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
I’m glad that the six injured in the fossil gas explosion in Hayward, CA (a city a little north of Fremont) will likely survive.
It’s also worth noting that Solar PV systems don’t explode.
abc7news.com/post/hayward...
It’s also worth noting that Solar PV systems don’t explode.
abc7news.com/post/hayward...
All 6 people injured in Hayward gas line explosion are expected to survive, officials say
All six people injured in a gas line explosion and fire that leveled at least one home near Hayward on Thursday are expected to survive. Three of the victims had minor injuries and three had more seri...
abc7news.com
December 13, 2025 at 9:55 PM
I’m glad that the six injured in the fossil gas explosion in Hayward, CA (a city a little north of Fremont) will likely survive.
It’s also worth noting that Solar PV systems don’t explode.
abc7news.com/post/hayward...
It’s also worth noting that Solar PV systems don’t explode.
abc7news.com/post/hayward...
Yes, cable news—and especially Fox News—is largely responsible for the culture wars that have broken U.S. politics. Likewise, a diverse array of media that are independent (especially from corporate direction) is important for a healthy democracy. Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains.
December 9, 2025
When G.
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
December 13, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Yes, cable news—and especially Fox News—is largely responsible for the culture wars that have broken U.S. politics. Likewise, a diverse array of media that are independent (especially from corporate direction) is important for a healthy democracy. Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains.
I do love it when Dr. Heather Cox Richardson gives us an history lesson in her “Letter from an American”—and that’s exactly what she did with her December 10 Letter. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-1...
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@hcrichardson.bsky.social
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@hcrichardson.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I do love it when Dr. Heather Cox Richardson gives us an history lesson in her “Letter from an American”—and that’s exactly what she did with her December 10 Letter. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-1...
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@hcrichardson.bsky.social
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@hcrichardson.bsky.social
The purging of an independent, rules-based military in favor of a military loyal to a single leader is a crystal clear step toward authoritarianism.
December 11, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The purging of an independent, rules-based military in favor of a military loyal to a single leader is a crystal clear step toward authoritarianism.
Some of us are old enough to remember the George W. Bush administration's work at getting us (the US) ready for a war in Iraq with all their lies and propaganda. John Stewart does an excellent job of showing how the Trump administration is going the exact same thing ->
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FIFA Gives Trump a Gold Pacifier & Looming War on Venezuela Gives Jon Iraq Déjà Vu | The Daily Show
YouTube video by The Daily Show
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Some of us are old enough to remember the George W. Bush administration's work at getting us (the US) ready for a war in Iraq with all their lies and propaganda. John Stewart does an excellent job of showing how the Trump administration is going the exact same thing ->
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If it seems to you like everyone is having a wonderful Christmas time, while you’re feeling blue, the Longest Night Service may be just what you need. Dec. 21, 7:30PM (Pacific) at Niles Discovery Church & on Zoom. Learn more at nilesdiscoverynews.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/l...
December 8, 2025 at 5:39 AM
If it seems to you like everyone is having a wonderful Christmas time, while you’re feeling blue, the Longest Night Service may be just what you need. Dec. 21, 7:30PM (Pacific) at Niles Discovery Church & on Zoom. Learn more at nilesdiscoverynews.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/l...
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “The Silent Word,” is on my blog.
In this sermon, I look at the story of Zachariah being silenced (Luke 1) and how it is a reminder both to listen to people who are silenced by the powers that be, and to speak up on behalf of Jesus, “The Silent Word.”
In this sermon, I look at the story of Zachariah being silenced (Luke 1) and how it is a reminder both to listen to people who are silenced by the powers that be, and to speak up on behalf of Jesus, “The Silent Word.”
The Silent Word
A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church, Fremont, California,on Sunday, December 7, 2025, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer.Scriptures: Luke 1:5-25 and Luke 1:57-64Copyright © 2025 by Jeffrey S. Spe…
jeffsjottings.wordpress.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:07 AM
The manuscript for today’s #sermon, “The Silent Word,” is on my blog.
In this sermon, I look at the story of Zachariah being silenced (Luke 1) and how it is a reminder both to listen to people who are silenced by the powers that be, and to speak up on behalf of Jesus, “The Silent Word.”
In this sermon, I look at the story of Zachariah being silenced (Luke 1) and how it is a reminder both to listen to people who are silenced by the powers that be, and to speak up on behalf of Jesus, “The Silent Word.”
