Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Engagement

An interactive, multifaith experience led by Rev. Fred Small

Workshop Description

As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it's easy to become disheartened. How do we maintain equanimity and compassion for ourselves and others while sustaining engagement? In this interactive program, Rev. Fred Small will invite us into meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, fortifying our spirits and deepening our resolve as we face the climate emergency.

The purpose of this heart-centered experience is not to examine climate science, policy options, or activist strategies (important as these are) but to reflect upon our emotional and spiritual response to change and challenge.

Give Light is available as a two-hour workshop or a day-long or multi-day retreat. It is most effective for 10-100 people. Participants of all faith traditions and spiritual orientations (or none) are welcome.

About Rev. Fred Small

A Unitarian Universalist minister, singer-songwriter, and former environmental lawyer, Rev. Fred Small is Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston.  Cited by Bill McKibben as “one of the key figures in the religious environmental surge,” Fred left parish ministry in 2015 to devote his energies to organizing, advocacy, and counseling. (For more about Fred, click here.)

Testimonials

“Fred Small is one of the true stalwarts of the fight against climate change.”—Bill McKibben, Founder, 350.org and Third Act

“Not only was Rev. Fred Small's interactive workshop personally transformative, but, to my amazement, it metamorphosed a roomful of people into a supportive and courageous community.  I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough. Only participate if you want to feel love and compassion flow through a community of people energized with the hope that they can help to generate a revolution in how we productively address climate disruption.”—Nancy Lewin, Social Action Committee, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, NY

“An exceptionally fine presentation that came straightway from Fred's heart and soul to ours. I was particularly inspired by his urging us to 'to feel everything—grief, anger, despair, awe—in order to think creatively and act effectively.' Fred posed utterly transformative questions on fearfulness and hope, courage and joy. I left changed today and increasingly motivated to leave my all on the field.”
—Rev. Tom Owen-Towle

“Fred’s vision, his preaching, and his music helped us find hope and courage in the midst of despair and fear. Fred’s ability to touch inward springs of heart and spirit enabled us to ‘center down,’ in the words of Howard Thurman. At the same time, he challenged us to move beyond individual responses to the climate crisis to address the structures that perpetuate climate injustice. If you have a chance to bring Fred Small to your congregation, do it!”—Rev. Tim Temerson, Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, Ohio

“Concerned about climate justice?  Invite Rev Fred Small to your church.  He preaches, sings and facilitates with eloquence and fervor calling on all to act. . . . The community joined our congregation on Sunday, and they were inspired. One senior in our congregation said that although she was frail, suddenly she knew that she had the energy to do something to make a difference. Our Green Sanctuary Committee members spoke about the importance of his workshop for their spiritual renewal. His message appeals to those of all ages, and his presence revitalized our focus and direction as we advocate to save our earth.”—Reverend Beth Banks, Senior Minister; Robin Datel and Stefan Harvey, Social Justice Co-chairs, Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, California

Partial List of Workshops, Worship & Speaking Engagements

Eliot Institute, Seabeck, Washington (4-day retreat)

First Parish in Portland, Maine

Greater Woodbury Environmental Forum, Woodbury, Connecticut

Hebrew College, Newton Centre, Massachusetts

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, Highlands, North Carolina (5-day retreat)

New England Conservatory, Boston, Massachusetts

Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, Danvers, Massachusetts

Plymouth Church in Framingham, Massachusetts (United Church of Christ)

Rothko Chapel, Houston, Texas

St. Anne's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Lincoln, Massachusetts

Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Temple Israel, Boston, Massachusetts

Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts

Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, Ohio

Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, California

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, New York

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

For for more information or to book a workshop with Fred, please email fsmall@uuma.org.