“Good Tidings”
The Earth, Spirit, Action Team Newsletter
St. Matthew’s United Church
December 15th, 2024 No._27_____
Welcome to the Christmas 2024 issue of “Good Tidings”, the Earth Spirit Action Team
newsletter that discusses local and global environmental and climate change issues; offers
suggestions for personal and political actions that build a healthy planet; shares information on
resources and actions from other environment and climate change organizations; and presents
faith reflections on creation, climate and environmental issues, and our calling as followers of
Jesus, and stewards of creation.
We welcome feedback from readers who would like to share their thoughts with us.
Our email is: earthspiritaction016@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________________
In this Issue…
Greetings, season of incarnation, promise, Joy and hope. These are not ‘tidings of good news’ that
come easily these days, and we can be grateful for the Christian year cycle that draws us home to the
basics of our belief; that God came to accompany us, to overcome sin and death in all its forms, to set
us on a path to shalom, justice and peace. Once again in our Christmas observance, may we find solid
ground in hope, see Light in the darkness, and breathe in New Life as we journey with Christ towards
creation restored.
In this Issue we will hear from Paul Bowlby on the work and results of COP29; we will hear the exciting
news about St. Matt’s move towards installing Heat Pumps; we will look at ongoing efforts by local
citizens to work on coastal protection; we will get tips on ‘greening Christmas’ along with a delicious
Christmas recipe, and finally we’ll have a ‘book note’ and suggestion for a very suitable gift for these
long winter nights. We hope you enjoy this Christmas 2024 Good Tidings. Joyous Christmas!
Heat Pumps for St. Matthew’s
In November 2024, the Board of Stewards met to discuss building issues and how best to proceed. I
asked Greg Bent to fill us in on how the decision was made to purchase heat pumps for the sanctuary. In
2022, we had had an energy audit done that had recommended that heat pumps were the best solution
to reduce our carbon footprint. The ESA Team got quotes from 3 different companies but at the time,
the Stewards chose not to move ahead with the project. But this fall when the Stewards met, things
changed.
Given the age and fragility of the gas boilers, as reported by Wayne Lynch, Stewards began to consider
a course of action earlier in the year, recognizing that it was imperative that we have a more reliable
heating system. As a result, Stewards proposed a generous budget figure of $80,000 for a heating
system upgrade which was approved in June for expenditure in 2024-2025. While a number of
expensive heat retention/conservation options for the sanctuary were considered, such as ceiling
insulation and “storm” windows, it was felt that heat pumps would probably provide the biggest “bang
for the buck”, take the pressure off of the existing boilers, reduce exposure to volatile natural gas prices,
provide significant savings in the short term, and best complement the eventual Kindred project.
The Team was delighted in this news. We asked how we could help, and Greg agreed that we should get
updated quotes to move forward. We checked with all three previous companies, two of which gave us
updated numbers. We checked with the Ecology Action Centre for other companies that could provide
heat pumps for our very large and old sanctuary. Two additional companies agreed to provide us with
their quotes. Once all the quotes are in, we will meet with the Stewards and decide which quote to use.
There is a person at the EAC who can help us analyze the information to make sure we get what we
really need.
When asked when the Stewards hope to have the work done, Greg replied "Ideally, before the peak
heating season in 2025".
By Elaine Murray.
*****
“Blessed are you, Christ, Light of the world; you descend into our darkness, to lift us into the realms of light.”
Rhythm of Life: Celtic Daily Prayer, by David Adam, pg. 51
*****
Name That Carol
Scattered throughout this Issue you will find phrases of familiar seasonal Carols. See if you can
identify the Carol from these phrases. You may want a copy of Voices United handy. The answers are
on page six.
#1. “to rebuild the nations with strength of goodwill, to see God’s children everywhere.”
#2. “now he shines the long expected; let creation praise its Lord…”
******
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World (Scribner, 2024) by Robin Wall
Kimmerer.
“A fellow tribal member captured my thoughts when she wrote, “If the economy requires people to
consume more resources than the Earth can replenish, just to keep the whole thing from collapsing, isn’t
it time for a new economy?”
Robin Wall Kimmerer returns after her much-acclaimed Braiding Sweetgrass with a short but poignant,
condemning but hopeful, reflection on the human relationship to the rest of nature. Kimmerer brings to
her writing a wealth of experience and learning. She is an engaged member of the Potawatomi nation as
well as an academically trained botanist.
The reciprocal nature of the serviceberry (also known as saskatoon, Juneberry, sugarplum, and others) is
used to illustrate the way in which nature operates as reciprocal gifting. The berries provide food for
insects, birds, and other animals who in turn scatter the abundance of seeds. Bird song and the whirr of
insect wings fill the air as they consume the wild ripened berries. Kimmerer’s reflection allows us to
dwell on this integral phenomenon of nature, the mutuality of gifting - the abundance of giving and
providing for present and future generations-the intricacy of all life. She contrasts this to a human
economy in which scarcity rather than abundance is the operative basis and the cult of the individual
consumer reigns. Such a human economy cannot last.
