March 2023

Host a Retrofit Tour this Earth Week!

As part of the 60+ United Church of Canada’s events in Together For the Love of Creation Earth Week 2023 (April 16 - 23), Faithful Footprints is inviting past and current program participants to host an in-person Retrofit Tour event.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the building upgrades your faith community has achieved thanks to the support of UCCan’s one of a kind retrofit grant program, and a chance for others to get a closer look at the renovations.

 

Monthly Highlight 

St. James Centennial United Church (Parry Sound, ON) has always revolved around food. The church's kitchen is constantly busy with various community food programs - seniors’ lunches, Middle Eastern Evening, Christmas Day Dinner, and many others. The Faithful Footprints grant supported the church to upgrade old kitchen appliances. Continuing its work, St. James Centennial United is finding other ways to be more resourceful outside of the kitchen. 

Project insights further on in the newsletter.

Completed Projects

Bissell Centre Thrift Shop (Edmonton, AB)

Received a grant in support of the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED; the insulation of the exterior walls and roof, and the completion of an energy audit and energy management plan for the site. 

The Bissell Centre is a non-profit based in Edmonton, Alberta that is affiliated with the United Church. Bissell Centre’s COO, Louise Traynor sat down with Faithful Footprints Western Regional Support Coordinator, Cari Kilmartin at Newo Global Energy, to discuss Bissell’s experience completing a LED retrofit. To read the full article, click here.

 

St. George and St. Andrew United Church (Annapolis Royal, NS)

Received a grant in support of the replacement of oil burning furnaces and oil tank with three heat pumps; the replacement of oil fired hot water heater with electrical hot water heater; the installation of larger ductwork and ceiling fans; upgrades to electrical system; and insulation in its sanctuary.

 

St. James Centennial United Church (Parry Sound, ON)

Received a grant in support of the replacement of a refrigerator, dishwasher, and several small freezers with one larger one; the replacement of gas boiler; the installation of LED bulbs and plastic heat shrink window coverings; the caulking of windows; and the insulation of the roof and a wall.

 

 Windsor United Church (Windsor, NS)

Received a grant in support of the blow cellulose insulation of all exterior walls upstairs; the replacement of an oil fired furnace with a heat pump; the installation of additional heat pumps to the sanctuary’s two oil furnaces and basement meeting rooms.

Inspiration 

Monthly Blog   

Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

"Over the last century, little by little, barge trip by barge trip, remote United Church Camp Fircom (Gambier Island, BC) has been working to curate a site that celebrates and lives in harmony with the natural world". With support from a Faithful Footprints grant, the camp turned to the natural abundance of the sun as an alternative onsite power source by installing a 16kW solar system on the roof of their south-facing archery shelter. Read more on their story in our most recent blog 'Camp Fircom: The Off-Grid Effect'.

Features: Camp Fircom (Gambier Island, BC)

 

Decarbonization efforts by the United Church of Canada faith communities in Atlantic Canada

The Regional Climate Justice Group of the United Church captures the efforts of congregations in Central Labrador and Nova Scotia that have reduced their carbon footprint through energy efficiency initiatives, that support a just transition, and who showcase environmental stewardship as part of everyday spiritual practice. 

Highlights efforts of Faithful Footprints participants Berwick United Church (Berwick, NS), Grace United Church (Dartmouth, NS), and St. George and St. Andrew United Church (Annapolis Royal, NS).

 

Retrofitting Church Buildings with Minimal Resources

Watch the recording of 'Retrofitting Church Buildings with Minimal Resources' Webinar hosted by Shining Waters Regional Council. Get expert advice from guest speaker, Faithful Footprints Building Grants Manager, Stephen Collette. Learn how your faith community can help The United Church of Canada meet its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2030.

 

Earth Week 2023 Message from

Moderator Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne

During Earth Week 2023, The United Church of Canada is joining with numerous denominations and faith-based organizations under one banner, Together for the Love of Creation. Moderator Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne encourages communities of faith to celebrate. 

Opportunities 

Prince Edward Island - Heat Pumps Initiative

As part of the Government of PEI's Net Zero Initiative, incorporated PEI places of worship who use their facilities to host community events or provide rentals in winter months are eligible for funding assistance to cover 100% of heat pump installation costs up to a maximum of $20,000.This assistance is provided jointly by Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and Department of Fisheries and Communities. Applications for 2023/24 will be accepted beginning April 1, 2023. 

 

Give it up for the Earth!

February 22 - April 6, 2023

Give it up for the Earth! is a national faith-in-action campaign that raises awareness about climate change and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce personal and household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action.

 

Earth Week 2023 – Together for the Love of Creation

For the Love of Creation (FLC) invites faith communities across the country to be part of the movement for Earth Week 2023 – Together for the Love of Creation. Your activity could be visibly joining a community-wide event or creating something new. This is a chance to reach out to other faith communities and neighbors in your climate justice initiatives.

 

The People's Parade for Life on Earth

April 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM (ET)

The Wave / Sackville Landing - Peace & Friendship Park (Halifax, NS)

Join Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre, the Grassroots Grandmothers, School Strike 4 Climate Halifax, iMOVe, and others, for a joyful community parade on Earth Day, April 22, 2023. Come together to celebrate Mother Earth, to celebrate water which is life, and to celebrate our beautiful communities and our continued resistance for love, justice, and life on this planet. This is an invitation for all to come together and uplift our spirits: a parade of all our relations. 

Explore the Program 

Explore projects and energy results of Faithful Footprints participating faith-communities