Stamford Lane United Church (Niagara Falls) has made it a priority to ensure its longevity and sustainability of its church, and are committed to maintaining its building for the future.
Move to Action: Siloam United’s Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions by 30%
A Long-Anticipated Upgrade: Salisbury United Replaces over 100 Lights
Five Oaks Centre Invests over 700K to Rejuvenate its Property and Buildings
Over the last decade, Five Oaks Centre (Paris, ON) has made significant upgrades to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of its facilities. To further investment into its property, the Centre adopted a business model in 2016, introducing a commitment to develop a 5-year property rejuvenation plan.
More than Swapping Out Boilers: Fifth Avenue Memorial's Heating System Upgrade
In the Nick of time: Glenwood United's Timely Rescue by Faithful Footprints
Coming Together to Combat Climate Change: The Unified Mission of Deer Park United and Calvin Presbyterian
With a shared ecumenical ministry spanning 13 years, Deer Park United Church and Calvin Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ontario, serve as a compelling example of the impact that a united mission can have in the realm of climate action.
Ready for More: Runnymede United Retrofits for Greater Energy Savings
Turn on the Lights Campaign: St. Paul’s United Fundraiser
Many renovation projects depend on outsourced grants and funding opportunities to complete, but raising the necessary funds can be challenging. However, St. Paul’s United Church in Oakville, Ontario, was confident that their congregants could rise to the challenge and come up with a significant sum of money for the lighting retrofit they were planning.
Camp Fircom: The Off-Grid Effect
A mere 20 minutes from mainland Vancouver, Camp Fircom is a far cry from hectic city life. Located across the Howe Sound on Gambier Island, and accessible only by water taxi, the remote United Church camp has offered a “place of rest and healing” for 100 years.
Finding Funding: Middlewood United works to remain of service to its community
Across regions, many faith communities are unable to meet annual fees and maintenance costs and are struggling to keep up with the operational needs of their buildings. As a solution, a number of United Church properties are retrofitting their buildings with the goal of reducing their energy bills. They are creating rental opportunities by renovating old and unused spaces within their buildings.
Inspired by Respect for Creation: Old Barns United has gone Net Zero with Zero Dollars
Like many churches across Canada, regular attendance is not what it used to be. In rural communities especially, an aging population and a global pandemic have also kept people away. Old Barns United in Lower Truro, Nova Scotia is no exception, averaging about thirty people every Sunday, according to Bob Francis, a member of the Board of Stewards and Trustees.
Environmentally Progressive: Westworth United Expands its Mission with a Faithful Footprints Grant
With a belief that God calls us to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world, Westworth United Church strives to be “the hands and feet of Christ within Westworth and beyond”. Living with respect for Creation, Westworth United took on two energy retrofit projects to green their sacred space.
Future Ready: Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre retrofits with Faithful Footprints Grant
The Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre is an accredited theological college located one mile east of Beausejour, Manitoba that offers cross-cultural learning and Indigenous ministry training, as well as a peaceful place on the land for retreats, meetings and gatherings. Its vision is to create a place where First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Christian spiritual beliefs are respected, shared, and understood.
How the Power of Perseverance Sustained the Tatamagouche Centre Rebuild Project
Topsail United’s Retrofit Project: A Supportive Team is the key to Success
Without the right tools, resources and team in place, renovating and updating a faith community building can seem difficult and overwhelming. In the case of Topsail United Church in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, a supportive church community was key to the success of the church’s first efforts at greening its building and reducing their energy footprint.
Retrofitting to Serve Community Better - Camp Scugog’s Journey to a Four-Season Building
Camp Scugog is one of the oldest camps in Canada. Its buildings were not designed for all weather use. Camp staff knew that in order to maximize the use of the property, and expand capacity for winter operations, a building retrofit that involved installing a heating and cooling system to their property’s main facility was not only critical but necessary.
A Great Team Making Great Decisions - Ralph Connor Memorial United Church
Nestled in a beautiful village at the feet of the Canadian Rockies, Ralph Connor Memorial United Church (RCMUC) in Canmore, Alberta has a 130 year old sanctuary and a 40 year old hall.
RCMUC’s Faithful Footprints story is one of how congregants’ connections and working together as a team led to incredible energy savings and conservation within their church building.
Let Your Light Shine: LEDs, solar panels and greening faith buildings
Now fly: Wesley United Church takes the lead in St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Across the country, United Churches are doing their part to address the climate crisis by getting their houses in order and reducing their own carbon emissions. Through a partnership with Faith & the Common Good, the United Church of Canada is offering grants and support for churches to measure their energy use and reduce their climate pollution, in ways that save money and strengthen congregational renewal.