NEWSLETTERS
Designed to engage and provide ongoing inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada.
May 2022
Read our latest updates
Faithful Footprints May 2022 Newsletter
The Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter is designed to engage and provide on-going inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada. Our monthly newsletter will be released the last Wednesday of every month.
Program Updates
Every month, the Faithful Footprints program approves several applications and welcomes new United Churches and affiliated properties into the program, as a number of congregations complete their projects and receive their final energy reduction results.
Data from April 26 - May 25, 2022
New to the program:
Whitehorse United Church, Whitehorse, YT
Energy results:
Leaside United Church, Toronto, ON
A year following their projects, Leaside United reduced their GHG emission by 51.8%, natural gas usage by 52.9%, and energy costs by 8.3%.
Manor Road United Church, Toronto, ON
A year following their projects, Manor Road United reduced their GHG emission by 11.5%, natural gas usage by 11.9%, and energy costs by 8.8%.
Trinity United Church, Shelburne, ON
A year following their projects, Trinity United reduced their GHG emission by 34.6%, electricity usage by 38.1%, natural gas usage by 34.6%, and energy costs by 15.2%.
Brunswick Street United Church, Halifax, NS
A year following their projects, Brunswick Street United reduced their GHG emission by 26.8%, electricity usage by 26.8%, and energy costs by 22.4%.
Eglington St. George’s United Church, Toronto, ON
A year following their projects, Eglington St. George United reduced their GHG emission by 12.0%, electricity usage by 56.8%, natural gas usage by 8.8%, and energy costs by 50.5%.
Highlight of the Month
Faithful Footprints Western Regional Support Centre, Newo Energy is getting creative with encouraging United properties in Western Canada to join the Faithful Footprints program. From modernizing sanctuaries, caulking old windows, and insulating attic spaces, Newo energy has created the first Faithful Footprints comedic infomercial.
Click here to watch.
Faithful Footprints and Climate Justice
To address the global climate emergency, Faithful Footprints encourages United properties to retrofit their buildings to become more environmentally sustainable. This includes transitioning towards non-renewable energy sources and energy efficient alternatives. Beyond the Faithful Footprints program, there are many ways participating properties and their community can continue to support climate action.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a global sign-on initiative focused on eliminating further exploration, development, and subsidies for new fossil fuel infrastructure, as well as the advocacy of phasing out existing fossil fuel dependence. Learn more about the initiative and sign the pledge here.
Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign (OCEC) 12 point Climate Action Plan is a sign-on initiative focused on encouraging diverse groups from various sectors to work together towards shared climate action goals. Learn more about the initiative and sign the pledge here.
Faithful Footprints in the News
The Faithful Footprints program is growing and is expanding its visibility country-wide. Recently, Faithful Footprints has been listed as a project under Yale’s Forum of Religion and Ecology’s Faith Action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a comprehension list of specific projects working towards the environmental SDGs. In addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action) particularly focused on the impact area of energy, Faithful Footprints has been recognized for its efforts in encouraging properties to measure their energy use and reduce their climate pollution, in ways that save money and strengthen congregational renewal.
The Yale’s Forum of Religion and Ecology is an international multireligious project contributing to a new academic field and an engaged moral force of religious environmentalism. To learn more, click here.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blog
We have been trained to think about energy efficiency best practices for buildings in terms of improving insulation. However, in many houses of worship, air leakage is also a key contributor to heat loss. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce heat loss, including air sealing the holes in the ceilings, attic hatches and doors to attic spaces. Learn more in our new blog "Level up the energy efficiency of your building: Control air leakages" written by Faithful Footprints building manager Stephen Collette.
Features: Calvary United Church in (London, ON).
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
May 25-27: Seeking Justice in Our Institutions
Join Citizen for Public Justice second annual virtual Justice Conference, Seeking Justice in Our Institutions. Through a variety of keynotes and workshops, this virtual conference will explore living examples of what it looks like to seek justice within our institutions and co-create more just, faithful, and healthy ways of relating to one another and to all of creation.
Register here.
The United Church is hosting an online engagement event with General Council 44 Global, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Partners to discuss urgent current and compelling issues for people of faith, such as increasing inequities, injustice and deepening polarizations. How do we lead in these times? How can people of faith engage to further the common good?
This is the second of a two part series with GC44 partners.
To register, click here
Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre is hosting an in-person conference, A Climate of Hope: Faith Communities Confront the Climate Emergency. This conference will include key-note speakers, workshops, resource sharing, and opportunities for faith communities to work together to have faith-based climate conversations.
