As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it’s easy to become disheartened. How do we convert informed anxiety into effective action in our congregation, community, state, nation, and world? In this interactive workshop welcoming all faith traditions and spiritual orientations, Rev. Fred Small will invite us into meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, strengthening our spirits and deepening our resolve in the struggle for climate justice.
This workshop is co-sponsored by; The Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, First Church Amherst, Amherst South Congregational Church, Mt. Toby Friends Meeting, Mother’s Out Front (Amherst/Pioneer Valley), and Climate Action Now (Western Massachusetts).
There is a $10/person charge to attend this workshop. Students are $5. The price covers the workshop and a light lunch. Please pay when you arrive and please register below so we know how much food to order. Thanks! (There seems to be a problem in registering students. Students, please register as regular adult and pay $5 at the door.)
About Rev. Fred Small
A Unitarian Universalist minister, singer-songwriter, and former environmental lawyer, Rev. Fred Small is Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston. Cited by Bill McKibben as “one of the key figures in the religious environmental surge,” Fred left parish ministry in 2015 to devote his energies to climate justice.
“Concerned about climate justice? Invite Rev Fred Small to your church. He preaches, sings and facilitates with eloquence and fervor calling on all to act. . . . The community joined our congregation on Sunday, and they were inspired. One senior in our congregation said that although she was frail, suddenly she knew that she had the energy to do something to make a difference. Our Green Sanctuary Committee members spoke about the importance of his workshop for their spiritual renewal. His message appeals to those of all ages, and his presence revitalized our focus and direction as we advocate to save our earth.”
Reverend Beth Banks, Senior Minister
Robin Datel and Stefan Harvey, Social Justice Co-chairs
Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, California
“Not only was Rev. Fred Small’s interactive workshop personally transformative, but, to my amazement, it metamorphosed a roomful of people into a supportive and courageous community. I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough. Only participate if you want to feel love and compassion flow through a community of people energized with the hope that they can help to generate a revolution in how we productively address climate disruption.”
Nancy Lewin
Social Action Committee
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, NY
“Fred Small is one of the key figures in the religious environmental surge [and] one of the true stalwarts of the fight against climate change in this country. He’s gone to jail, he’s written songs, and he’s preached and preached and preached. Here’s how he explained to his congregation that the time for divestment had come: ‘We must work with love for love: to build a love-centered, Earth-centered, justice-centered world to take the place of the one that is crumbling around us. This work is political, but it is also spiritual.’ He’s right.”
Bill McKibben
Founder, 350.org