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March 19, 2025

Dear Friends, 

As the days grow longer and spring begins to awaken new growth from the dormancy of winter, we are reminded of the resilience of the earth and ourselves. No matter what humanity, in our disconnection and waywardness, does to the earth, the earth keeps living, healing, and renewing. And we ourselves are the same way, being as we are, Nature too. Though we suffer the cruelties of injustice, violence, and dehumanization, still we rise – resilient, healing, awakening, evergreen. 

And so, with great heart we turn toward the long days, with a vision of all the good we will do with one another in the seasons ahead. In community, with joy, we will work to protect the Earth and one another. Love calls us to do this, no matter what else is happening.

Seeing the destructive mentality of our national leaders play out in real time so flagrantly causes profound reflection. How is it that the allure of egoic power causes humanity to harm itself and its own Home? How does each of us do something new, loving, and creative, rather than react to this terrible behavior in the same old ways?

The climate crisis illuminates how interconnected all of life is on this small planet. We are, whether we like it or not, in this together. Oh, the challenge of this deep call of our times: we simply cannot separate ourselves from one another. The future is thoroughly relational and begs the question, what are we to do now?

Two levels stand out where we can engage our energies of stewardship for life. One is on the level of local/statewide policy advocacy. The second is grassroots efforts in our local communities. That is, we don't have to wait for lawmakers to lead to show our commitment to the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to renewable, sustainable energy. The time is now to move this transition ahead with our own positive will, in our own communities.

Below you will find more info about these two levels of engagement and a list of upcoming events. Please join us in continuing to build the movement! There is much work to be done and we need every type of person with all kinds of skills to do it.

In solidarity,

Desirée Bernard, MDiv

Executive Director

Wisdom for these Times....

In times such as these we lean on the wisdom woven through our traditions and living in each of us. Below we offer some prayers.

We would love for you to share with us the prayers that are sustaining your spirits these days and we will share them in the future.

On March 5th, Desirée opened the session with a prayer on the floor of our state senate. Check out her prayer HERE.

On March 6th at the Climate Crisis Day,

Clara and Desirée offered a prayerful invocation before the inspiring rally in the rotunda. Check out their invocation HERE.

More Events and Opportunties

NM Water Adovcates Speaker Series - Agua Es Vida: Rural Water Perspectives

Thursday, March 20th, 6:30-8pm (virtual)

Join for a workshop featuring three experts on rural water challenges. The 2022 NM Water Policy Task Force Report highlights critical recommendations to address the safety and security of drinking water supplies and the proper operation of wastewater systems in rural New Mexico. Our panelists will provide insights into how the state and others are responding to these challenges and what actions are needed to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply for rural New Mexicans. Register HERE.

Earth Psalter with Cassidhe Hart and Grant Showalter-Swanson

Friday, March 21st, 9:00am-11:00am MT

How do we attend to feelings of overwhelm in the midst of climate change? What does it mean to love our homes well as we face environmental collapse? What are the gifts of contemplative liturgy that can sustain us? Earth Psalter is an opportunity to explore traditions of psalm composition, experience re-writing a psalm from the perspective of your ecosystem, and reflect together on how the practice of psalm writing might nourish us for the work of ecological justice.

The program will be recorded for those who pre-register. Register HERE. 

EarthFest at La Montanita Co-op (Nob Hill)

Sunday, April 13th, 10:00pm-4:00pm

Join NM IPL at La Montanita's annual EarthFest with wonderful vendors and tables from local non-profits doing environmental and community engagement work.

Earth Day Festival at Balloon Fiesta Park

Sunday, April 13th, 10:00pm-4:00pm

This years theme is "Our Power, Our Planet: a call to action for us all to embrace renewable energy and create a lasting impact on our planet's future." There will be a PNM EV Event, Your Art Contests, food vendors, and lots of booths! Find our more details and get tickets HERE.

Extreme Heat, Health, and Resiliency Summit

Wedensday, April 23rd, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (MT) (Virtual)

Healthy Climate New Mexico is excited to once again host a FREE virtual Summit to help health professionals understand the health impacts of extreme heat. Featuring: New Mexico Heat and Health Update, Hot Topics in Heat and Health. Keynote Adress by: Michelle Litwin, Heat Response Program Manager, Phoenix. Register HERE.

"New Mexico is Running Out of Water" Presbyterian EarthCare Team

Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm at New Life Presbyterian Church, ABQ

Norm Gaume, President of New Mexico Water Advocates will present - the day will include time for presentations on the nature of our water crisis, what’s being done, how we can help, and time for conversation, prayers, refreshments. Everyone is welcome - no cost to you.

Is Your Faith Community Considering Energy Efficiency or Solar Energy?

We can help! Our Cool Congregations committee has an amazing team of volunteer experts who conduct FREE energy audits for houses of worship.

