INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Interfaith Works nurtures and promotes

interfaith understanding, respect,
and action on social issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORK IS JUSTICE WORK by Carol McKinley

Earth Day [April 22] is a time of celebration, a day on which we acknowledge the wonder of this planet on
which we live and the amazing abundance of life forms that share it with us. It is a time in which we are
reminded to walk more gently on the earth, to be better stewards of this biosphere and the blue-green hills
of earth. Earth Day also challenges faith communities to look more closely at how humanity’s profligate
use of earth’s resources – water, fossil fuels, the soil – offends religious precepts fundamental to most
faiths: justice, equity, and compassion.
As the climate changes, the global food supply, people’s homes, and health, will be affected. All climate
change experts agree that the poorest of the poor in the world, including the poorest in prosperous
societies, will suffer the most, for the poor are least able to adapt to climate change.
And the changes can be disastrous. According to a recent CBS news report, an increase of just two
degrees Fahrenheit could mean significant changes in the lives of millions. Africa by 2020 is looking at an
additional 75 to 250 million people going thirsty because of climate change; deadly diseases primarily
associated with floods and droughts are expected to rise in Asia; crop failures due to ongoing drought are
already occurring in Australia, a major grain producer.
In the face of changes that will affect the lives of millions of the poor, powerless, and landless, how might
we as justice-seeking people respond to global warming and the environmental crisis?
First, we can recognize that global warming is more than an environmental and scientific crisis; it is one of
the greatest spiritual and moral crises facing humanity today.
We can recognize our responsibility to share equitably in the earth’s resources, and work to reduce the
United States’ production of greenhouse gasses. We can acknowledge that emitting more than 25% of the
world’s greenhouse gasses while being only 4% of the world’s population is an injustice.
We can respond to the cry of the earth and the cries of the poor by calling for equitable apportionment of
earth’s abundant resources, and reducing our own consumption.
Finally, we can muster our creativity, courage, and devotion to heal this planet and its peoples, calling our
congregations, communities, and leaders to honor values of justice and compassion.
See the calendar on page 4 for information on IW Earth Stewardship events and meetings.

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507

(360) 357-7224 * InterfaithWorks@comcast.net * www.interfaith-works.org
Issue No. 2008-04