Register here and contact kimberley.fry@ecologyaction.ca for more details
June 7: Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable - Spring 2022
The Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable, co-hosted by The United Church of Canada General Council Office staff and Faith & the Common Good (FCG), is meeting this spring to foster collaborative discussions among UCC Regional Ministers, General Council Office staff and the Faithful Footprints delivery team.
Explore the Program
Explore Faithful Footprints Grants and Energy Data online interactive maps to learn more about the properties that have participated in the Faithful Footprints program as well as the energy data of finished projects.
April 2022
Read our latest updates
The Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter is designed to engage and provide on-going inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada. Our monthly newsletter will be released the last Wednesday of every month.
Faithful Footprints April 2022 Newsletter
Program Updates
Every month, the Faithful Footprints program approves several applications and welcomes new United Churches’ into the program, as a number of congregations complete their projects and receive their final energy reduction results.
Data from March 24 - April 25, 2022
New to the program:
Bethel United Church, Rideau Ferry, ON
Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, Medicine Hat, AB
Trinity United Church, Cobourg, ON
St. Stephen’s United Church, Qualicum Beach, BC
Projects completed:
Spirit of Hope United Church, Edmonton, AB
Received a grant in support of:
Replacement of appliances in kitchen
Installation of dual-pane sealed windows in the gym and daycare
Installation of LED fixtures throughout building
Installation of low-flow water fixtures
Installation of programmable thermostats
Replacement and adding of heat-end HVAC components and hot water tank
Replacement of main entry doors and sealing of all doors
Installation of a new 3-phase electrical power feed
Electrical rough-in to allow for future EV charging and PV array
To learn more about the retrofitting projects of Spirit of Hope United, visit their Renovation Updates Page, including a 3D tour of the renovated lobby and sanctuary.
Energy results:
St. Paul’s United Church, Morden, MB
A year following their projects, Bethany United reduced their GHG emission by 46.3%, electricity usage by 56.1%, natural gas usage from a fuel sorce by 46.3%, and energy costs by 47.3%.
Highlight of the Month
Spirit of Hope United Church in Edmonton, Alberta had the health and accessibility of their building in mind when completing their retrofit projects. In addition to the energy conservation upgrades, many aspects of the full-building renovation was designed to improve comfort and accessibility. The property’s new elevator, door operators, washrooms, and ramp systems have made its building barrier-free. The newly installed CO2 sensors in the larger gathering spaces, also allows for fresh air to automatically increase when the system senses a rise in CO2 levels; enhancing overall air quality.
Faithful Footprints Maps
Explore The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grants and Energy Data online interactive maps and learn more about the properties that have participated in the Faithful Footprints program as well as the energy data of finished projects.
*Note: These maps are produced in collaboration with EDGE and are updated on a bi-annual basis.
Faithful Footprints and Climate Justice
The United For the Love of Creation Network
The network gathered last week to discuss the Give it Up for the Earth! Campaign, the General Council 44 (GC44) Climate Proposal, and other climate initiatives. Highlights of the event included Tony Snow’s (Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region; Climate Advisory Circle) sharing about consensus building models relating to the Church’s collaboration with Indigenous Ministries.
Grow Your Eco-awareness
Grow your eco-awareness at The United Church of Canada Bookstore. From books on the climate crisis to how your church can make a difference, explore the collection of environmental resources that highlight green solutions and ways to reduce your congregation's ecological footprint.
Greening the Church, Just Water, 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth, and Climate Church, Climate World are all great books to share with your communities.
Track Your Greening Journey
This Earth Day, Greening Sacred Spaces launched its updated Greening Sacred Spaces Certification program. Whether your congregation is just getting started or are ready for the next level of greening, the GSS Certification is an excellent way to engage your faith community in stewardship, reduce your environmental impact, and showcase what your congregation have accomplished together.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blog
There is an urgent need for church-wide participation to protect God's living world. What used to be well-functioning ecosystems, providing us with services are becoming degraded, losing their integrity, or quickly disappearing. Wondering why faith-based communities have a critical role in helping to change this around? Read our new blog "Creation Care - Our Collective Responsibility to Invest in our Planet" written by Faithful Footprints Communications Coordinator Aleyxa Gates Julien.
Features: First United Church (Wetaskiwin, AB),Grace United Church (Dartmouth, NS), Shawville United Church (Shawville, QC), Eastminster United Church (Belleville, ON), Ralph Connor Memorial United Church (Canmore, AB), St. Andrew's United Church (Cochrane, AB), Oakbank United Church (Oakbank, MB), Woodcliff United Church (Calgary, AB).
