Though we are apart, we remain deeply connected. Though much has been lost this year, we continue to love and to build. Though we live in a rapidly warming world and a damaged climate, the work we do through IPL-DMV brings us together, and makes a different future possible. And that is a blessing.
I received that blessing powerfully on a beautiful day in April, when I had the honor to pre-tape several segments for our online multi-faith Earth Day worship service which we organized with the Washington National Cathedral.
After weeks spent in my house, I ventured out for that one afternoon to stand, at a distance, from the Cathedral’s soloist and piano player in the empty sanctuary to sing Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman’s call to climate action: “The tide is rising, and so are we!”
That afternoon reminded me that even in the midst of a pandemic, our work, our call, and our songs and stories all endure. The music we recorded that day ultimately reached thousands of people of many faith traditions around the country, united in our call to be protectors of our neighbors and our common home.
Thank you for reminding me every day that while the tide may be rising, so are we. Every day, even in uncertain times and unprecedented circumstances, we are rising, too, with great integrity and compassion.
No one else is doing this work in our region with as much focus and skill. The rising tide we’re building is only possibly because of you.
Joelle Novey, Director
Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA)