The BTS Center

In a stroke of Indigenous and ecological justice: a stretch of land called Mesgilg Maqamigew has been returned to the Mi’kmaq Nation, doubling the tribe's territory.

The Portland Press Herald reports that The Conservation Fund "purchased the parcel last year from forestry company H.C. Hayne, then held it on behalf of the tribe. The organization worked with the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship and First Light to secure $1.9 million for project."

The Climate Psychology Alliance of North America (CPA-NA) is offering a two-day, two-hour training experience just for The BTS Center’s community.

Climate Cafés are a tried-and-true model of co-facilitated community conversation. By helping people talk about their personal relationship to the climate crisis, Climate Cafés generate emotional regulation and vitality for action.

Join us on Wed–Thu, July 22–23, 4–6pm ET, for a full Climate Café experience, facilitator training, materials for you to launch your own Climate Café, and support for new facilitators.

Register at the link in the comments.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Rev. Ash Temin + Hailey Mitsui are discussing 'The Seed Keeper' by Diane Wilson over lunch, and we'd love to hear your thoughts and questions on this rich saga.

Whether you've finished the book, are part-way through, or have this on your 'to read' list, you are welcome to join us.

We'll dive into themes around land, regeneration, intergenerational inheritance, and indigenous sovereignty.

Learn more about this one and all the books we're reading this summer at the link in the comments.

In this companion episode to last week's conversation between host Autumn Brown and Rev. Katie Mears: Autumn and co-host Rev. Nicole Diroff wade into the deep waters of disaster, democracy, and accompaniment.

Alongside Katie, they ask, “How do we cultivate agency in the face of climate change?” The co-hosts then illuminate what faith communities are really being called to offer in a climate-changed world.

This is an episode with many timely next steps on the cusp of this El Niño-amplified disaster season. This is one to share with your neighborhood or faith community.

Listen at the link in the comments.

We're deeply grateful for the generosity of Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ (SNEUCC), which is granting 10 registration full sponsorships to this year's BTS Center Convocation.

This year's Convocation theme is Sacred Soil, inviting us to not only explore but participate in the co-healing of our lands, waters, and relations.

Learn more about Convocation and register at the link in the comments.