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
Read all of what Dr. Heather Cox Richardson had to say at Dr. Heather Cox Richardson at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-3...
December 2, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Read all of what Dr. Heather Cox Richardson had to say at Dr. Heather Cox Richardson at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-3...
Singing with GGMC keeps me sane. Join me in supporting sanity in these crazy times. givebutter.com/o0PJJe
GGMC Giving Tuesday 2025
Help the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus raise $15,000 on Giving Tuesday to sustain our music, our community, and our mission.
givebutter.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Singing with GGMC keeps me sane. Join me in supporting sanity in these crazy times. givebutter.com/o0PJJe
If you want a serious look at the war on science, read #ScienceUnderSiege by
@peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and @michaelemann.bsky.social.
If you want parody look at the war on science, leave it to @randyrainbow.bsky.social - youtu.be/lDHpbnbmaME?...
@peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and @michaelemann.bsky.social.
If you want parody look at the war on science, leave it to @randyrainbow.bsky.social - youtu.be/lDHpbnbmaME?...
RFK! - A Randy Rainbow Song Parody
YouTube video by Randy Rainbow
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
If you want a serious look at the war on science, read #ScienceUnderSiege by
@peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and @michaelemann.bsky.social.
If you want parody look at the war on science, leave it to @randyrainbow.bsky.social - youtu.be/lDHpbnbmaME?...
@peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and @michaelemann.bsky.social.
If you want parody look at the war on science, leave it to @randyrainbow.bsky.social - youtu.be/lDHpbnbmaME?...
Read this skeet AND the second skeet in this two-skeet thread. The second skeet has a GREAT gift-giving guide.
Scrooge alert:
This year, consumerist gift-giving "guides" by spiritual "influencers" are making me heave.
This year, consumerist gift-giving "guides" by spiritual "influencers" are making me heave.
December 2, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Read this skeet AND the second skeet in this two-skeet thread. The second skeet has a GREAT gift-giving guide.
Reposted by Jeff Spencer
December 1, 2025 at 8:20 PM
If you have heard claims that members of the Trump administration have committed “war crimes,” you may wonder about what a “war crime” is and where that category of crime came from. I found this brief essay by Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite helpful. You might, too.
"Kill Them All"
"Willful killing" is a war crime according to the Geneva Conventions
susanthistlethwaitewaite.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:58 PM
If you have heard claims that members of the Trump administration have committed “war crimes,” you may wonder about what a “war crime” is and where that category of crime came from. I found this brief essay by Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite helpful. You might, too.
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “King of Kings,” is on my blog.
In a sentence, the sermon says, “The problems is kings, and if you insist that Jesus is a king, make sure claiming him as king (or Lord) means that you’re rejecting all the Caesars of the world.”
In a sentence, the sermon says, “The problems is kings, and if you insist that Jesus is a king, make sure claiming him as king (or Lord) means that you’re rejecting all the Caesars of the world.”
King of Kings
A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church, Fremont, California,on Sunday, November 30, 2025, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer.Scriptures: Lamentations 3:46-57 and Luke 2:1-5Copyright © 2025 by Jeffre…
jeffsjottings.wordpress.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:02 AM
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “King of Kings,” is on my blog.
In a sentence, the sermon says, “The problems is kings, and if you insist that Jesus is a king, make sure claiming him as king (or Lord) means that you’re rejecting all the Caesars of the world.”
In a sentence, the sermon says, “The problems is kings, and if you insist that Jesus is a king, make sure claiming him as king (or Lord) means that you’re rejecting all the Caesars of the world.”
No need for me to repeat the invitation; I’ll let Elphaba speak for herself. youtu.be/P2UXlUZXbf0
Wicked: For Good | Green For Good
YouTube video by Wicked: For Good
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 12:54 AM
No need for me to repeat the invitation; I’ll let Elphaba speak for herself. youtu.be/P2UXlUZXbf0
Good news for agrivoltaics, otherwise known as ‘growing stuff in between solar panels.’ A new study finds increases in water retention and crop yields—and reductions in opposition to new solar farms. I’m thinking it’s time for a second crop in California’s Central Valley. ieefa.org/articles/agr...