While this critique of the dominant capitalist economy is neither new nor unique to Kimmerer, the
beauty captured by her reflection, moored as it is in a nature- informed indigenous culture, is stirring
and challenging. Perhaps no other time of year than in the weeks leading to Christmas is the devastating
irony of human presence in nature more profound. Heightened consumerism abounds. Yet thousands of
us around the world will celebrate in song and in prayer a God who deigns to take on the very flesh of
God’s own creation, the abundance of love. Another chance at a serviceberry economy perhaps?
Book Note by Anne Marie Dalton
******
“God of the Future. You have promised that Christ’s reign is coming. Teach us to live in expectation, that what
we are and do today may be anchored in the certainty of your tomorrow, through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Amen. Paul J Flucke, Bread for the Journey pg. 21 edited by Ruth Duck,
******
COP29: Promises Hard Won. Will They Be Kept?
The United Nations has sponsored 29 annual conferences on climate change. COP is a shortform for the
Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The most recent conference was held in
Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Almost every one of these conferences has betrayed a profound split
between the most affluent countries which have spawned the most carbon into the atmosphere and
those countries which are poorer and generally more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. These
tensions have played out annually among the 200 or so nation/states represented at the COP
conferences.
Earlier conferences had set a goal of USD 100 billion to assist less developed countries. Cop29 agreed
after a long and by-times rancorous debate to triple that amount, to USD 300 billion annually by 2035.
The 200 states also agreed to work together to “scale up finance to developing countries, from public
and private sources to the amount of USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035”.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change, described this agreement as a kind of
insurance policy, noting, “- it only works - if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be
kept, to protect billions of lives.”
The COP conferences have been a forum serving to focus international attention on climate change. The
commitments and promises made have always been hard won. It remains to be seen whether those
promises and commitments will be kept. By Paul Bowlby
******
Sol Invictus by Betsy Hogan
I’m apparently meant to be shaken,
When advised it was all manufactured:
No record existed of when He was born.
I suppose that it’s meant to be troubling
That it was only a clever reframing:
Saturnalian Sol Invictus tamed for a Christian world.
I gather I’m meant to be outraged:
Yet another duped victim of Roman imperialism,
Fooled into counting the days of December.
But instead the subversion delights.
The solstice will have its day:
Returning, rebirthing its light into infancy.
Instead the conversion proclaims,
To shepherds abiding and travelling Magi,
The re-incarnation pre-inscribed in the heavens.
Instead the inversion triumphs:
The Word that set earth on its axis
Lurks in the act of embodiment.
Made flesh it unleashes its annual angels,
Heralding into our darkest nights,
Demanding a place in our circles of time.
******
Advocacy I: We Think Jesus Would Approve. The Canadian Association of Physicians for the
Environment is calling on Canadians to urge federal Ministers leading on plastics pollution, health, and
justice, to show strong support for upcoming global negotiations on a plastics treaty on production
and pollution, and to take immediate action here at home. For a fuller statement, and to petition
federal Ministers, follow the link below.
“Canada must highlight health and justice in global treaty and domestic actions on plastic pollutants.
Plastics and their components harm human health through every stage of their lifecycle.
“Exposure to harmful chemical additives in plastic is linked with breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian
cancer, polycystic ovarian syndrome, behavioural disorders, miscarriages, reproductive disorders,
preterm births, abnormal menstruation and more.
“Individual action to limit our plastic consumption won’t solve the problem. We have a critical window
of opportunity to call for change, as Canada engages in final negotiations for a global plastics treaty.
“Tell Canada’s ministers to highlight and take action on the human health and social justice impacts of
plastics and their toxic chemical components in both global treaty negotiations and immediate action at
home!
https://act.cape.ca/newmode_plastics_treaty?utm_source=den-newsletter-
7c4806.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=den-
enews&_bhlid=9f3cf21e3f174b2d1a0e17a6f0c2bec30d60f2f7
******
Blessed are you, Christ, Light of the world; you descend into our darkness, to lift us into the realms of light.
Rhythm of Life, David Adam, pg. 51
******
Name that Carol 2
#3. “and warring humankind hears not the love song which they bring.”
#4“God defeats darkest night, giving for our sorrows, hope of new tomorrows…”
******
Coastal Protection Update.
Although the Conservatives have retained their hold on NS government, it is imperative to continue to
pressure the government to enact the Coastal Protection Act. At its recent meeting, the NS Federation
of Municipalities renewed its call for the province to proclaim the act rather than downloading
responsibility to municipalities for a patchwork of regulations. EAC and other groups are still pushing for
it. At the EAC and Spiritual Coalition on Climate Action in Nova Scotia workshop on Sat. Nov. 2 nd , a small
group was formed to work on coastal issues. Attendees heard about the research being undertaken by
Camilo Botero on the eastern shore. He is willing to work with this small group on this topic along with
EAC staff. A Narrative Research survey conducted for the Ecology Action Centre in summer 2024 shows
that 86 % of Nova Scotians surveyed stated that coastal protection is important and a strong majority
think the Nova Scotia government should have implemented the Coastal Protection Act instead of
optional guidelines. This issue is so critical to our province we know we cannot stop fighting for proper
protections to be put in place. It is worth noting that the snap election called by the Premier resulted in
the lowest voter turnout in the history of NS, 45% and less in some constituencies. The Premier cannot
claim that citizens have indicated their support for the shelving of the Coastal Protection Act. Speak up,
write, and act to defend our coast from foolish development, infilling etc. Sea rise with erosion is a
reality and will worsen! By Margaret Sagar
******
Advocacy 2. A Gift for the Christ Child. The David Suzuki Foundation is urging Canadians to sign
its petition to the federal government’s public consultation on draft regulations to cap carbon
emissions from the oil and gas sector. These are excerpts from their statement. (cont’d)
“Canada’s government has released draft regulations to cap outsized emissions from the oil and gas
sector. A cap on emissions is a no-brainer when it comes to climate action. It’s a crucial step to meeting
our climate goals and achieving climate safety. We have until January 8 to tell decision-makers not to
back down from capping emissions in the face of industry opposition.” - David Suzuki Foundation
To call for strong efforts by the federal government to produce meaningful caps on emissions go to the
following link.
