Dear Friends,

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a day when we focus our attention on environmental protection. Earth Day was conceived in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, where peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. McConnell intended Earth Day to be celebrated on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. A month later, however, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed the idea to hold a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. He hired a young activist, Denis Hayes, to be the National Coordinator. Nelson and Hayes renamed the event “Earth Day.” Earth Day is not only a day to celebrate, but it is very intentionally conceived as a time of learning and activism.

In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, the current federal administration is quietly but boldly, and at an alarming and accelerated rate, rolling back environmental protections. Knowing ourselves to be a part of the interdependent web of all existence, we Unitarian Universalists understand that our own lives are insecure as long as the natural world is abused and exploited.

I encourage you to seek out ways to both celebrate the beautiful earth forever turning, as well as to act in concert with UUs and all other people who seek to protect our planet from further harm and devastation. Here is a link that can serve to educate and activate you today and in all the days to come (Thanks to Penny Herickhoff for the link).

May you feel hopeful that the changes wrought in all of us by these times in which we now live will yield a better way of living. May you remember each other in your hearts and minds as often as you can. May you know that I hold each of you in my heart and mind. May it give you comfort, today and every day, to know and to feel that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. Amen and Amen.

Blessings, Rev. Rita