A Fond Farewell...
Those who know me well know that I often quote from my beloved phone app “Friends of Silence.” It’s my go-to when I need words of wisdom – when my own words fail me, whether I’m turning to a quiet time of prayer, engaged in sermon preparation or writing yet another grant proposal. As I reflected on the past several years of leading faith-based environmental actions, I uncovered these words, first shared in 2012 – the very year that I officially joined the staff of GIPL as the newly minted Director of Congregational Support.
A spirituality of work is based on the idea that everything is holy…when we care for everything we touch and touch it reverently, we become the creators of a new universe. Then, we sanctify our work and our work sanctifies us. [This] spirituality of work puts us in touch with our own creativity…the autograph of our souls on the development of the world. A spirituality of work draws us out of ourselves and makes us more of what we are meant to be. In developing a spirituality of work, I learn to trust beyond reason that good work will gain good things for the world, even when I don’t expect them and I can’t see them.-Joan Chittester from Vision & Viewpoint
In 2009, I was invited to lead a Presbyterian environmental organization, Earth Covenant Ministry. I truly felt called to this work as a Presbyterian minister with fifteen years experience in nonprofit management, coupled with a passion for caring for the earth and relishing in wild places in nature. GIPL became a steady partner in this work of mobilizing people of faith in Georgia to engage in practices of sustainability and environmental stewardship.As the work grew, the two organizations decided we could best serve faith communities across the state if we merged operations. So, in 2012 that decision became official, and I joined the GIPL team. It was a leap of faith that served a great purpose. Two years later, I became GIPL’s Executive Director. That was the second leap of faith, even though I wasn’t sure I was up for the challenge.
I quickly learned that indeed, I was ready for the opportunity, and I relished in the interfaith work as my ministry. I loved seeing congregations across the religious spectrum take bold action in response to the environmental challenges all around us. I was enriched also by the deep friendships made with countless others in the environmental community – hard-working, creative people committed to ensuring Georgia’s natural resources and treasured ecosystems would be sustained for generations to come. These people – these “green friends” – gave me hope. They were also great fun to be around!I’ve spent the last ten+ years straddling two communities, in a sense. One foot in the religious community and the other in the environmental community. But Joan Chittester’s quote reminds me that these are not disparate places. Both are sacred, and my work served a purpose in both realms. Some of the seeds planted, I was able to harvest. Others, I will see grow under GIPL’s new leadership in Codi Norred and Whitney Brown. For certain, this last decade pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned. I will cherish for always my time at GIPL and the work we accomplished together. Here are some of the lessons l offer as I go:
Take the leap of faith.- Relish in serving others.
- Don’t be afraid of ambiguity but also get to the heart of the matter.
- Build bridges and remember to USE those bridges so as to forge new relationships.
- Sometimes you have to walk away and trust another way is being made.
- Always notice the ripple effect: never ever forget, we are all inter-connected, with one another and all that is created on this precious planet.
In the fall of 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) published its dire report on our changing climate and the diminished timeline we have to save our world. In response, I offered this response which still rings true two years later: What does faithful climate action look like in the 21st century?
- Love your neighbor (don’t be racist)
- Eat more veggies (eat less meat every day)
- Plant more trees (support reforestation across the globe)
- Install more solar (advocate for cleaner energy & reduce dependence on fossil fuels)
At the risk of sounding too “preachy,” I still believe those four actions can have a huge impact now and for future generations. And, they are attainable still in our world plagued by COVID-19. I know that I will continue to find ways to embrace those principles as I move forward.
Truly, I am grateful for the years of service through GIPL. I know not what will come next. I do know I will stay connected to this work as it is always a part of me, and I’ve gained enduring friendships. I also am excited for GIPL’s future and trust that you will continue supporting this mission with your prayers and financial support.Until we cross paths again, I offer this:
May today we be touched by grace, fascinated and moved by creation, energized by the power of new growth at work in the world. May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but touch it and be touched by it, know it and be known by it, love it and be loved by it. May our bodies, our minds, our spirits, learn a new rhythm paced by the rhythmic pulse of the whole created order. -Earth Prayers by Elizabeth Roberts & Elias Amido
In gratitude & hope,
Rev. Kate McGregor Mosley 