Jun 14th, 2023
Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar
FREE Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar on June 14 @ 7:00pm CDT.
Climate Action
Climate scientists have been sounding the call for decades. In recent years their call has turned to a ringing alarm: we must act, we must act together, and we must act urgently. Prompted by God’s love for the world and emboldened by resurrection hope, we are summoned to enter into all of creation, to walk in solidarity with all that suffers because of human greed and violence, walking toward newness and fullness of life.
MC Canada Emissions Reduction Grant
Looking to improve the sustainability and efficiency of your church building?
Learn how through the free Energy Efficient Faith Buildings Webinar on June 14 @ 7:00pm CDT.
This is a great opportunity to learn about the foundations of building upgrades, to discuss energy efficiency in buildings, and discern where the easy payback and opportunities lie. The webinar will be led by Stephen Collette, Building Audit Manager, Faith & the Common Good. Great opportunity for individuals and congregations. Contact Sandy Plett, MC Canada Climate Action Coordinator, to register.
Get financial help through our brand new MC Canada Emissions Reduction Grant!
The purpose of this grant is to inspire congregations to lead their communities toward reducing both direct and indirect emissions of GHGs. The ideal applicants will be working in multiple ways to reduce their building’s carbon footprint, with the goal of being able to reduce energy usage or generate renewable energy equivalent to or greater than the energy they need for electricity, heating and cooling. Your congregation can apply for up to 50% of the cost of a proposed project, to a maximum of $6000.
Creation Care Fund
The Emissions Reductions Grant comes out of the Creation Care Fund as designed by the Sustainability Leadership Group. In 2022, with Joint Council’s approval, MC Canada started a Creation Care Fund with seed money of $100,000 from the dormant MC Canada Church Building Fund.
Money for the Creation Care Fund comes from a combination of a self-imposed carbon levy on MC Canada’s staff and volunteer travel and by donations to the fund. Congregations receiving an Emissions Reduction Grant are encouraged to “pay it forward” if their emission reduction plan also results in future cost savings for the congregation.
Sustainability Leadership Group
In January of 2020 Mennonite Church Canada’s Joint Council approved the development of a strategy to give leadership in moving towards greater sustainability within its sphere of influence. In doing so, it formed the Sustainability Leadership Group with representation from across the nationwide church.
The Eco-mission of the Church in a Critical Time
Our Christian faith call us to hold hands with climate science. We call on all members and congregations and regional churches of our Mennonite Church Canada family to join together in this eco-mission. Click on the button below to read more about the six initiatives of mission to take action on climate change in a critical time.
Engage Locally
The regional churches of Mennonite Church Canada would be thrilled to hear from you. Bring your ideas, your spirit, and your energy. Connect with:
Mennonite Climate Action News from across Canada
Climate Action News from Canadian Mennonite magazine
MC Canada climate action update
In a meeting on Jan. 30, 2022, Mennonite Church Canada’s governing body, Joint Council, affirmed climate action as a nationwide ministry emphasis. Aaron Epp, senior writer for Canadian Mennonite magazine, reports on the progress to date.
Saskatoon congregation installs solar panels to reduce energy costs and be an example
Wildwood Mennonite Church recently became the first Mennonite Church Saskatchewan congregation to go solar. But, as with all major spending decisions, this one wasn’t made overnight. Saskatchewan correspondent Donna Schulz filed this story in Feb., 2019. Photo by Les Klassen Hamm
Something new under the sun
Mennonite-based solar projects include Erb Street Mennonite Church and Mennonite Savings and Credit Union’s branch, both in Waterloo; Hillcrest Mennonite Church, New Hamburg; Elmira Mennonite Church; and Rockway Mennonite Collegiate and the House of Friendship’s Eby Village, both in Kitchener.