Agrivoltaics increases yields, reduces water usage, and boosts rural participation in the renewable energy transition
Across the United States, energy demand is surging after decades of stagnant growth, due to electrification efforts, data centers, and artificial intelligence. As demand increases, the economics conti...
ieefa.org
December 1, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Good news for agrivoltaics, otherwise known as ‘growing stuff in between solar panels.’ A new study finds increases in water retention and crop yields—and reductions in opposition to new solar farms. I’m thinking it’s time for a second crop in California’s Central Valley. ieefa.org/articles/agr...
The Australian government has announced on November 3 that, beginning next year in much of the country and spreading to the rest by 2027, all residents will get three free hours of electricity every afternoon.
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Australia has so much solar that it's offering everyone free electricity
Australia's extensive solar power penetration makes so much energy that the government wants to offer free electricity at peak hours.
electrek.co
November 29, 2025 at 3:31 AM
The Australian government has announced on November 3 that, beginning next year in much of the country and spreading to the rest by 2027, all residents will get three free hours of electricity every afternoon.
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It’s just stunning how antisemitic the Trump administration can be in how they claim to be anti-antisemitism, and how racist they can be in how they claim to be anti-racism.
Is this 2025 United States or 1938 Germany?
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Penn Refuses to Disclose Jewish Faculty, Student Names
The Trump administration asked the university to hand over personal information for the members of Jewish clubs and organizations as well as the Jewish Studies department.
www.insidehighered.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:59 PM
It’s just stunning how antisemitic the Trump administration can be in how they claim to be anti-antisemitism, and how racist they can be in how they claim to be anti-racism.
My late-step-mother would have loved this “Letter from an American,” both for the history lesson and for the reporting on the "We Ain’t Buying It” movement. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-2...
November 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
My late-step-mother would have loved this “Letter from an American,” both for the history lesson and for the reporting on the "We Ain’t Buying It” movement. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-2...
In California, and in other parts of the USA, it’s getting harder and harder for some people to get home owners insurance because of #ClimateChange impacts. And, it turns out, it’s happening in Great Britain, too. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Towns may have to be abandoned due to floods with millions more homes in Great Britain at risk
Every constituency projected to be at greater risk, with many areas likely to be uninsurable, Guardian investigation finds
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:50 PM
In California, and in other parts of the USA, it’s getting harder and harder for some people to get home owners insurance because of #ClimateChange impacts. And, it turns out, it’s happening in Great Britain, too. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The remote Alaskan village of Kipnuk was supposed to receive $20 million in federal aid to protect against flooding, but the White House—equally scornful of climate change and indigenous rights—cut the funding. Then in early October: inundation!
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Before Alaska Flooding, E.P.A. Canceled $20 Million Flood Protection Grant
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:47 PM
The remote Alaskan village of Kipnuk was supposed to receive $20 million in federal aid to protect against flooding, but the White House—equally scornful of climate change and indigenous rights—cut the funding. Then in early October: inundation!
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This bad news only increases my resolve to decrease carbon pollution.
We experienced a record increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year, up 3.5 parts per million (the fastest one-year climb since we started taking measurements). Obviously the biggest part of that ->
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We experienced a record increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year, up 3.5 parts per million (the fastest one-year climb since we started taking measurements). Obviously the biggest part of that ->
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Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating
CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:19 PM
This bad news only increases my resolve to decrease carbon pollution.
We experienced a record increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year, up 3.5 parts per million (the fastest one-year climb since we started taking measurements). Obviously the biggest part of that ->
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We experienced a record increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year, up 3.5 parts per million (the fastest one-year climb since we started taking measurements). Obviously the biggest part of that ->
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“Far too many people think climate change is caused by (or at least can be seriously addressed through) personal actions like recycling, eating less meat, shopping at thrift stores, turning off the lights when you leave a room, taking fewer airplane trips, ->
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November 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
“Far too many people think climate change is caused by (or at least can be seriously addressed through) personal actions like recycling, eating less meat, shopping at thrift stores, turning off the lights when you leave a room, taking fewer airplane trips, ->
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“This was the week from hell for environmental policy in the United States.” ~ Pat Parenteau, professor emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/c...
