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“The future depends on what we do in the present.” — Mahatma Gandhi


September marks the start of the Season of Creation and a new season of faithful action. It’s a time of pilgrimages and processions, meditations and teachings, advocacy and urgent witness. We’re focused on practical steps that save money and cut carbon, and bold opportunities to raise a faithful voice for climate justice. Here’s how you and your congregation can join in.

Pray: Worship, Devotion & Faith-Based Education

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Henri Nouwen Society: Creation Speaks

Saturdays in September, Online

This four-week meditation series blends scripture, silence, and reflection on the natural world as a path to God. Led by Robert Jonas, a contemplative teacher with deep interfaith roots, the series invites us to slow down and let creation itself become our teacher. Sliding scale $5–$40. Register here.

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Sun Way Pilgrimage

Sun., Sept. 21, 1:00–2:30 PM, Boston

Join Boston Interfaith Climate Allies in a joyful, musical procession for climate justice. Starting at Old South Church, walk through downtown Boston with prayers and brass band accompaniment, ending with a multifaith service on Boston Common. Come “pray with your feet” alongside neighbors of many faiths. Details here. More Sun Day events here.

God, Science, and Our Search for Meaning

Wed., Sept. 25, 6:30 PM, Boston

Special invitation only: The Museum of Science in Boston invites clergy and faith leaders to a private planetarium screening of a new MoS film from author Dan Brown, followed by dialogue about how faith and science can flourish together. This interfaith evening is designed to spark collaboration with and across our religious communities. You’ll be surprised and drawn in! Register here.


More to explore:

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Invite us to worship!

Creation care belongs at the center of our faith communities. Rev. Michael Reed and the MassIPL Speakers Bureau are available to preach, teach, or lead workshops in your church, synagogue, or society meeting. Contact mreed@massipl.org to schedule.

Act: Cut Your Congregation’s Carbon

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Heat Pump Savings Alert

Enroll before Nov. 1

Massachusetts utilities now offer a special winter rate for households and congregations with heat pumps, saving you $500+ this winter. If your home or congregation has heat pumps installed, call your utility (Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil) to enroll. This is a simple step toward good stewardship. Learn more here or watch this video explainer.


MassCEC BETA: Free Energy Planning for Houses of Worship

Faith communities can now receive free, in-depth decarbonization planning through MassCEC’s pilot program. Participants get step-by-step guidance for retrofits and electrification—an extraordinary opportunity to prepare for a net-zero future at no cost. NEW: all building sizes are now eligible! Details here.


Sun Day Solar Canopies Celebration at Temple Emunah

Sun., Oct. 19, 11:30 AM @ 9 Piper Road, Lexington MA

Join Temple Emunah and the Jewish Climate Action Network (JCAN) for a celebration of their solar canopies and the power of community solar to advance both creation care and social justice. With presentations from MassIPL’s Rev. Michael Reed, Resonant Energy, and other partners, the event will show how solar can cut carbon, lower costs, and expand access to clean energy—including for low-income neighbors. Save the date and contact jewishclimateaction@gmail.com for more information.


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Winter is Coming — Weatherize with MassIPL

MassIPL has helped more than 80 houses of worship unlock over $3 million in MassSave weatherization incentives—often with 100% of costs covered. Save money, cut carbon, and keep your community warm this winter. Contact info@massipl.org to get started.

Mobilize: Advocate for a Faithful Climate Future

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Protect the EPA Endangerment Finding

Comment by Sept. 22

The EPA has proposed rolling back the foundational 2009 finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health. Pollution that harms our neighbors is not just a technical issue—it is a moral failing. MassIPL’s Executive Committee is submitting comments, and we invite you to add your voice to the public record. Together, we can bear witness to the values of justice and care for creation. Our guide to commenting here.


Sacred Spaces, Sustainable Future Webinar TOMORROW, Thurs., Sept.11, 6:00 PM

Faith communities can now access new federal clean energy tax credits through Elective Pay. This webinar, co-hosted by Lawyers for Good Governance and An Episcopal Path for Creation Justice, will walk congregations through the process and provide practical advocacy steps for advancing climate policy. A must-attend for clergy, lay leaders, and green teams preparing for the next phase of climate action. Register here.


EV Tax Credit Deadline — September 30

Federal electric vehicle credits—up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used—expire at the end of this month. We lament the decision to roll back these critical supports for our climate and economy. We urge residents and congregations to take advantage of these incentives while they remain, and to keep lifting a faithful voice for policies that move us toward a cleaner, more affordable future. Learn more here.


More ways to mobilize:

Closing Words

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MassIPL is here to help you pray, act, and mobilize for creation care. Share your events with us, forward this newsletter to others in your network, and let’s keep building this faithful movement together.