Jeff Spencer
@revjss.bsky.social
Pastor and Teacher of Niles Discovery Church (a DOC/UCC congregation), punster, and climate activist. CO2 level at birth: 319.5ppm. he/him http://linktr.ee/revjss
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “To Soothe the Soul,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/18/t...
In this sermon, I look at the power of music to soothe our souls, to connect us in community, and to empower our justice work.
In this sermon, I look at the power of music to soothe our souls, to connect us in community, and to empower our justice work.
To Soothe the Soul
A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church, Fremont, California,on Sunday, January 18, 2026, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer.Scriptures: 1 Samuel 16:14-23 and Psalm 40:1-11Copyright © 2026 by Jeffrey…
jeffsjottings.wordpress.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:05 AM
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “To Soothe the Soul,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/18/t...
In this sermon, I look at the power of music to soothe our souls, to connect us in community, and to empower our justice work.
In this sermon, I look at the power of music to soothe our souls, to connect us in community, and to empower our justice work.
If you’re an apartment renter or condo owner and you’re wondering how to bring solar to your home (when you don’t own the roof), you might what to learn about “balcony solar.” Check out billmckibben.substack.com/p/solar-as-s...
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Solar as Solidarity
It's not just for saving planets any more
billmckibben.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:33 PM
If you’re an apartment renter or condo owner and you’re wondering how to bring solar to your home (when you don’t own the roof), you might what to learn about “balcony solar.” Check out billmckibben.substack.com/p/solar-as-s...
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In the shadow of Trump’s threats against Greenland, I think this poem is worth 6 minutes of your time. youtu.be/QtT-hJBZlUY
Rise: From One Island To Another
YouTube video by Climate Vulnerable Forum
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 10:53 PM
In the shadow of Trump’s threats against Greenland, I think this poem is worth 6 minutes of your time. youtu.be/QtT-hJBZlUY
From the “We’re doing it in wrong” files: if we took just the acreage the world currently uses to grow “biofuels” like ethanol and covered them with solar panels, we could produce twenty three times more energy, which would be enough to power every car and truck on the planet four times over.
Putting solar panels on land used for biofuels would produce enough electricity for all cars and trucks to go electric
The world dedicates a Poland-sized area of land to liquid biofuels. Is there a more efficient way to generate energy?
ourworldindata.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:52 PM
From the “We’re doing it in wrong” files: if we took just the acreage the world currently uses to grow “biofuels” like ethanol and covered them with solar panels, we could produce twenty three times more energy, which would be enough to power every car and truck on the planet four times over.
On Tuesday Ford suspended auto worker TJ Sabula after an exchange he had with President Trump at a plant in Dearborn, Michigan. “Pedophile protector!” Sabula hollered, in reference to Trump handling of the Epstein files. In response, Trump mouthed expletives and raised a middle finger.
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Tell Ford: Bring TJ back to work NOW
On Tuesday Ford suspended auto worker TJ Sabula after an exchange he had with President Trump at a plant in Dearborn, Michigan. “Pedophile protector!” Sabula hollered, in reference to Trump handling o...
actionnetwork.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
On Tuesday Ford suspended auto worker TJ Sabula after an exchange he had with President Trump at a plant in Dearborn, Michigan. “Pedophile protector!” Sabula hollered, in reference to Trump handling of the Epstein files. In response, Trump mouthed expletives and raised a middle finger.
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Trump has committed sexual assault. He is a sexual abuser. And his policies show personality traits that are completely consistent with that label. Read a three-point overview from the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite. susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com/p/this-is-wh...
This is What Happens When a Rapist Sets Policy
"I want your stuff and I'm going to take it"*
susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Trump has committed sexual assault. He is a sexual abuser. And his policies show personality traits that are completely consistent with that label. Read a three-point overview from the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite. susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com/p/this-is-wh...
One of the moments I can point to in my spiritual journey was learning about the “Myth of Redemptive Violence.” In this short essay, the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite explains how the Trump administration functions as if this myth is truth (just as the Nazis did).
The Lust for "Redemptive Violence"
Why MAGA worship ICE and why Trump's top minions enable it
susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 PM
One of the moments I can point to in my spiritual journey was learning about the “Myth of Redemptive Violence.” In this short essay, the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite explains how the Trump administration functions as if this myth is truth (just as the Nazis did).