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) direct payback program this is an ideal time to pursue solar energy. There are funds to assist houses of worship with 30% or more direct pay checks through the IRS the year following installation. We know each faith community is different with unique needs and that utilizing government programs is not straightforward. We are here to help you navigate this process, whether you are just imagining how to go solar or are already well on your way.

Contact us at info@nm-ipl.org for more information or to set up a meeting.

Would your faith community like to hear a presentation about the HEAR program? No pun intended...

NM is rolling out Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

New Mexico is one of a series of states launching a pilot program through the Department of Energy (DOE) with up to $14,000 in savings available for low-income qualified households. Electrification opportunities and appliances include: heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, air sealing, and ventilation, heat pump clothes dryers, electric or induction cookstoves, and more. To learn more about elegibility and programs offered, visit the Energy Conservation and Management website.

This program is being rolled out in phases and NM IPL is seeking to help these funds get distributed to as many of those who qualify as possible - especially to our rural communities where government programs are less equipped to do outreach.

Please contact us at info@nm-ipl.org to learn more!

Inspiration Resources

Catholic Climate Covenant

Offers "We are the Light of the World." This FREE one-hour program may be used to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22nd) and/or the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si' (Laudato Si' Week is May 24-31, 2025) or at any time that fits your community’s schedule. It is also meant to assist anyone who wishes to engage with many of the goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform.

"Love of Ethical Responsibility"

From Sr. Joan Brown in the El Piñón, Newsletter of the Leopold Writing Program. Check out the 2025 Winter Newsletter and Joan's contribution here.

Climate Cafe with Climate Pyschology Alliance

Research shows that while most people feel alone with their feelings, the majority of people are concerned about climate change. You are not alone. Talking about these feelings in groups can help make them bearable. Find ongoing gatherings here.

The Intergenerational Eco-Justice and Spirituality Network

A Franciscan and interspiritual ecology-based action network guided by a steering committee. The IEJSN is an evolving project that focuses on intergenerational education, spiritual leadership, formation, and community. Check out their website here. 

BTS Center: Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacob

In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone. Listen here.

The Film "Common Ground" now available to non-profits for FREE

This phenomenal film from makers of "Kiss The Ground" brings to light the extraordinary power of the soil to heal our planetary systems and human health. If your faith community or non-profit organization would like to show the film, the screening rights are now free. IPL's faith climate action page takes you through the simple licensing steps.

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Community Worship Resources

This group offers free monthly worship and small group ministry resources focused on Earth care and climate justice: and bonus materials: Spiritual Care for Climate Distress, Anxiety and Grief.

.

March 19, 2025

Dear Friends, 

As the days grow longer and spring begins to awaken new growth from the dormancy of winter, we are reminded of the resilience of the earth and ourselves. No matter what humanity, in our disconnection and waywardness, does to the earth, the earth keeps living, healing, and renewing. And we ourselves are the same way, being as we are, Nature too. Though we suffer the cruelties of injustice, violence, and dehumanization, still we rise – resilient, healing, awakening, evergreen. 

And so, with great heart we turn toward the long days, with a vision of all the good we will do with one another in the seasons ahead. In community, with joy, we will work to protect the Earth and one another. Love calls us to do this, no matter what else is happening.

Seeing the destructive mentality of our national leaders play out in real time so flagrantly causes profound reflection. How is it that the allure of egoic power causes humanity to harm itself and its own Home? How does each of us do something new, loving, and creative, rather than react to this terrible behavior in the same old ways?

The climate crisis illuminates how interconnected all of life is on this small planet. We are, whether we like it or not, in this together. Oh, the challenge of this deep call of our times: we simply cannot separate ourselves from one another. The future is thoroughly relational and begs the question, what are we to do now?

Two levels stand out where we can engage our energies of stewardship for life. One is on the level of local/statewide policy advocacy. The second is grassroots efforts in our local communities. That is, we don't have to wait for lawmakers to lead to show our commitment to the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to renewable, sustainable energy. The time is now to move this transition ahead with our own positive will, in our own communities.

Below you will find more info about these two levels of engagement and a list of upcoming events. Please join us in continuing to build the movement! There is much work to be done and we need every type of person with all kinds of skills to do it.

In solidarity,

Desirée Bernard, MDiv

Executive Director

Wisdom for these Times....

In times such as these we lean on the wisdom woven through our traditions and living in each of us. Below we offer some prayers.

We would love for you to share with us the prayers that are sustaining your spirits these days and we will share them in the future.

On March 5th, Desirée opened the session with a prayer on the floor of our state senate. Check out her prayer HERE.

On March 6th at the Climate Crisis Day,

Clara and Desirée offered a prayerful invocation before the inspiring rally in the rotunda. Check out their invocation HERE.

More Events and Opportunties

NM Water Adovcates Speaker Series - Agua Es Vida: Rural Water Perspectives

Thursday, March 20th, 6:30-8pm (virtual)

Join for a workshop featuring three experts on rural water challenges. The 2022 NM Water Policy Task Force Report highlights critical recommendations to address the safety and security of drinking water supplies and the proper operation of wastewater systems in rural New Mexico. Our panelists will provide insights into how the state and others are responding to these challenges and what actions are needed to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply for rural New Mexicans. Register HERE.