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www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/c...
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In One Week, Trump Moves to Reshape U.S. Environmental Policy
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:43 AM
“This was the week from hell for environmental policy in the United States.” ~ Pat Parenteau, professor emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/c...
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www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/c...
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A presidential threat to hang congressional representatives (as Trump has done) is not new. It happened after the Civil War.
Once again, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson offers a history lesson worthy our attention in her November 22, 2025, “Letter from an American.” @hcrichardson.bsky.social
Once again, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson offers a history lesson worthy our attention in her November 22, 2025, “Letter from an American.” @hcrichardson.bsky.social
November 22, 2025
On Tuesday, six Democratic lawmakers, themselves veterans of the U.S.
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
A presidential threat to hang congressional representatives (as Trump has done) is not new. It happened after the Civil War.
Once again, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson offers a history lesson worthy our attention in her November 22, 2025, “Letter from an American.” @hcrichardson.bsky.social
Once again, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson offers a history lesson worthy our attention in her November 22, 2025, “Letter from an American.” @hcrichardson.bsky.social
Now, here’s an idea I can get behind: tax private jets and high-priced commercial jets extra money at the airport (to land and take off), with the money raised going to help nations adapt to warming climates. Yes, it’s essentially a wealth tax, that’s one of the things I like about it.
There’s a New Effort on the Runway to Raise Climate Funds
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Now, here’s an idea I can get behind: tax private jets and high-priced commercial jets extra money at the airport (to land and take off), with the money raised going to help nations adapt to warming climates. Yes, it’s essentially a wealth tax, that’s one of the things I like about it.
In a depressing yet clear-eyed essay, Dr. Timothy Snyder explains that Trump and Vance are working a grift and the danger that poses to democracy and to the Union of the USA. I recommend it.
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The Grift Bubble
A Political Theory of American Collapse
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:22 AM
In a depressing yet clear-eyed essay, Dr. Timothy Snyder explains that Trump and Vance are working a grift and the danger that poses to democracy and to the Union of the USA. I recommend it.
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Looking for a little inspiration? How about these interviews with people who have come to this country because they were displaced from their homes by the climate crisis? You might not think that could be inspirational, but really, give it a try. partnershipfornewamericans.org/climate-disp...
Climate Displaced Leaders - Partnership for New Americans
Partnership for New Americans - Climate Displaced Leaders
partnershipfornewamericans.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Looking for a little inspiration? How about these interviews with people who have come to this country because they were displaced from their homes by the climate crisis? You might not think that could be inspirational, but really, give it a try. partnershipfornewamericans.org/climate-disp...
When I first learned about the impacts of #ClimateChange, I realized this was ultimately an issue of war and peace. Changing climates would change where food could be grown and where potable water would be available, which would lead to mass migrations, which could easily lead to war.
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No Escape II – The way forward | UNHCR
Looking for data? Explore UNHCR’s global statistics and data sets.
www.unhcr.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:34 AM
When I first learned about the impacts of #ClimateChange, I realized this was ultimately an issue of war and peace. Changing climates would change where food could be grown and where potable water would be available, which would lead to mass migrations, which could easily lead to war.
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Fellow clergy folk,
This is a great little thread about hope. Good fodder for the first Sunday of Advent.
This is a great little thread about hope. Good fodder for the first Sunday of Advent.
Nearly every panel I spoke on this year ended with the same question: "What gives you hope?"
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
November 20, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Fellow clergy folk,
This is a great little thread about hope. Good fodder for the first Sunday of Advent.
This is a great little thread about hope. Good fodder for the first Sunday of Advent.
This is probably the skeet of the day.
In fairness, as the world's #1 funder of fossil fuels, JPMorgan Chase had already made it abundantly clear that they are totally cool with screwing kids.
November 20, 2025 at 11:23 PM
This is probably the skeet of the day.