Program Highlights
Host a Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tour
Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tours are in-person events hosted by past and current Faithful Footprints program participants. The tours provide the opportunity for communities of faith to celebrate the building upgrades they have achieved thanks to the support of UCCan’s one-of-a-kind retrofit grant program as well as a chance for others to get a closer look at the renovations.
Consider hosting a tour as part of the 100+ United Church of Canada’s events in Together For the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025 (April 20 -27, 2025).
Breaking down energy insights with Kasota East Camp
Newo Global Energy, the Regional Support Centre for the Faithful Footprints program in Western Canada, recently presented the results of an energy audit to the Kasota East Camp board, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. The presentation created space for valuable discussions on energy conservation and sustainability, and provided clarity and confidence in moving forward with applying for Faithful Footprints funding.
While Kasota East Camp does not have a sitting congregation, the presentation highlighted the power of engaging both faith building boards and the broader community in sustainability efforts.
Project Updates
Several United Church communities of faith have recently received grant approval through the Faithful Footprints program to financially support energy conservation and renewable energy building projects. Many of our current program participants have successfully completed their planned renovations and upgrades, while others have received their one-year post-project energy reports. Here are the latest project updates:
Approved projects:
Camp Tapawingo (Parry Sound, ON)
Carstairs Bancroft United Church (Carstairs, AB)
First South United Church (First South, NS)
Grace-Westminster United Church (Saskatoon, SK)
Hope Springs United Church (Winchester, ON)
Islington United Church (Toronto, ON)
Robertson Memorial United Church (Nakusp, BC)
Royal York Road United Church (Etobicoke, ON)
Spring Park United Church (Charlottetown, PE)
St. James and St.John’s United Church (Miramichi, NB)
Woodhouse United Church (Port Dover, ON)
Completed Projects:
First United Church (St.Thomas, ON)
Ladysmith First United Church (Ladysmith, BC)
Trinity United Church (Grimsby, ON)
Trinity United Church (New Glasgow, NS)
Sandford United Church (Uxbridge, ON)
Project energy results:
Clandeboye United Church (Clandeboye, MB)
O’Leary United Church (O’Leary, PE)
St. Andrew's United Church (Lacombe, AB)
St. Andrew's United Church (North Vancouver, BC)
Trinity United Church (Listowel, ON)
Trinity United Church (Ottawa, ON)
Project Inspiration
Retrofits are gaining interest in Pacific Mountain Region
As a Regional Support Centre for the Faithful Footprints program in Western Canada, Newo Global Energy helps United Church communities of faith reduce greenhouse gas emissions by retrofitting their buildings. The organization shares renovation stories from eight churches in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
Inside Beach United Church’s Eco-Revolution
Beach United Church (Toronto, ON) is setting the green standard for community landmarks. Through energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels, LED lighting, and heat pumps, the church has dramatically reduced its carbon footprint while maintaining a welcoming space for the community. Two years ago, Signature Electric joined Ron Fitton, Chairman of Solar Energy for Beach Co-op Inc., at the church’s inaugural EcoFair to explore their sustainable efforts.
Sacred spaces become modern places as churches get second lives
The former site of Deer Park United Church in Toronto is starting a new chapter, transforming into a 14,000-square-foot event venue. The property includes a 4,000-square-foot open-air space, surrounded by the original church sanctuary’s walls, with its 135-year-old cathedral tower providing a stunning backdrop for events. This reflects a growing trend of repurposing sacred spaces while preserving their history and community significance. The revitalization project was recently featured in The Globe and Mail, showcasing how United Church properties continue to serve the public in new and meaningful ways.
Asset owners call on Canadian banks to stick with climate goals
Canadian asset owners representing about $53 billion in holdings say they’re disappointed Canada’s financial institutions have left net-zero emissions initiatives. The United Church of Canada was among one of the 34 signatories to an open letter urging banks to follow through on net-zero by 2050 commitments. They also call on banks to continue setting robust targets for 2030 and to provide standardized annual progress reports.
Act/Fast: Spiritual Practices for a Climate in Crisis
Grief, anxiety, hope, love, pain, despair, awe—many emotions describe our relationship with all of Creation. What is your personal, physical, and spiritual relationship with God’s Creation? Consider reading the Lenten devotional Act/Fast: Spiritual Practices for a Climate in Crisis, with contributions from climate advocates worldwide. Look at fasting for Lent from a different perspective by deepening your commitment to taking action for a climate in crisis. It also includes a study guide to help you dive deeper as individuals or within a group.
Opportunities
Activate Space: Transforming spaces into community hubs
Modernizing United Church buildings and updating its spaces has made more welcoming and functional spaces for community events, meetings, activities, and programming. Activate Space helps faith communities and nonprofits take advantage of the full potential of their buildings by turning underutilized spaces into community hubs. By providing tools, resources, and support, it supports organizations to generate revenue, increase community engagement, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025
Moderator Carmen Lansdowne invites you to take bold action for climate justice! Join The United Church of Canada and faith partners for "Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025" being held April 20 - 27. Coming together for the love of creation is a way to connect, grow, listen, inspire hope, and affect change. Engage in powerful cross-country events focused on prayer, education, and advocacy.
Mother Earth Day – Jubilee 2025 Prayer Service
April 22 | 1-2 PM MT | McDougall United Church (Calgary, AB)/Online
As part of Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025, join Indigenous Minister Rev. Tony Snow and others for a time of prayer on United Nations International Mother Earth Day. Gather online and in person on Earth Day for a Mother Earth Day–Jubilee 2025 Prayer Service.
Give it up for the Earth
March 5 - April 19
Give it up for the Earth! is a national faith-in-action campaign by Citizens for Public Justice that raises awareness about the climate crisis 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 climate action. The 2025 Give it up for the Earth campaign will run during Lent from Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Thursday, April 17, 2025.