Pastor's Blog

​    Last September, I began a 9-month course at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary on Climate Change. Twice monthly, via Zoom, I have met with colleagues from Africa, Central America, Asia, North America and Europe to learn from each other about how climate change is affecting local communities, and how local congregations are coming together to discuss and plan action on devastation that has change their daily living. This next two weeks we will be coming together via zoom to share. My project has been to use visual art as an expression to open up conversation about climate change. The issue seems to be so vast that sometimes it is hard to know how to enter in to talking to each other let alone making action plans. Something magical happens when folks are encouraged to tell story around artwork.  My own project is only in its infancy. I have been and will be asking folk to reflect on something they care deeply about that has already been lost or changed by climate change then to express that loss with an image or poem. From there I hope to teach people how to organize, share resources and plan action around issues unique to their community.  I have made a series of mosaics and paintings that I hope to curate into a traveling show. I also invited a group of artist friends to submit pieces and now have nine pieces to share submitted by four artists. Most of the mixed media artwork deals with the devastation caused by wild fire and some deal with animal extinction. The mosaic making group from CGS/Prince of Peace Lutheran that gathered during Lent helped me begin a large community mosaic that will weave together themes of loss around climate change. I plan to travel with this mosaic and have people add to it during talks and workshops to follow.  I am very excited that I have been invited to PLTS to preach this month and share some of the artwork. I also will be giving a workshop at our Synod Assembly in Sparks Nevada in June. I ask for your continued support and prayers as the Spirit continues to bring life to this work.