On this, the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which brought the U.S. into World War II, it is good to reflect on what happened then, the America that came out of the war, and ongoing fight in America: ->
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December 7, 2025 at 11:54 PM
On this, the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which brought the U.S. into World War II, it is good to reflect on what happened then, the America that came out of the war, and ongoing fight in America: ->
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The current federal US administration is not just petty. It’s mean and purposefully cruel, which makes is sinful. www.npr.org/sections/sho...
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HHS changed the name of transgender health leader on her official portrait
Admiral Rachel Levine was the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate to serve in the federal government. Her official portrait at HHS headquarters has been altered.
www.npr.org
December 7, 2025 at 11:14 PM
The current federal US administration is not just petty. It’s mean and purposefully cruel, which makes is sinful. www.npr.org/sections/sho...
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On December 4, the Trump administration released the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United States of America. In her “Letter from an American” on December 5, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson gives us an overview of this racist document and puts it in an important historic context.
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December 5, 2025
A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.
heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:57 PM
On December 4, the Trump administration released the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United States of America. In her “Letter from an American” on December 5, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson gives us an overview of this racist document and puts it in an important historic context.
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This is cool—in the summer, and warm in the winter. There is now a heat pump (from, yes, China) that can be installed in a window, without a lot of help. You can learn more about it at www.fastcompany.com/91448042/mid...
December 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
This is cool—in the summer, and warm in the winter. There is now a heat pump (from, yes, China) that can be installed in a window, without a lot of help. You can learn more about it at www.fastcompany.com/91448042/mid...
Sad news. Direct air capture technology—essentially sucking carbon out of the atmosphere—seems increasingly unlikely to save us, because scientists can’t drive the cost down anywhere near fast enough.
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Cost of direct air carbon capture to remain higher than hoped
The cost of removing large quantities of CO2 from the air will fall in the medium term, but not as much as previously hoped. This is the conclusion reached by ETH researchers on the basis of new calcu...
ethz.ch
December 6, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Sad news. Direct air capture technology—essentially sucking carbon out of the atmosphere—seems increasingly unlikely to save us, because scientists can’t drive the cost down anywhere near fast enough.
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One of the biggest problem with American right now is the emergence of “the Epstein class.” Representative Ro Khanna explains, “[T]he Epstein class is a group of people with extreme wealth who have donated to politicians and been part of a system where ->
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December 5, 2025 at 12:08 AM
One of the biggest problem with American right now is the emergence of “the Epstein class.” Representative Ro Khanna explains, “[T]he Epstein class is a group of people with extreme wealth who have donated to politicians and been part of a system where ->
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“President Trump on Wednesday threw the weight of the federal government behind vehicles that burn gasoline rather than electric cars, gutting one of the country’s most significant efforts to address climate change and thrusting the automobile industry into greater uncertainty.”
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Trump Returns to Gasoline as Fuel of Choice for Cars, Gutting Biden’s Climate Policy
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
“President Trump on Wednesday threw the weight of the federal government behind vehicles that burn gasoline rather than electric cars, gutting one of the country’s most significant efforts to address climate change and thrusting the automobile industry into greater uncertainty.”
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Ya gotta love it when Dr. Heather Cox Richardson cuts through the chatter about what’s going on in one sentence. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
December 3, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Ya gotta love it when Dr. Heather Cox Richardson cuts through the chatter about what’s going on in one sentence. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-2...
If you agree that the death penalty is immoral (and especially if you live in California), you can easily send Gov. Newsom calling on him to commute every death sentence in California before he leaves office, at this link. secure.ngpvan.com/HiXTY98fmUex...
Clemency for All Death Sentences
secure.ngpvan.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:31 PM
If you agree that the death penalty is immoral (and especially if you live in California), you can easily send Gov. Newsom calling on him to commute every death sentence in California before he leaves office, at this link. secure.ngpvan.com/HiXTY98fmUex...
Reposted by Jeff Spencer
Local police officials feeling obligated to encourage locals to call local police if they're unsure if they're encountering federal law enforcement — because of federal law enforcement tactics — strikes me as significant development.
O'Hara: "There's folks that are masked, they may be kidnapping people. We have had those reports. The community should know that if you see something like that, you should call 911. Let's not forget -- we very recently had tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement."
December 3, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Local police officials feeling obligated to encourage locals to call local police if they're unsure if they're encountering federal law enforcement — because of federal law enforcement tactics — strikes me as significant development.
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