The first Earth Day 50 years ago was a revolutionary event in which 20 million people participated. This year it will be celebrated with the country doing shelter in place. It can still be revolutionary.
This is a moment when we can reflect on the kind of world we want to build. We now see first-hand how interconnected we are. Just as a strong, united effort has been needed to address the coronavirus, so a united effort is needed to address climate change and create a healthier planet for everyone. That is what Earth Day is about.
Systemic Solutions Exist
Mothers Out Front
Mothers Out Front believes that collective solutions are possible and within our reach. This is why Bedford’s Mothers Out Front group is currently focusing its attention on transportation issues, the town’s net-zero initiative, and food waste, which is a major cause of CO2 emissions.
There are numerous virtual Earth Day events around the area in which you may want to participate, as well as many political actions to take. You may want to check out: EarthDay 2020 Boston; Earth Day.org; Strike With Us; and Earth Day Live for up to date listings. Friday, April 24th will be Political Action Day, focusing on the political accountability of elected officials and voter registration.
In addition, calls to representatives do make a difference. Members of Bedford’s Mothers Out Front team hope you will join with us in protecting our planet for all children.
Reconciling Science, Faith, and Justice
First Parish, Unitarian Universalist
In a service that will be available on Zoom at 10 am on Sunday morning, guest speaker Professor Nathan Phillips will deliver a sermon on “Reconciling Science, Faith, and Justice.” The service will be followed by an opportunity for discussion and questions.
Professor Phillips is a Boston University environmental science professor and an environmental activist. He made headlines earlier this year by going on a two-week hunger strike to call attention to public health and safety violations at the natural gas compressor station in Weymouth. For this service, he will reflect on the role of scientists, faith leaders, and ordinary people working together for justice, which necessitates rethinking language and traditional boundaries as well as societal roles.
Also during this service, two of First Parish’s Senior High Youth will share brief reflections on attending the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (on-line) Spring Seminar focused on Climate Justice. Erin Dorr will lead Time for all Ages: “Three Cheers for the Trees”, and Lois Pulliam will read her original poem No More Mother Earth for the postlude.
This service is coordinated by the First Parish Environmental Justice group and ministerial staff. First Parish in Bedford began holding services virtually by Zoom in March. For links to the services, as well as other public events, please refer to the First Parish in Bedford website: uubedford.org
Marking the 50th Observance of Earth Day
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The special preacher for St. Paul’s 10 am Earth Day service will be Dr. David McGee, a geologist and faculty member at MIT, and husband of Assistant Rector Rev. Rachel Wildman. The service will be offered via Internet live streaming on YouTube, beginning around 9:45 am.
- Click this link to participate: https://youtu.be/_7FfwzXnSYg
- Click to download the leaflet: Worship Leaflet
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