 1 – Apr 30 all-day
Earth Month Ecochallenge @ online

The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to celebrate Earth Day/Month by joining our team for the online Earth Month EcoChallenge. This EcoChallenge focuses on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, with categories of: basic needs & security, health & equity, education & livelihood, economy & communities and climate & ecosystems.  You pick your challenges to complete during the month – to build a new sustainable habit, learn about an environmental issue, advocate for eco-justice, volunteer or spend more time in nature (among the many, many choices). Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team & we’ll support each other along the journey.  To sign up or to learn more, go to https://earthmonth.ecochallenge.org/. Questions? – Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Apr
28
Thu
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online
Apr 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online

You are invited to join an online discussion series built around 15-minute videos featuring interviews with US faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The videos walk viewers through four key climate policy issues that intersect with universal faith concerns for vulnerable and marginalized people. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action.  A discussion guide is included that asks participants to think deeply about how their own local faith community’s direct service programs intersect with climate impacts, and how knowledge and experiences gained through these programs might help to inform climate policy. The study’s Action Center provides practical, step-by-step instructions for advocacy activities, as well as recommended policy asks for local, state, and national leaders.  Join us! Please register on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-path-of-hope-a-study-on-climate-action-for-faith-communities-tickets-273103288287. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

 

May
1
Sun
Carbon Fee & Dividend: What’s Justice Got to Do with It? @ online
May 1 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Carbon Fee & Dividend:  What’s Justice Got to Do with It? @ online

Members of Citizen’s Climate Lobby explain the ins and outs of carbon fee & dividend as an economic policy tool to address climate change. Learn about the positive impact not only on the environment, but also on jobs, the economy, and human health.   And, carbon fee & dividend has been deemed by economists as the fastest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of any economic policy approach.  But, best of all, carbon fee & dividend is designed to ensure equity and justice, a key concern of people of all faith/spiritual traditions. Please register for this event on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-fee-dividend-whats-justice-got-to-do-with-it-tickets-307725203367. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more details.

May
3
Tue
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online
May 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

 

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing

May
5
Thu
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online

You are invited to join an online discussion series built around 15-minute videos featuring interviews with US faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The videos walk viewers through four key climate policy issues that intersect with universal faith concerns for vulnerable and marginalized people. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action.  A discussion guide is included that asks participants to think deeply about how their own local faith community’s direct service programs intersect with climate impacts, and how knowledge and experiences gained through these programs might help to inform climate policy. The study’s Action Center provides practical, step-by-step instructions for advocacy activities, as well as recommended policy asks for local, state, and national leaders.  Join us! Please register on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-path-of-hope-a-study-on-climate-action-for-faith-communities-tickets-273103288287. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

 

May
10
Tue
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online
May 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

 

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing

May
12
Thu
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online
May 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities @ online

You are invited to join an online discussion series built around 15-minute videos featuring interviews with US faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The videos walk viewers through four key climate policy issues that intersect with universal faith concerns for vulnerable and marginalized people. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action.  A discussion guide is included that asks participants to think deeply about how their own local faith community’s direct service programs intersect with climate impacts, and how knowledge and experiences gained through these programs might help to inform climate policy. The study’s Action Center provides practical, step-by-step instructions for advocacy activities, as well as recommended policy asks for local, state, and national leaders.  Join us! Please register on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-path-of-hope-a-study-on-climate-action-for-faith-communities-tickets-273103288287. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

 

May
13
Fri
Guided Firefly Hike & Prayer with Eyes Wide Open @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
May 13 @ 7:15 pm – 9:45 pm
Guided Firefly Hike & Prayer with Eyes Wide Open @ Armand Bayou Nature Center | Pasadena | Texas | United States

You are invited to join a private two-hour guided firefly hike and practice of a spiritual discipline, prayer with eyes wide open. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the prairie, forest, and bayou at night, and see the mating dance of fireflies, as a spiritual experience! You’ll also learn about fireflies, which are truly amazing creatures! The hike is suitable for kids 6+. Instruction and discussion of prayer with eyes wide open begins 7:15 p.m., followed by check-in at the center at 7:30 p.m., and the hike at 7:45 p.m., during which you can practice prayer with eyes wide open. While prayer with eyes wide open is a Christian spiritual discipline, people of all faiths & spiritual traditions will find it a deeply meaningful way to experience nature. Space for these outings is very limited. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.  Due to the limited group size, you must sign up in advance to participate. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-firefly-hike-prayer-with-eyes-wide-open-tickets-302911024027.

 

May
17
Tue
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online
May 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group @ online

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

 

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing

Jul
1
Fri
Plastic Free EcoChallenge July 1 – 31, online @ online
Jul 1 – Jul 31 all-day
Plastic Free EcoChallenge July 1 - 31, online @ online

Plastic pollution now contaminates the deepest trenches in the ocean, high mountain peaks, and even the air we breathe – plus recently being found in our blood.  Plastic has entered the food chain, killing wildlife, and causing the average person to eat one credit card’s worth of plastic each week. To learn more about this issue & take action to affect change, join the online Plastic Free EcoChallenge in July.  You select the challenges you’d like to accomplish during the month and when/how you do them.   You can join as an individual, create your own team, or join an existing team.  You are invited to consider joining one of the two teams listed below. Learn more at: https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/. Contact Lisa Brenskelle, team captain, at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation – Gulf Coast team at: https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/participants/join?referral_code=2f02b437-c6a1-4b89-84c1-82740e495ad7&team_invitation=true&team_id=20241.

Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team at: https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/participants/join?referral_code=57e7e24b-05c8-4199-9efc-0d99c59abe89&team_invitation=true&team_id=20242