JANUARY 2010 E-NOTES
info@nm-ipl.org | www.nm-ipl.org | Joan Brown, osf, 505-266-6966

If you prefer to read the January 2010 E-Notes online please click here.
To read the Harvest 2009 NMIPL newsletter please click here.

Thank you from Joan Brown, osf:
All your prayers, fasting, donations and good works were so appreciated during the UN Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen. I have an hour presentation that includes question time that I offer to any faith community or group. Engagement and next steps are covered. The presentation can be shorter according to your needs. Contact Joan at joankansas@swcp.com.

Video from Sally Bingham:
Here is the New Year video from Sally Bingam, Director of Interfaith Power and Light at the national level.  http://interfaithpowerandlight.org/2010/01/new-year-video-message-from-sally-bingham/ or go to www.nm-ipl.org to view this short and important message to people of faith.

Valentine Weekend Preach In, Meditation In, Action for Love
NMIPL is participating in the national IPL action to Love God, neighbor and planet for Valentine’s Day Weekend. Faith communities are invited to sign up at  interfaithpowerandlight.org/preachin to offer a homily, fact sheet, bulletin insert or postcard writing to leaders to get a strong climate bill through the Senate. Once you sign up, there will be resources to download. So you have little work to do to send Love throughout the planet!!! Sign up here.

NMIPL Board Retreat
Saturday, January 30, the NMIPL board will have a day retreat to evaluate and plan for the future. If you would like to join the board, please let us know. If you have suggestions for NMIPL, please let us know. Finally, we would appreciate your prayers for direction on that day.

Would you like to be a Cool Congregation?
NMIPL is considering bringing to New Mexico a presenter with IPL who has conducted successful educational and engagement workshops in a number of other states to help faith communities look at their carbon footprints. This is an excellent program; however, we need to know how many communities would like to participate. For more information go to our website www.nm-ipl.org or contact us at info@nm-ipl.org

Cool Congregations

Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) Hearing Set for March 1-2
Last year NMIPL became a co-petition to the NM EIB calling for emissions regulations aligned with climate science. Our petition is based upon faith statements of the major traditions and the moral and ethical imperative. The other 11 signature organizations address other concerns. The hearings will be March 1-2 in Santa Fe. We need to have many citizens attend. NMIPL will testify as part of the proceedings. Please let us know if you would like more information and would like to attend as a non-speaking participant. info@nm-ipl.org

Free CFL light bulbs
We still have free CFL light bulbs for distribution if your community has not participated and you are in the PNM area. We are also grateful to have a grant from the Episcopal church to offer these in Episcopal communities in New Mexico as well. Please contact us.

Energy audits
If your faith community has not done an energy audit and is interested please contact us. This is a great New Year’s resolution. Contact NMIPL.

Eight Things to do This Year to Love God, Neighbor and Mother Earth

1. Do a home energy audit. Use thermostat settings & insulation to conserve.
2. If available, sign up for renewable energy from your utility.
   
3. Buy energy efficient home appliances and a fuel efficient vehicle.
   
4. Improve efficiency at home and work, and curtail unnecessary energy use.
   
5. Walk, bike, and use mass transit more, while using your car less.
   
6. Write, call or email your elected officials on behalf of the environment.
   
7. Eat less meat.
   
8. Stay informed.

Lenten reflections that explore climate change are offered by the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Team. Themes include:

• Climate change and Health
• Climate change and Economics
• Climate change and Development
• Climate change and Disaster/Migration
• Climate change and Food Security
• Holy week reflections on climate justice

Contact Tyler at tedgar@nccecojustice.org  with the subject "Lenten reflections" and your name will be added to the list.

From the Vatican:
Pope Benedict XVI Expands on World Day of Peace Message
In his homily during the first Papal mass of the New Year, Pope Benedict reflected on the revelation of God through the human face. He said that there is a reciprocal influence between the face of the person and the "face" of the environment."When human ecology is respected in society, environmental ecology will also draw out benefits."

He renewed his call to "invest in education, establishing the objective -- beyond the necessary transmission of technical-scientific notions -- of a broader and deeper 'ecological responsibility,' based in respect for the person and his fundamental rights and duties."  "Only in this way can a commitment to the environment truly become education in peace and the construction of peace," he contended.  Read the summary.

The Holy Father expanded on his World Day of Peace Message during his Angelus address on January 3: "I want to underline the importance that the choices of individuals, families and local administrations have in protecting the environment."  To read more about Pope Benedict's New Year messages, go here.