State climate legislation assumes that forest carbon sequestration (sometimes called “negative emissions”) can be counted to offset up to 15% of the emissions reduction goal. Is this a good idea? Is it even possible? How can we influence forests’ ability to sequester and store carbon? Join Dr. Jonathan Thompson, a senior ecologist and research director at the Harvard Forest, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. for “Forests for Our Future: The Role of Massachusetts Forests in Combating Climate Change” at the First Parish in Lincoln (4 Bedford Rd.) and on Zoom. Register here. Sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions and CFREE, a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.
Several interfaith experts will discuss on how their religious tradition understands God’s mercy and God’s justice at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Specific questions to be addressed include whether God is merciful, just, or both, and who receives God’s justice and mercy. Speakers will be:
- Mohamed Lazzouni (Islamic views) — Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ligita Ryliskyte (Christian views) — Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
- Nicholas Ribush (Buddhist views) — Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ruth Langer (Jewish views) — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
First Parish in Lincoln Music Director Miranda Loud will lead a Community Singalong for Hope and Solidarity on Monday, Nov. 18 from 6–7 p.m. with songs everyone knows (“If I had a Hammer,” “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” “We Shall Overcome,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Imagine,” etc.). The event will be in the Stearns Room if it’s too cold outside by the rainbow chairs. People are welcome to bring guitars or hand drums.
“Community Gathering: Making Sense of the Moment” with Mothers Out Front is an opportunity for everyone to come together on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 3–4 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library Tarbell Room as we make sense of the moment after the presidential election. We will talk about what we collectively see as important priorities for our democratic nation. We will consider how we can get involved in upholding democratic values that support all peoples. We may not have all the answers, but we will come with curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect as we learn from one another.
(Editor’s note: The flyer for this event has generated considerable controversy on LincolnTalk.)
The Lincoln-based GRALTA Foundation is hosting a pair of speakers to discuss “the Holy Land problem” on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The speakers are Palestinian scientist and author Mazin Qumsiyeh, founder of the Palestine Museum of Natural History and Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability as well as a professor at Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities; and Mark Braverman, a retired clinical psychologist and trauma consultant, Palestinian rights activist, and executive director of Kairos.
The First Parish in Lincoln will host its annual Touch of Christmas Fair on Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon–3 p.m. in the stone church, with lunch at 11:30 a.m. The fair features homemade holiday crafts including sweater mittens, evergreen wreaths decorated with natural materials, handmade centerpieces from greens and berries, jewelry from every decade, antiques and collectibles, baked goods, a re-gifting table, and a children’s shopping room with gifts (wrapped on the spot) for the youngsters to purchase for their family members — and Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. Questions? Call Tucker Smith at 978-760-2321.
Watch the last rays of sunset disappear into the night sky as you explore the deCordova Sculpture Park and learn about the season’s celestial bodies with the Aldrich Astronomical Society on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 5–7 p.m. The deCordova Store and Twisted Tree Cafe will be open for holiday shopping, warm beverages and other treats. Tickets are $24–$30 per carload; click here to register.
Watch the last rays of sunset disappear into the night sky as you explore the deCordova Sculpture Park and learn about the season’s celestial bodies with the Aldrich Astronomical Society on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 5–7 p.m. The deCordova Store and Twisted Tree Cafe will be open for holiday shopping, warm beverages and other treats. Tickets are $24–$30 per carload; click here to register.