A Love Like That

I’ve always loved this poem on the right. It reminds me that I’m always loved by my God, in spite of my imperfections. This lent, I haven’t done so great a job with my self-improvement…I didn’t get to the gym like I had hoped and I failed to limit my intake of depressing news. Sigh…  But, the sun still rises, Easter hope still abounds, and I am still an imperfect being striving to walk right with my Lord…and my Lord never says I owe Him anything.

That’s also how it goes with working for environmental justice and restoration. You may feel like you’re  doing the same thing every day…you’re saying the same things to your church leaders, organizing repeating meetings, every Earth Day you try to find a speaker to deliver the same message of stewardship. Maybe you’re not really sure if it’s making a difference. Do you feel like a light that keeps shining every day and no one is saying thank you, and no one is returning the favor?

You are not alone. There are thousands of others throughout Maryland who are walking the same journey with you. Collectively, you all are lights that shine every day…and look at what happens with a love like that: 13,000 trees planted, thousands of faithful exposed to new ways of living sustainably in the Chesapeake Watershed, 1.5 million square feet of parking lot/roof stormwater reduced. 

I am not alone either. I am blessed to be working with a deeply dedicated Board of Trustees who take on significant responsibilities in undergirding this organization. It is only through a strong Board that our organization can carry out its mission, and we are so grateful for the commitment of two new board members, Bill Halpern, and Jeanne McCann.

"I have always believed there are uncountable ways to express ones reverence for the world we inhabit and to voice our desire to protect and preserve God’s creation.  My personal journey to a seat on the IPC Board has been a circuitous one. It was a career mostly spent in the private sector working for an old-line fossil fuel company. But it also presented me with the opportunity to make real a sacred voice through projects in my congregation such as installation of solar panels and restoration of lost wildlife habitats. I am especially honored at this difficult time to be able to bring that energy and focus in support of IPC’s mission."  --Bill Halpern

“At the age of 13, I participated in the first Earth Day in 1970 and have been involved both personally and professionally in earth-protecting efforts ever since. In my professional life, I help organizations dedicated to improving Maryland waterways and protecting public health. As a leader of greening efforts in my church, I have witnessed the power of faith communities to effect on-the-ground change. There is nothing more important to me than caring for our beautiful planet. Our deepest need is to connect with each other, the natural world and our Creator. IPC shows us how to make that happen.” –Jeanne McCann

Each of us plays a role in this great work of restoring the life-giving waters of the Chesapeake region. Board members, volunteers, staff, and faith leaders alike…all showing our light each day for others to grow in. And none of us saying to one another “You owe me.” 

Let’s keep at this without losing hope…and we will see what we can do with a love like that. 

Sine Die in Maryland

Today is Sine Die in the Maryland Legislature, aka the last day of session. Stay tuned for our next newsletter where we'll give you a final summary of how our priority bills landed this session. 

If you would like to sign up for our weekly action alerts, please click on our volunteer signup page and select "Advocacy Work".  

Prince George's County Alternative Compliance Program (ACP) Workshops

Sign up NOW for our next ACP Workshop on May 10th! Prince George's County congregations can learn how to save money through the Alternative Compliance Program Options 2 & 3. Sign-up HERE for the workshop and download and share the flyer HERE. This program is offered by IPC and our partner the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Congratulations to our Vacation Bible School/Sunday School Training Participants in Prince George's County

Still two openings available! Members of the participating congregations experienced "The Voice of God in Nature" (photo left) during Session 3 of IPC's Vacation Bible School program "God's Water Heroes": St. Stephen's Baptist Church, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, Fort Washington Baptist Church, Walker Mill Baptist Church, Jerusalem AME, Richie Baptist Church, Union Bethel AME, and First Baptist Church of North Brentwood.  And we are grateful that Mt. Ennon Baptist Church has graciously agreed to host the Training sessions.

This is a FREE training and curriculum for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) or Sunday School program offered to churches in Prince George's County, through a grant provided by Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Prince George's County Department of Environment. Our program offers, for free:

Hurry! Baltimore City Residents Need to Take Your Pledge by April 16th in Baltimore's 
Clean Drain Campaign: Prevent Clogged Pipes and Help the Hungry
Click HERE to link to the website to take the pledge and to learn more.

Here is a way for Baltimore City residents and congregations to help protect Creation AND help the less fortunate. All it takes is a couple of clicks on your phone or computer - - and the resolve to dispose of your fats, oils and grease (and wet wipes) into the trash instead of down the drain. Thanks to our friends at St. Vincent dePaul’s Catholic Church, Knox Presbyterian Church, New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and Rehobeth Church & Ministries for helping to get the word out. Click HERE for DPW’s press release. You will get to designate which food pantry you would like a donation to be made to at no cost to you (thanks to our generous sponsors). Click HERE for a downloadable flyer that you can share or print out and bring to your church, work or school. Click HERE for sample church bulletin announcement and pulpit message. Click HERE for sample Facebook posts or follow #CleanDrainCampaign on Twitter so that you can let people know how they can help too. Please feel free to contact Bonnie Sorak or 443-799-0349 if you have any questions. 

Project Clean Stream

Join the largest annual volunteer cleanup event in the Chesapeake Bay region! Every spring, tens of thousands of volunteers come together to clean up local streams and neighborhoods as part of the Alliance for Chesapeake Bay's Project Clean Stream. Cleanups take place across the entire Chesapeake watershed, in all 6 Bay states and DC. Cleanups will take place all spring, from March 1 to June 9. If you would like to register a cleanup or volunteer at one, please click HERE to visit their website.

Earth Day Restoration of Historic AME Church

With a grant awarded from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Earth Stewardship East is working to complete a major storm water management, native plant landscaping and public education project on the Historic Pleasant View Site (11810 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg). The project is expected to be completed in 2018, marking the 150th anniversary of the purchase of the property by freed slaves. Click HERE for more information on the project

Plants and supplies will be provided but volunteers are needed, The first big work day is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 9AM-1PM. There will also be a youth volunteer day (for middle and high school students) on Saturday, April 29, 9AM-1PM. To volunteer please contact Merikay Smith.

Celebrating Where We Pray and Play

God's great creation is made for each of us. We can learn about our creator while we enjoy healthy recreation and the beauty of the outdoors--especially in our nation's national parks and public lands. From neighborhood parks to national parks and monuments, there are numerous opportunities to get outside and enjoy God's creation.

This spring, to celebrate our national parks and public lands, the National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE) is challenging the religious community to conduct 100 sermons and prayers for our public lands. Sermons and prayers can be short or long, held indoors or out, delivered to an audience of adults or children but should focus on protecting our national parks and public lands. 

Sign up by May 15, 2017. Additional information and resources can be found on their website.

FREE Trees and Program Available for Prince George's County Congregations