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
May 12 : GC44 Partner Engagement - Bold Discipleship: Climate Crisis
The United Church is hosting two online engagement event with General Council 44 Global, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Partners to discuss urgent current and compelling issues for people of faith. How is the Climate Crisis summoning us? What does leadership look like? Come listen to the panel respond to these questions.
This is the first of a two part series with GC44 partners.
Join Faith & the Common Good’s Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa Chapter in celebrating the amazing impact of the Energy Benchmarking Program. The event will showcase the program results - highlighting its 10 case studies document, networking map, and the launch of the GSS Faith Community Bond.
The conference will be in-person at the AMA Community Centre on Saturday May 14th from 2-4pm EST.
The United Church is hosting an online engagement event with General Council 44 Global, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Partners to discuss urgent current and compelling issues for people of faith, such as increasing inequities, injustice and deepening polarizations. How do we lead in these times? How can people of faith engage to further the common good?
This is the second of a two part series with GC44 partners.
To register, click here
June 7: Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable - Spring 2022
The Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable, co-hosted by The United Church of Canada General Council Office staff and Faith & the Common Good (FCG), is meeting this spring to foster collaborative discussions among UCC Regional Ministers, General Council Office staff and the Faithful Footprints delivery team.
March 2022
Read our latest updates
Faithful Footprints March 2022 Newsletter
The Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter is designed to engage and provide on-going inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada. Our monthly newsletter will be released the last Wednesday of every month, and it will feature:
New national and regional grants/incentives
Program updates (photos, stories, before/after energy results)
Climate justice and advocacy initiatives
Informative monthly blogs that include stories from our grants manager and program participants highlighting carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and climate justice
Upcoming events and webinars relating to climate action
New resources and tools available
Available Grants & Incentives
For Faithful Footprints grants, 50% matching funds will be required. This means that in order to receive up to $30,000, a congregation will need to demonstrate having found an additional $15,000 in matching funds. Alongside community support, donations, and congregational endowment funds; provincial and municipal grants and rebates from government or utilities are a great way to find matching funds to support your Faithful Footprints application.
NEW* - Ontario Only: Save On Energy - Small Business Program
Program Updates
Every month, the Faithful Footprints program approves several applications and welcomes new United Churches’ into the program, as a number of congregations complete their projects and receive their final energy reduction results.
Data from February 23 - March 24, 2022
New to the program:
Huron Shores United Church, Grand Bend, ON
Riverbend United Church, Edmonton, AB
Dundalk United Church, Dundalk, ON
First United Church, Wetaskiwin, AB
Trinity United Church, Acton, ON
Projects completed:
Shawville United Church, Shawville, QC
Received a grant in support of the installation of high-quality, low-energy fans in their sanctuary and hall, as well as the installation of a new electric boiler and hot-water heater.
Before and After results Shawville United Church replacing old boiler
New systems throughout Shawville United Church
Eastminster United Church, Belleville, ON
Received a grant in support of the installation of high-efficient beam-mounted lights with dimmer control in their chapel and parlour, energy-efficient outdoor lighting, increased insulation in their attic, as well as the installation of energy-efficient fridges and freezers.
Before and After lighting results in Eastminster United Church's Chapel
Outdoor lighting at Eastminster United Church
Energy results:
Bethany United Church, Halifax, NS
A year following their projects, Bethany United reduced their GHG emission by 24.7%, electricity usage by 8.3%, natural gas usage from a fuel source by 28.9%, and energy costs by 33.5%.Prairie Spirit United Church, Winnipeg, MB
A year following their projects, Prairie Spirit United reduced their electricity usage by 3.3%.Gordon King United Church, Winnipeg, MB
A year following their projects, Gordon King United reduced their electricity usage by 7.8%.
Highlight of the Month
Metropolitan United Church in London, Ontario is ready to celebrate 200 years of ministry by renovating their sanctuary. With the support from Faithful Footprints funding, Metropolitan United plans to replace lighting fixtures and install energy-efficient dimmable LED lightbulbs.
With a strong ministerial and congregational leadership, combined with an excellent relationship with London Symphonia, the new and improved renovations will provide an upgraded rental space for the London Smphonia and other performing groups in the local area.
Faithful Footprints Maps
Explore The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grants and Energy Data online interactive maps and learn more about the properties that have participated in the Faithful Footprints program as well as the energy data of finished projects.
*Note: These maps are produced in collaboration with EDGE and are updated on a quarterly basis.