https://davidsuzuki.org/action/have-your-say-cap-oil-and-gas-emissions-now/?utm_source=mkto-first-
englishBroadcast-link-button&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=emCap-
consultationActionLaunchButtonAddVoice-en-
14nov2024&mkt_tok=MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGWypgC9GomwTvxC__16XlD-
BIBJG2mhEWidPJaKPbxIPu_NMJQieM61y7MEEZSBhJQAV9nD7Vk26Br8Tv4CSwUSpzsLyL3VTAzA5oA0gb
A8kHQ
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Name that Carol 3
#5“pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel…”
#6 “what a mighty love was thine, thus, to come from highest bliss down to such a world as this.”
******
Greening Christmas.
Here are some suggestions for celebrating Christmas in eco-friendly ways.
Ideas for Gifts:
1. Purchase eco-friendly items in recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging.
2. Avoid purchasing plastic items but if unavoidable, look for items made from recycled or 100%
biodegradable plastic.
3. Buy clothing made from cotton, linen, or wool.
4. Buy locally made items at Christmas markets, craft fairs, specialty stores.
5. See the Give the Gift of Atlantic Books booklet and purchase from independent bookstores.
6. Wrap presents in coloured newsprint or cloth.
7. Consider purchasing gifts of food and other items in the name of those on your list to help others in
the world from such groups as the UNHCR Gift Shop, Save the Children, UNICEF; or send donations to
help nature, such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy Canada, and the Nova Scotia
Nature Trust.
Ideas for Christmas Dinner:
1. Purchase local food at farmers’ markets, and stores which specialize in local food.
2. Buy organic and fair-trade items.
7
3. Make the Tangy Red Cabbage recipe in this Newsletter.
Enjoy time with family and friends. By Margaret Machum
******
Name that Carol 4 – Don’t Look!
#7. So God imparts to human hearts the blessed gift of heaven…”
#8. “Then hatred he’ll banish, and sorrow will vanish, and death and despair flee away…”
******
Advocacy 3. For the Love of Creation. The Diocesan Environmental Network (DEN) newsletter contains
the following information in its Advocacy Section. This is one more way to give voice to your desire for
a greener earth.
“February 2025 is the deadline for every UN country to submit a new plan outlining how they will cut
their climate pollution. You can be a part of calling on governments around the world to cut ties with
biomass in their national climate plans. Drax is an energy giant that logs and burn forests for electricity
while receiving billions of dollars in subsidies. We can't replace fossil fuels with so-called "solutions" that
contribute to climate pollution and destroy forests. We can put pressure on delegations to insist that
their country’s investments be in genuine renewables. Take a moment to remind world leaders that
healthy, thriving forests are crucial in the fight against climate change, and cutting them down to burn
for electricity is unacceptable.
https://act.stand.earth/page/76030/petition/1
******
Almighty God, who has poured upon us the new light of thine Incarnate Word, grant that the same
light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Oxford
Book of Prayer, Mass of Christmas at Dawn, Sarum Rite.
******
A Christmas Dinner Side: Tangy Red Cabbage 10 servings
Ingredients:
2 Tbs vegetable oil 1 onion (large), thinly sliced
12 cups red cabbage, finely shredded 1 apple (large), peeled, cored, chopped
1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup water
3 Tbs brown sugar salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add cabbage, apple, vinegar, and water and stir to combine.
4. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage begins to soften.
5. Stir in sugar and season with salt and pepper.
6.Cover and simmer 30 to 40 minutes until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
8. Spoon into a serving dish. Enjoy! By Margaret Machum
******
Advocacy # 4. Please take time to visit the Stop Ecocide International website. This organization
promotes the development of law at the national and international level that criminalizes
environmental harm. Go to: https://stopecocide.earth
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Name that Carol – Answers
1. I Am the Light of the World 87 vs. 3
2. Of the Father’s Love Begotten 61 vs. 4
3. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear 44vs. 3 .
4. Down to Earth 42 vs. 2
5. Hark the Herald Angels Sing 48 vs. 2
6. See Amid the Winter’s Snow 76 vs. 5
7. O Little Town… 64 vs. 3
8. All Poor Men and Humble 68 vs. 2