April 2008, p. 1
 GOOD NEWS FOR COUNSELORS
Tuesday March 25th, IW Board Member Miles and
colleagues at The Washington Professional
Counselors Association enjoyed success in getting
House Bill 2674 signed into law, setting legal
standards and status for Independent Counselors as
a credentialed profession and allowing well over a
thousand currently practicing counselors to remain
in business.
This is particularly important to a lot of IW
supporters because it also includes exemptions for
spiritual and religious counselors. Many spiritual
counselors could have been at risk; they were not
necessarily covered as religious counselors
because they may lack ordination credentials or may
not belong to a "traditional" church. The way this
new bill was written it includes spiritual
counselors along with ministers and priests as
exempt "religious" counselors.
Above: Kate, Miles, and Miriam
(Washington Professional Counselors
Association work group members) with
Governor Christine Gregoire at the signing
of House Bill 2674
April 2008, p. 2
INTERFAITH CAMP EFFECTS
POSITIVE CHANGE
“I really love it,” writes the parent of a camper. “[My
daughter] is writing an essay right now on Muslims.
She is defending them against being called terrorists
since kids in her class were saying that they think
they all are. This is directly from her participation in
the interfaith youth camp.”
Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp is changing
hearts and lives as campers learn to understand,
respect and appreciate people from many different
faith traditions. They are planting seeds of peace in
their neighborhoods and schools.
Please help spread the news to your congregation’s
religious education department that we are now
accepting applications (both camper and staff) for
the 2008 Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp. The
camp is open to 7-9th graders from all religions and
faith traditions, and the fee is only $100 per camper;
scholarships available.
Applications will be accepted until camp is filled, but
there is only room for 60 campers, and it’s sure to fill
up fast. If you know of young teens who might like
to go, please give this information to them and/or
their parents. The dates this year are August 24-29
(Sunday-Friday). Applications are available right
now at www.soundinterfaithcamp.org or by calling
360-357-7224.
Questions? Call Kathy at 360-357-7224 or Sallie at
253-383-3056 x 105.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FROM YOUTH OF ALL RELIGIONS & FAITH TRADITIONS
ENTERING GRADES 7-9 IN THE FALL
(ALSO ACCEPTING STAFF APPLICATIONS)
PUGET SOUND
INTERFAITH YOUTH CAMP
August 24-29
$100 PER CAMPER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Applications online at
www.soundinterfaithcamp.org
or phone 357-7224
 EARTH by Sister Mimi Maloney, SNJM HELP CROP STOP HUNGER
We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a Become a Crop Walker, or contribute to a Walker.
time when humanity must choose its future… To If you want to get involved but don’t know how,
move forward we must recognize that in the midst of phone Kathy at 357-7224, or Wayne and Carol at
a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we 352-9703. Or donate online at by going to
are one human family and one Earth community with www.cropwalk.org, click the little box that says
a common destiny. Preamble – Earth Charter “Register Today” and then follow the links to
Thurston County Crop Walk.
I love this picture of earth taken from space. It
represents one of our greatest technological Funds raised will provide food and clean water to
achievements – the step out into hungry people locally, nationally and around the
space – but really this picture globe. In 2007 our Walk raised $50,331 for
has a far deeper significance, hunger relief! To learn more about Thurston
because for the first time ever, County Crop Walk, visit our website at
we have seen ourselves and the www.interfaith-works.org/cropwalk.html
planet from the outside, and the Below: Lynn Magnuson (Pacific NW Regional
view has changed everything. Director of Crop Walk) and Governor Christine
In a real sense this image of Earth has become a Gregoire at the 2007 Thurston County Crop Walk
religious icon for me – a sacred symbol of that which
is holy and precious – because it elicits such
profound feelings of awe and wonder, feelings of
oneness and interconnectedness, feelings of being a
part of something so much greater. This picture also
speaks eloquently of the ineffable beauty of Earth and
of its increasing vulnerability and fragility, and brings
home to me, in a way nothing else can, that we are
One Planetary Community, One Sacred Community,
sailing through space on Planet Earth together.
The theme for Earth Day this year is Global Warming
and Global Climate Change.
For people of faith, really, for all of us, the care of
God’s Creation and the protection of Earth and the HOT MEALS WANTED
life-support systems on Planet Earth from the
If you, or your organization would like to provide
devastating effects of Global Warming are not just
a hot meal on a regular basis (such as once a
environmental issues. Fundamentally, they are moral
week) during Camp Quixote’s stay at the
and ethical issues and the responsibility of everyone.
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Please visit the Earth Stewardship page on the IW (2200 East End St, West Olympia), please
website (www.interfaith-works.org/Earth.html) for a contact Selena Kilmoyer at 360-951-0326 or
list of resources we can use to educate ourselves and k.selena@gmail.com.
our faith communities about this vitally important
issue.

April 2008, p. 3
 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Interfaith Works is pleased to announce some of the activities and events of our members and cooperating
organizations; IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details & events at www.interfaith-works.org
IW Annual meeting
April 15 Everyone is welcome to Interfaith Works' annual meeting at The United Churches. There
Tuesday will be a short but crucial business portion (adopting the annual budget and electing
6:45 p.m. directors) surrounded by socializing, inspiration, entertainment, celebrating, and lots of
door prizes. For details, see the latest IW newsletter or call Interfaith Works at 357-7224.
April 19 Sat. Free Electronic Waste Disposal Event
12 - 3 p.m. At Westfield Mall (625 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia). Sponsored by 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Christian Science: What, Why and How? Learn what Christian Science is, how it heals, and
April 26 why many people in our community depend upon its teachings to meet all their needs including
Saturday healthcare. Come to this free one hour talk at the State Theater, 4th Ave & Wash St, Olympia, by
11 a.m. Marceil DeLacy, CSB, of Seattle. Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Olympia.
Everyone is welcome. For more information call 352-1572.
An Afternoon of Story and Song All are welcome at First Christian Church for a fun afternoon
May 4
to benefit the Jackie Register Cancer Fund. Jackie is 23 and under treatment for lymphoma.
Sunday
Music by Ric Zassenhaus, Diane Whalen and Leanne Bergford. Stories by Billie Mazzei, Randi
2-4 p.m.
Moe and Margaret Lott. For more info call Billie, 943-2504 Free Will Offering.
May 5 Reverend James M. Lawson, leader in the civil rights movement, will be speaking in the Olympia
Monday eve. area; place & time TBD. Call Paul Gallegos, TESC, at 867-6368 for more information.
May 10 Introduction to the Enneagram - The Enneagram is an important tool for understanding ourselves
Saturday and others. This class is most suitable for new students though anyone with an interest may
9:30 a.m. - attend. Register by Friday, May 2. Cost $60. Call The Priory Spirituality Center at 438-2595 or visit
5 p.m. www.stplacid.org for details on this and other Priory programs.
May 13 IW newsletter deadline for articles, calendar items, and ads for the May IW newsletter
Tues. 12 noon (coming out about May 20).
May 14 Earth Stewardship Committee meeting All are welcome to IW's Earth Stewardship
Wednesday Committee meetings in the First Christian Church library (7th & Franklin, Olympia). Next
12 noon meeting June 11. For more information, please contact Marijke van Roojen at 754-3740.
Earth Care Series Please join in viewing & discussing the video "The Global Brain"
May 14
at Traditions Café (300 – 5th Ave SW, downtown Olympia). This event is co-sponsored
Wednesday
by IW's Earth Stewardship Committee and Earth Care Catholics of Olympia. Details at
7 – 9 p.m.
www.Interfaith-Works.org or call Mimi Maloney at 459-5825.
IW Program Council meeting
May 20
The IW Program Council holds its monthly meeting at The United Churches to plan and
Tuesday
execute the programs and projects of Interfaith Works. All interested persons are
7 - 9 p.m.
invited. For details, call Interfaith Works at 357-7224.