Earth Psalter with Cassidhe Hart and Grant Showalter-Swanson

Friday, March 21st, 9:00am-11:00am MT

How do we attend to feelings of overwhelm in the midst of climate change? What does it mean to love our homes well as we face environmental collapse? What are the gifts of contemplative liturgy that can sustain us? Earth Psalter is an opportunity to explore traditions of psalm composition, experience re-writing a psalm from the perspective of your ecosystem, and reflect together on how the practice of psalm writing might nourish us for the work of ecological justice.

The program will be recorded for those who pre-register. Register HERE. 

EarthFest at La Montanita Co-op (Nob Hill)

Sunday, April 13th, 10:00pm-4:00pm

Join NM IPL at La Montanita's annual EarthFest with wonderful vendors and tables from local non-profits doing environmental and community engagement work.

Earth Day Festival at Balloon Fiesta Park

Sunday, April 13th, 10:00pm-4:00pm

This years theme is "Our Power, Our Planet: a call to action for us all to embrace renewable energy and create a lasting impact on our planet's future." There will be a PNM EV Event, Your Art Contests, food vendors, and lots of booths! Find our more details and get tickets HERE.

Extreme Heat, Health, and Resiliency Summit

Wedensday, April 23rd, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (MT) (Virtual)

Healthy Climate New Mexico is excited to once again host a FREE virtual Summit to help health professionals understand the health impacts of extreme heat. Featuring: New Mexico Heat and Health Update, Hot Topics in Heat and Health. Keynote Adress by: Michelle Litwin, Heat Response Program Manager, Phoenix. Register HERE.

"New Mexico is Running Out of Water" Presbyterian EarthCare Team

Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm at New Life Presbyterian Church, ABQ

Norm Gaume, President of New Mexico Water Advocates will present - the day will include time for presentations on the nature of our water crisis, what’s being done, how we can help, and time for conversation, prayers, refreshments. Everyone is welcome - no cost to you.

Is Your Faith Community Considering Energy Efficiency or Solar Energy?

We can help! Our Cool Congregations committee has an amazing team of volunteer experts who conduct FREE energy audits for houses of worship.

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) direct payback program this is an ideal time to pursue solar energy. There are funds to assist houses of worship with 30% or more direct pay checks through the IRS the year following installation. We know each faith community is different with unique needs and that utilizing government programs is not straightforward. We are here to help you navigate this process, whether you are just imagining how to go solar or are already well on your way.

Contact us at info@nm-ipl.org for more information or to set up a meeting.

Would your faith community like to hear a presentation about the HEAR program? No pun intended...

NM is rolling out Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

New Mexico is one of a series of states launching a pilot program through the Department of Energy (DOE) with up to $14,000 in savings available for low-income qualified households. Electrification opportunities and appliances include: heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, air sealing, and ventilation, heat pump clothes dryers, electric or induction cookstoves, and more. To learn more about elegibility and programs offered, visit the Energy Conservation and Management website.

This program is being rolled out in phases and NM IPL is seeking to help these funds get distributed to as many of those who qualify as possible - especially to our rural communities where government programs are less equipped to do outreach.

Please contact us at info@nm-ipl.org to learn more!

Inspiration Resources

Catholic Climate Covenant

Offers "We are the Light of the World." This FREE one-hour program may be used to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22nd) and/or the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si' (Laudato Si' Week is May 24-31, 2025) or at any time that fits your community’s schedule. It is also meant to assist anyone who wishes to engage with many of the goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform.

"Love of Ethical Responsibility"

From Sr. Joan Brown in the El Piñón, Newsletter of the Leopold Writing Program. Check out the 2025 Winter Newsletter and Joan's contribution here.

Climate Cafe with Climate Pyschology Alliance

Research shows that while most people feel alone with their feelings, the majority of people are concerned about climate change. You are not alone. Talking about these feelings in groups can help make them bearable. Find ongoing gatherings here.

The Intergenerational Eco-Justice and Spirituality Network

A Franciscan and interspiritual ecology-based action network guided by a steering committee. The IEJSN is an evolving project that focuses on intergenerational education, spiritual leadership, formation, and community. Check out their website here. 

BTS Center: Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacob

In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone. Listen here.

The Film "Common Ground" now available to non-profits for FREE

This phenomenal film from makers of "Kiss The Ground" brings to light the extraordinary power of the soil to heal our planetary systems and human health. If your faith community or non-profit organization would like to show the film, the screening rights are now free. IPL's faith climate action page takes you through the simple licensing steps.

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Community Worship Resources

This group offers free monthly worship and small group ministry resources focused on Earth care and climate justice: and bonus materials: Spiritual Care for Climate Distress, Anxiety and Grief.

.