From Darkness to Light

During this time of growing uncertainty, as climate catastrophe looms, and the inequality and dysfunction of social and political systems are exposed, it is more important than ever to be in a supportive community which inspires creativity, courage, and collective action.For that reason, we at GIPL are so grateful for the inspiring work and leadership of Beth Remmes, the facilitator for the Four Directions Fund. Working with her, we’ve have had the opportunity in 2017 to bring Beth’s Active Hope Workshop into several faith communities across Georgia. Based on The Work that Reconnects by Joanna Macy, Beth has brought this teaching into the following faith and environmental communities:

• Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Marietta
• Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist - Dawsonville
• Northwest, Atlanta Unitarian Universalist
• Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett - Lawrenceville
• St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - LaGrange
• Unity Atlanta – Norcross
• Shambhala Meditation Center - Decatur
• Get off the Grid Fest - Blairsville
• Carrollton Waterkeepers - Carrollton
• Emory CREATE Conference – Atlanta

In addition to helping participants come away feeling, “hopeful, empowered, renewed, and encouraged,” GIPL’s Four Directions Fund  financially supports projects that are either conceived of, or clarified as a result of the Active Hope Workshop. We have been delighted to provide seed grants for the following projects presented by workshop participants:

1. Guardians of Gaia Production
2. Our Watersheds, Our Lives: A Community Celebration in Carrollton
3. Sunflower Planting for Soil Remediation
4. Tree Plantings in Yahoola Creek Park and in Guatemala
5. Butterfly Garden at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in LaGrange
6. Building and Installing Bat Houses with Youth Groups in North GeorgiaFour Directions Fund seed grants will continue to be awarded in 2018 so make plans to attend an Active Hope workshop in the coming year. We are now scheduling workshops for 2018 and would love to work with your faith community. The cost is a love offering, so it is accessible for everyone. This workshop is especially helpful for congregations and religious schools that have an Earth Care and/or Social Justice team or would like to develop one. Learn more here.

As we enter the winter season when the long nights slowly give way to the light, let it remind us that in the midst of difficult times, our soul force is looking for the chance to shine. Know that GIPL supports your work of active hope in service to all of Creation! In praise for Beth Remmes’ Active Hope Workshops:“Beth is an amazingly talented facilitator. Her approach incorporates heart, head, and hands. She creates a safe space for participants to experience and voice their emotions, incorporates plenty of resources for increasing knowledge, and helps participants feel empowered to follow their calling in the world.”“Active Hope helped us take information and intentions that we already had and helped us to weave them into a fresh whole, calling us to go forward. Beth was a knowledgeable and compassionate guide, leaving us with inspiration and new resources for the journey ahead.” “You come away feeling renewed and encouraged.” “A way to open your awareness to yourself and the world community around you.” “This workshop shifted me to a more hopeful place with a greater commitment to action.” “Beth leads you through the darkness into the light."

To learn more about Active Hope and the Four Directions Fund, visit www.gipl.org.