I just wrote the following to my Senators and US Representative:
Dear _______,
I write to urge you to work with your colleagues to block DHS funding after January 30 until Sec. Noem is impeached, a commission ->
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Dear _______,
I write to urge you to work with your colleagues to block DHS funding after January 30 until Sec. Noem is impeached, a commission ->
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January 13, 2026 at 10:52 PM
I just wrote the following to my Senators and US Representative:
Dear _______,
I write to urge you to work with your colleagues to block DHS funding after January 30 until Sec. Noem is impeached, a commission ->
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Dear _______,
I write to urge you to work with your colleagues to block DHS funding after January 30 until Sec. Noem is impeached, a commission ->
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From my friend, the Rev. John Gage. @johnmacivergage.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 6:31 AM
From my friend, the Rev. John Gage. @johnmacivergage.bsky.social
Remember, Trump and his posse are trying to frighten you and me because it is easy to manipulate people when they are afraid.
Do not succumb to fear.
See clearly.
Have heart.
Love.
Hope.
Unite.
Do not succumb to fear.
See clearly.
Have heart.
Love.
Hope.
Unite.
January 13, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Remember, Trump and his posse are trying to frighten you and me because it is easy to manipulate people when they are afraid.
Do not succumb to fear.
See clearly.
Have heart.
Love.
Hope.
Unite.
Do not succumb to fear.
See clearly.
Have heart.
Love.
Hope.
Unite.
Why would seizing Greenland be a terrible idea?
Bill McKibben explains: “Because it would break up NATO and put America at loggerheads with the liberal democracies of Europe (though that may be the single biggest incentive for the administration). Obviously it would be a gross example of ->
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Bill McKibben explains: “Because it would break up NATO and put America at loggerheads with the liberal democracies of Europe (though that may be the single biggest incentive for the administration). Obviously it would be a gross example of ->
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January 12, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Why would seizing Greenland be a terrible idea?
Bill McKibben explains: “Because it would break up NATO and put America at loggerheads with the liberal democracies of Europe (though that may be the single biggest incentive for the administration). Obviously it would be a gross example of ->
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Bill McKibben explains: “Because it would break up NATO and put America at loggerheads with the liberal democracies of Europe (though that may be the single biggest incentive for the administration). Obviously it would be a gross example of ->
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The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “Flip the Switch,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/11/f...
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Flip the Switch
A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church, Fremont, California,on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer.Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 5:13-16Copyright © 2026 by Jeffrey S…
jeffsjottings.wordpress.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:26 AM
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “Flip the Switch,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/11/f...
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“There is no objective standard of conduct that could possibly explain why beating police officers [in the January 6, 2021, insurrection] is peaceful but attempting to flee from them is terrorism,” writes Jonathan Chair in _The_Atlantic_. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
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Trump Has Odd Views on Domestic Terrorism
The president seems to think that beating police officers is “peaceful,” but attempting to flee from them is terrorism.
www.theatlantic.com
January 11, 2026 at 12:34 AM
“There is no objective standard of conduct that could possibly explain why beating police officers [in the January 6, 2021, insurrection] is peaceful but attempting to flee from them is terrorism,” writes Jonathan Chair in _The_Atlantic_. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
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“There’s only one truly vital strategic asset in Greenland, one thing that could change the world,” writes Bill McKibben. “And that’s the ice that covers almost all its landmass.”
That ice sheet represents 23 feet of sea level rise, should we eventually melt it all.
That ice sheet represents 23 feet of sea level rise, should we eventually melt it all.
Greenland has a 'vital strategic asset'
A sheet of ice two miles thick (and also some remarkable people)
billmckibben.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:47 AM
“There’s only one truly vital strategic asset in Greenland, one thing that could change the world,” writes Bill McKibben. “And that’s the ice that covers almost all its landmass.”
That ice sheet represents 23 feet of sea level rise, should we eventually melt it all.
That ice sheet represents 23 feet of sea level rise, should we eventually melt it all.
Do you remember when Venezuela came to the aid of the United States? Winona LaDuke does.
“It was right after Hurricane Katrina and U.S. refinery capacity was down. ->
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Source: www.echopress.com/opinion/colu...
“It was right after Hurricane Katrina and U.S. refinery capacity was down. ->
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Source: www.echopress.com/opinion/colu...
LaDuke: US owes a debt to Venezuela
A column by Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe writer and economist on Minnesota’s White Earth Reservation. She also is co-curator of the Giiwedinong Museum in Park Rapids, Minnesota.
www.echopress.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Do you remember when Venezuela came to the aid of the United States? Winona LaDuke does.
“It was right after Hurricane Katrina and U.S. refinery capacity was down. ->
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Source: www.echopress.com/opinion/colu...
“It was right after Hurricane Katrina and U.S. refinery capacity was down. ->
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Source: www.echopress.com/opinion/colu...
If you live in the USA and are someone who prays and you're wondering what to pray on the fifth anniversary of the attempted overthrow of the federal government, this might be the prayer you're looking for. ourmoralmoment.substack.com/p/prayer-on-...
