Dear Beloveds, "All around us worlds are dying and new worlds are being born." - Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman We hope you are safe and well as can be during these times. Our hope is you and those in your circles of care find moments of rest and support in a fast-moving world. We write today with news of the 2021 United Nations global climate summit, Conference of Parties 26 (COP26). The conference is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland now through November 12. This conference offers a chance for high level collaboration among national leaders to respond to the climate crisis. Over the next two weeks, thanks to dedicated volunteers, UU Ministry for Earth is able to offer several ways for you and your congregation to stay informed and involved in the proceedings. What is the UN conference about? How does this UN conference relate to our ministry? COP26 is a critical gathering among world leaders to secure specific commitments to combat the climate crisis. The UUA is one of several faith organizations sending official observers to the gathering. UU Ministry for Earth has a dedicated webpage- "UUs Ground & Connect for the COP26 UN Climate Conference" - with numerous resources about engagement with and updates regarding the climate conference proceedings. Special thanks to UUA-credentialed representative (and UU Ministry for Earth Board Member) Doris Marlin for accessible, ongoing resources and updates. Curious about the UN climate conference, but not sure what to make of the proceedings? Join the "The Daily Discussion" with Dr. William McPherson, daily at 1pm PT/2pm MT/3pm CT/4pm ET on Zoom, Nov 2-Nov 12th. "The Daily Discussion" is an informal, hour long, drop-in conversation with updates on the climate summit's proceedings, highlights, and potential trends in negotiations. UUA-credentialed representatives at COP26 will be present for some of the sessions to share about what they're observing. These daily sessions are hosted by Dr. William McPherson, UUMFE Board Member, UU@UN Envoy at University Unitarian Church in Seattle, WA, and retired environmental diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. Register here. Join Wednesday, November 3 (5-6 pm PT / 6-7 pm MT / 7-8 pm CT / 8-9 pm ET), as the monthly Strengthening Local Climate Commitments Zoom convening will focus on COP 26 and importance of local action. Register here. What can individuals and congregations expect between now and the conference end?
Enjoy and share this special program from the Unitarian Universalist Association Office at the United Nations and Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth to learn more about the proceedings of the 26th UN Climate Summit and how to be involved- even at a distance- over the next two weeks! In 2006, the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations declared, "We as Unitarian Universalists are called to join with others to halt practices that fuel global warming/climate change, to instigate sustainable alternatives, and to mitigate the impending effects of global warming/climate change with just and ethical responses." Our work to cultivate beloved community and environmental justice continues, in ways new and perhaps unimagined in 2006. May we have the courage to meet this moment, and the moments to come. Yours on the journey, Aly Tharp (they/them or she/hers) and Daniel Lawlor (he/him), Co-Directors, Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth P.S. Remember to check out UUs Ground & Connect for the COP26 UN Climate Conference for the latest updates and opportunities on UUs and the UN climate conference. As we work for the present and the future, enjoy this rendition of Spirit of Life from the Vibes, a co-ed a cappella group from George Washington University. | 
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