Greening congregation brings ‘Rooted and Rising’ weekend

The Whidbey Island Greening Congregations Collaborative will host two functions this weekend to explore a faith response to the realities of climate change.

On Friday, Larry Daloz and Sharon Daloz Parks, the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and Dr. Robert A. Jonas will guide the collaborative in “seeing what it means to achieve reverent resistance in the midst of our climate crisis,” according to a press release. On Saturday, Jonas and Bullitt-Jonas will help bring insights from East-West perspectives on environmental action.

“The weekend is titled, ‘Rooted and Rising’ and speaks to the need for spiritual strength and shared effort among different faith traditions,” the organization said. “The presenters and the hosting organization live this reality through their work.”

Bullitt-Jonas actively serves in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts in interfaith work for creation care. She sees the climate crisis as an urgent call for people to view the web of life with reverence and work with others to create more just and sustainable societies, the release said.

Jonas founded The Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, Mass. to foster Buddhist-Christian dialogue. Both a psychotherapist and theologian, Jonas is a retreat leader, author and musician.

The Friday event is free, and will be held from 7-9 p.m. at St. Augustine’s in the Woods, 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road in Freeland.

The Saturday workshop is from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Unity of Whidbey, 5671 Crawford Road in Langley. Advance registration is required; cost is $20.

Email Terra Anderson at terria@whidbey.com for details.

The Greening Congregations Collaborative of Whidbey Island brings together shared effort of eight faith communities to raise awareness about environmental issues and concerns. Together, they host a variety of events and programs to learn and become involved in caring for the planet.