Prayer on the Anniversary of an Insurrection
God, free us from the lies that hold us captive and give us courage to begin again
ourmoralmoment.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:05 AM
If you live in the USA and are someone who prays and you're wondering what to pray on the fifth anniversary of the attempted overthrow of the federal government, this might be the prayer you're looking for. ourmoralmoment.substack.com/p/prayer-on-...
“All of us have to be keepers, to protect what needs keeping.” ~ John Lipscomb, who has spent 25 years patrolling the Hudson River, traveling more than 80,000 miles by wooden boat.
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The Keeper: Defending America's First River | Protect Our Rivers Today
Discover the story of Riverkeeper John Lipscomb's 25-year effort to protect the Hudson River through advocacy and conservation initiatives.
www.the-keeper.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:46 AM
“All of us have to be keepers, to protect what needs keeping.” ~ John Lipscomb, who has spent 25 years patrolling the Hudson River, traveling more than 80,000 miles by wooden boat.
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I needed this warning and call to action from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. You might, too. (click through to read two-part thread.)
For the regime to describe the ICE agent’s brutal murder of a woman in Minneapolis as defensive is for the regime to enshrine ICE’s total immunity as it expands its killing, kidnapping, terrorizing, and caging of us.
January 8, 2026 at 12:39 AM
I needed this warning and call to action from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. You might, too. (click through to read two-part thread.)
Reposted by Jeff Spencer
Statement on Trump’s military actions in Venezuela.
January 3, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Statement on Trump’s military actions in Venezuela.
One of the things that excites me about Zohran Mamdani becoming mayor of New York City is his promises to help the city reach its goal of making the city carbon neutral by 2050. You can read more about those plans at www.landmark.earth/p/environmen...
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Environmentalists are ‘f****** psyched’ about Zohran Mamdani. What can he actually do about climate change?
The mayor-elect will have a lot of influence over bike lanes and the city’s implementation of Local Law 97. But the state's constitution will create friction with Albany.
www.landmark.earth
January 7, 2026 at 1:11 AM
One of the things that excites me about Zohran Mamdani becoming mayor of New York City is his promises to help the city reach its goal of making the city carbon neutral by 2050. You can read more about those plans at www.landmark.earth/p/environmen...
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In her January 3, 2026 “Letter from an American,” Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains with great clarity how dangerous Trump’s attack on Venezuela is to world cooperation and peace.
“After World War II, the United States and its allies and partners ->
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“After World War II, the United States and its allies and partners ->
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January 3, 2026
Today was the legal deadline for the Department of Justice to submit to Congress a written justification for any documents from the Epstein files that the department had redacted or withheld.
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:45 PM
In her January 3, 2026 “Letter from an American,” Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains with great clarity how dangerous Trump’s attack on Venezuela is to world cooperation and peace.
“After World War II, the United States and its allies and partners ->
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“After World War II, the United States and its allies and partners ->
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This is what toxic masculinity looks like.
A study finds that “expressing concern about climate change is associated with traditionally feminine characteristics of warmth, caring and compassion and predicts that, because of this relationship, ->
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A study finds that “expressing concern about climate change is associated with traditionally feminine characteristics of warmth, caring and compassion and predicts that, because of this relationship, ->
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Some men may downplay climate change risks to avoid appearing feminine
A new study finds that men who are anxious about their masculinity are less likely to care about climate change. They may view environmental concern as a feminine trait that threatens their image.
www.psypost.org
January 5, 2026 at 5:34 AM
This is what toxic masculinity looks like.
A study finds that “expressing concern about climate change is associated with traditionally feminine characteristics of warmth, caring and compassion and predicts that, because of this relationship, ->
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A study finds that “expressing concern about climate change is associated with traditionally feminine characteristics of warmth, caring and compassion and predicts that, because of this relationship, ->
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The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “God Has Moved into the Neighborhood,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/04/g...
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God Has Moved into the Neighborhood
A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church, Fremont, California,on Sunday, January 4, 2026, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer.Scripture: John 1:1-18Copyright © 2026 by Jeffrey S. Spencer Yesterday morn…
jeffsjottings.wordpress.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:20 AM
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “God Has Moved into the Neighborhood,” is on my blog. jeffsjottings.wordpress.com/2026/01/04/g...
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And late last night, on January 2, #LiarTrump launched another international attack. Was I on to something in 2020?
( @hcrichardson.bsky.social )
( @hcrichardson.bsky.social )
January 3, 2026 at 10:53 PM
And late last night, on January 2, #LiarTrump launched another international attack. Was I on to something in 2020?
( @hcrichardson.bsky.social )
( @hcrichardson.bsky.social )