Care for God's Creation Presents:

The Breath of Life
Saturday, May 3, 2008 1-6 p.m.
Newman Center/5th and C Streets
Davis, California

At the fourth bienniel gathering presented by Interfaith Care for God's Creation we explored and celebrated the element of 'air' as seen from the traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

As attention to the realities and dangers of global warming fill the news with scientific data and dire warnings, and as decades of scientific data (and personal experience) measure the affects of air pollution (affecting disproportionately the poor), people of faith look to their traditions for understanding and for strength to respond. The 2008 conference provided education and inspiration on air/breath/spirit as gifts without which life itself would not be possible. Speakers, workshops, and time for reflection provided insights from Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as from science, public policy and other points of view. Participants were encouraged to return to their faith and home communities with strength for and commitment to action on behalf of the earth.

 

Speakers at the 2008 conference:

Keynote Speaker

Thomas Cahill

Dr. Thomas Cahill, Keynote Speaker

Dr. Thomas Cahill, Professor of Physics (recalled) and Atmospheric Sciences (Emeritus), University of California at Davis; Member, Newman Center.

For over thirty years, Dr. Cahill's research has concerned air quality, from the Sierra Nevada/Lake Tahoe region to Ground Zero following 9/11.


Responders

Rev. Patty Rominger

Rev. Patty Rominger

Rev. Patty Rominger, United Methodist Elder
Blending her role as both a farmer’s wife and United Methodist Pastor, Reverend Patty Rominger says her theology and spirituality grows out of her love for the earth. Patty is currently serving as the Children’s Education Director at the Davis United Methodist Church. She and her husband, a 5th generation Yolo County Farmer, live on the farm outside Winters with their two daughters.


Dr. Atif Wardany

Dr. Atif Wardany

Dr. Atif Wardany, the SALAAM Islamic Center, Sacramento
Born in Egypt, Dr. Wardany came to the United States in 1969 and has been living in Sacramento ever since, where he is a small animal veterinarian. He is married with two children and three grandchildren.


Elaine Fingerett

Elaine Fingerett

Elaine Fingerett, Environmental Educator, UC Davis Arboretum
The environment, air, and Jewish practice are three areas Elaine has explored in diverse ways. Environment: Graduate-trained in plant ecology at Cornell, Elaine is an environmental educator at the UC Davis Arboretum. Air: A performing artist, Elaine pumps air through accordion bellows with the Davis Klezmer Orchestra and the Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band. In the 1990’s she performed guerrilla theatre with Windows Musical Mask Theatre. Jewish practice: She is cofounder of the 1980’s Davis Jewish Feminist Network, and member for over fifteen years in a bi-weekly women’s Torah study group.

 


Cumulus

Cumulus Cloud (Photo courtesy of Judy Moores)

Workshops

Beneath the Sky

A meditative stroll in Central park, which will include reflective and inspirational readings. Lead by Lynne Nittler, Tom Jankowski and Terry Parker, Members of the Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis.


Reducing Our Eco-footprint - One Step at a Time

An introduction to the curricula of adult education classes developed by the Northwest Earth Institute (Global Warming: Changing Course, Choices for Sustainability, etc.) and the Empowerment Institute (Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds). Given by Judy Moores, Co-Chair, Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis.


Continuing the Conversation

Further insights into Islam and creation-care, Dr. Atif Wardany.


Air, Breath, and Spirit — A Jewish View

Elaine Fingerett.


Climate Change and Cars: Update on Policy and Legislation

This workshop will offer perspectives of the role of the ARB in advancing knowledge and solutions for climate change and, in particular, the role of motor vehicles in climate change. Presented by Diane Johnston, Davis Lutheran Church and Senior Staff Counsel, State of California Air Resources Board.


Splendid Sky

Splendid Sky (Photo courtesy of Judy Moores)

Ride2CoolthePlanet

One Family's Cross-Country Bike Ride, Matt Biers-Ariel.


The Breath of Life: A Breathing Meditation

Facilitators: Heidi Bay, Certified Practitioner of Respiratory Psychophysiology; Ian Bay, Practitioner Assistant. In the story of Adam and Eve, God breathed into Adam 'the breath of life' and in that moment, Adam's soul and body became connected. This workshop uses 'the breath of life' in a connected pattern, with a guided meditation created by Valnn Spears, founder of the Regenesis Institute for Respiratory Psychophysiology of New York. The workshop is intended to introduce participants to this mediation technique as a way to get in touch with what 'the breath of life' means to them.


Yoga

Allegra Silberstein.


* Music * Havdalah * Refreshments * Inspiration * Resources



Web Resources

Books



Above the Clouds

 


"And remember when your Lord said to the angels: verily, I am going to place Man to be my trustee on earth, They said, "Will You place therein those who will cause mischief in it and shed blood?, God said, "I know about Man that which you know not". (The Quran, 2-30).