April 2008, p. 4
 PAID ADS
WANT TO VOLUNTEER AT ST.
PETER HOSPITAL?
If you are interested in learning more about
becoming a Hospitality Volunteer for the Spiritual
Care Department at Providence St. Peter Hospital,
you are invited to an informational meeting on
May 6, 2008, from 10-11 a.m. in the Executive
Conference Room at the hospital. Directions to the
classroom can be obtained from the Information
Desk in the hospital lobby. For those accepted into
the program, classes will meet one morning a week
for 8 weeks for a total of 24 hours of training. If you
wish to attend the information session, please
contact Beverly Hartz at 360-493-7238.
CROP WALK is May 4
Last year walkers raised
Thank you to over $50,000
Lacey Presbyterian Church for hunger-relief.
for hosting IW’s Emergency You can help top that in 2008.
Overflow Shelter in March To volunteer, walk or pledge call
352-9703 or 357-7224 today.

IW NEWSLETTER
Please let us know if you, someone else, a faith community or another organization would like to receive a
copy of our monthly newsletter, either by U.S. mail or by email, or if you would like to be removed from our list.
The deadline for the next newsletter is 12 noon on Tuesday, May 13. If you have ideas for articles,
announcements, or other newsletter items, let us know and send them in. Thanks!

SUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORK

We appreciate your one-time gift or monthly contribution, no matter the amount.
I would like to support the programs and activities of Interfaith Works

Amount of Gift:______________ ( ) one-time ( ) monthly _____Please send information about individual membership
Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________

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Please include this form and make checks payable to Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507.
Your gift to Interfaith Works, a 501(c)3 organization, is deductible as allowed under federal tax law.

April 2008, p. 5
 PAID ADS

Great Mother Batik Workshop An Afternoon of Story and Song

with Julia Moore, Artist for the Goddess May 4 2-4 pm
First Christian Church
In honor of our life givers and nurturers, create a sacred 7th and Franklin
image of the Great Mother using wax, silk and dyes. Art Stories by Billie Mazzei, Randi Moe,
experience not needed. Julia will lead an exercise to help Margaret Lott
access your own sacred images of the goddess.
Music by Ric Zassenhaus,
May 10, 2008 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Diane Whalen, Leanne Bergford
Mothers & Daughters $150 per couple Benefit Jackie Register Cancer Fund
$95 per individual. To register contact Julia at (Jackie is Billie’s granddaughter)
360-459-4001 or juliasews@comcast.net Free Will Offering

OLYMPIA CHORAL SOCIETY Seek and You Will Find...Another way to be catholic
♪ ♫♫ ♪ ♪ ♫♫ ♪ All are welcome to experience catholic worship in a new,
inclusive way, based on the Beatitudes of Christ. Lacey's
FREE SPRING CONCERT Ecumenical Catholic Community invites everyone to
“2008: A Choral Odyssey” participate in Eucharistic lay-led liturgies on the 1st and
3rd Sundays of every month, 11 a.m., at the Lacey
Fri, Sat, MAY 16-17 at 7:30 PM Women's Club House (829 Lacey St. Turn rt. onto Lacey St.
Sunday, MAY 18 at 2 PM
from the Lacey Blvd./Pacific Ave. roundabout.)
North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey (360) 459-8121 kedda3@aol.com
600 Sleater-Kinney Road, north of Martin Way www.spiritusdei-ecc.org
Director: Terry Shaw www.ecumenical-catholic-communion.org

For information about running a $10 ad, contact InterfaithWorks@comcast.net or 357-7224

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Interfaith Works U.S. Postage
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April 2008, p. 6