Solar Panel Array Installed November 2024
In November 2024, after many months of planning and a congregational vote, we installed an array of solar panels on the Sanctuary roof.
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A Reflection on Solar Panels
by Rev. Dr. Judith Blanchard
When I think of care of creation, I am reminded of the psalmist’s words in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” There is a temptation to hear those words and think that we don’t have to worry about climate catastrophes, species extinctions, or the problems of pollution, because God will take care of it all. But I believe this cannot be our stance as people of faith. In the original creation story, humans are charged to be God’s stewards/caretakers of this beautiful world. Sadly, we have played a primary role in creating the tipping point of disaster our planet appears to be poised on. If you believe, as I do, that we are charged with this care, and that we are at the heart of the problem, then we must take seriously finding ways to heal and mitigate the damage.
Each of us can find ways to follow the three “R’s” of earth care: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Our church’s Green Team is working on ways our congregation as a whole can practice these principles. "Reduce" begins with the reduction of our use of fossil fuels, which are clearly heating up the planet, and in the form of plastics, creating massive pollution. God has given us a terrific source of energy in our sun. Solar energy is rapidly becoming a major source of renewable, clean electricity. With this array of solar panels, our congregation has taken a step deeper into our call to care for the earth.
by Rev. Dr. Judith Blanchard
When I think of care of creation, I am reminded of the psalmist’s words in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” There is a temptation to hear those words and think that we don’t have to worry about climate catastrophes, species extinctions, or the problems of pollution, because God will take care of it all. But I believe this cannot be our stance as people of faith. In the original creation story, humans are charged to be God’s stewards/caretakers of this beautiful world. Sadly, we have played a primary role in creating the tipping point of disaster our planet appears to be poised on. If you believe, as I do, that we are charged with this care, and that we are at the heart of the problem, then we must take seriously finding ways to heal and mitigate the damage.
Each of us can find ways to follow the three “R’s” of earth care: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Our church’s Green Team is working on ways our congregation as a whole can practice these principles. "Reduce" begins with the reduction of our use of fossil fuels, which are clearly heating up the planet, and in the form of plastics, creating massive pollution. God has given us a terrific source of energy in our sun. Solar energy is rapidly becoming a major source of renewable, clean electricity. With this array of solar panels, our congregation has taken a step deeper into our call to care for the earth.