Whoever you are, just as you are, God loves you. No exceptions.
The Greening of UCiM
A vote for hope!
An opportunity and a challenge
Early in 2023, we held discussions at UCiM about the necessity to replace our aging heating system. In the past, concerns might have centered on how to get the best value. In the context of the climate crisis, however, new values raised new questions:
Can we justify the continued use of fossil fuels in these times?
Could we afford any of the alternatives?
Should we be looking at cooling options too?
And what is geothermal, anyway?
But it was when we thought about our children and grandchildren —Â and yours! —Â and about the line in the United Church Creed that said “Live with respect in Creation,” that we knew what we had to do.Â
And when the time came, we voted for hope!
We voted for GEOTHERMAL
We Now Are fully committed
In the summer of 2024, we will, indeed, install a geothermal ground source heat pump system. This green technology will provide both heating and cooling so that the activities hosted in our building can continue.Â
We aren’t stopping there, however. We are also exploring ways to make more sustainable choices in our everyday lives. Our weekly newsletter includes tips, climate issues are integrated at all levels, we view an inspirational video each week in worship. We’ve been teaching our children about composting, our teens are working on a climate-related video project, and we are sending letters to elected officials and joining protests and rallies. We don’t have all the answers, we may not even be asking all the right questions, but we are on the path.
“Living with Respect in Creation“
These words from the United Church Creed express our goal. Earth is a gift from God, our Creator. Our task is to care for it and to share its abundance in a sustainable way.
The cost of a geothermal ground source heat pump will be the more than our entire budget for a year at UCiM, so we hope you will consider donating to our Greening of UCiM Campaign.
In the same vein, your attendance at our fundraisers would be very welcome
And in addition
Please consider . . .Â
Volunteering alongside usÂ
Our current needs include: Writing skills (grant writing, media communications); Video production (filming, editing); Financial and project oversight; Educational skills to engage community and church members. Â
Advocating where you can
Create awareness of the need for Climate adaptation. Educate yourself. Take part in local and virtual Climate actions: petitions, protests, letters to MLA’s, etc. Talk to your neighbours, family and friends.
Committing to live a life of Respect in Creation
Celebrate the generosity of God by living a life of Respect in Creation. To reach Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 we all have to do our part. Getting active in this project is a concrete way to take action!