Congregation's grassroots environmental engagement

In 2019, the American Lung Association ranked Kern County among the bottom three in the nation in air quality, including the worst in the U.S. in short-term particle pollution, second worst in year-round particle pollution and third worst in ozone.

At Tehachapi Community Church - United Church of Christ, our faith calls us to care for the earth, which is, “the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” We recognize that the most disadvantaged among us experience the worst impacts of environmental degradation, including air pollution in Kern County.

TCC, located at 100 East E St., will therefore dedicate the third and fourth Sundays in July to services on the earth and the environment. On Sunday, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. members of TCC will hold a second annual “Love of Creation,” worship service highlighting the wonders of our world and our responsibilities as its stewards. Held in Friendship Hall, with live musical performances, food and a group environmental activity, this “Weird Church” Sunday should again prove an unusual, inspirational, interactive family experience.

On July 28, Fresno consultant, former union organizer and air quality advocate Kevin Hall will visit TCC to speak on the implications of climate change and air pollution issues in terms of “Environmental Justice.” A former Fresno county planning commissioner, he has worked as an agricultural reporter/editor, a union political/community organizer and air quality activist. He now serves as a strategic consultant to community-based organizations, and emphasizes environmental justice, air pollution, climate change, transportation spending, land use planning and coalition building. Hall will remain after the service in Friendship Hall for questions and to meet with TCC’s Faith in Kern ministry and other members of our Social Justice Ministry regarding grassroots responses to poor air quality and actions to help protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Please join us!

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Visit us online http://www.tcccucc.org, find us on Facebook or contact us at [email protected] or (661) 822-4443.