Faithful Footprints and Climate Justice
The United Church of Canada Climate Justice Newsletters, featured Faithful Footprints in February and March. Click here to read United Church of Canada’s latest Climate Justice Newsletter for the month of March highlighting Earth Day resources.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blog
Light Emitting Diodes, also known as LED lights, have been filling all the gaps within the lighting world today. From aesthetics, to energy and cost savings, read our new blog "LED Lights – A Bright Idea for Your Faith Building" written by Faithful Footprints building manager Stephen Collette and find out why your faith community building should switch to LED lighting.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Beyond the Church
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 Energy, to discuss Bissell’s experience completing a LED retrofit at their thrift store, with the support of the Faithful Footprints program.
To read the full article, click here.
Get to Know Your Building
Is your congregation looking for information and tools to help make your operations as energy and cost-efficient as possible? Utilize Faith & the Common Good’s professional knowledge through their Green Audits. Part of FCG’s faith property audit program, theses audits are designed to help faith communities learn more about their buildings, by looking at energy, air quality, food, water, waste, maintenance, rental agreements, heritage, and much more.
“A Green Audit was done, helping our church identify three areas in the Sanctuary that needed consideration.”
- Bethany United Church, Halifax, NS
With the knowledge from a green audit, Bethany United Church was able to identify major leakage and decay near their window frames, the dysfunctionality and sizing issues of the fans in their sanctuary, as well as the inefficiency of their outdated lighting.
For more information contact Faithful Footprints Building Manager, Stephen Collette at 705-652-5159 (EST) or email scollette@faithcommongood.org
Remembering Bill Phipps
As the 36th Moderator of the United Church of Canada from 1997 to 2000, and co-founder of Faith & the Common Good, Bill Phipps had a dedicated heart for serving people and the environment. He was a respected advocate in the spaces of social justice, relations with First Nations, poverty, and grass roots community organizing. He preached for the common good, inspiring many others along his path to do the same. As a memoriam of his lifelong work, Faithful Footprints is committed to continue his ministry through our program.
"My whole ministry, my whole career has been focused on social and economic justice regardless of where I was being minister, that was where my focus was." - Bill Phipps, FCG AGM 22’
“We are honoured to continue his work in our own small way.” - Elyse Brazel, FCG Network Coordinator
To learn more about the life and ministry of Bill, watch his memorial service and read his obituary.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
March 2 - April 14: Give it up for the Earth!
To mark the season of Lent, join Citizens for Public Justice and For the Love of Creation and participate in the faith-in-action climate justice campaign, Give it up for the Earth! To register, click here.
Give it up for the Earth! raises awareness about climate change and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action.
May 14: GSS Ottawa’s Energy Benchmarking Conference
Join Faith & the Common Good’s Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa Chapter in celebrating the amazing impact of the Energy Benchmarking Program. The event will showcase the program results - highlighting its 10 case studies document, networking map, and the launch of the GSS Faith Community Bond.
The conference will be in-person at the AMA Community Centre on Saturday May 14th from 2-4pm EST.
June 7: Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable - Spring 2022
The Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable, co-hosted by The United Church of Canada General Council Office staff and Faith & the Common Good (FCG), is meeting this spring to foster collaborative discussions among UCC Regional Ministers, General Council Office staff and the Faithful Footprints delivery team.
February 2022
Read our latest updates
Faithful Footprints February 2022 Newsletter
The Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter is designed to engage and provide on-going inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada. Our monthly newsletter will be released the last Wednesday of every month, and it will feature:
New national and regional grants/incentives
Program updates (photos, stories, before/after energy results)
Climate justice and advocacy initiatives
Informative monthly blogs that include stories from our grants manager and program participants highlighting carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and climate justice
Upcoming events and webinars relating to climate action
New resources and tools available
Available Grants and Incentives
For Faithful Footprints grants, 50% matching funds will be required. This means that in order to receive up to $30,000, a congregation will need to demonstrate having found an additional $15,000 in matching funds. Alongside community support, donations, and congregational endowment funds; provincial and municipal grants and rebates from government or utilities are a great way to find matching funds to support your Faithful Footprints application.
NEW* - Atlantic Region:
Learn more about your specific local and regional resources and eligible incentive programs in the Atlantic, Prairies, and Western Regions.
*Work with your regional support centre coordinator and energy auditor to determine which government incentives might be applicable to your project.
Program Updates
Every month, the Faithful Footprints program approves several applications and welcomes new United Churches’ into the program, as a number of congregations complete their projects and receive their final energy reduction results.
Projects completed as of February 22, 2022:
Winchester United Church, Winchester, ON
Palmerston United Chruch, Palmerston, ON
Trinity United Church, Bobycaygeon, ON
New to the program as of February 22, 2022:
Knox United Church, Three Hills, AB
Metropolitan United Church, London, ON
Grace United Church, Dartmouth, NS
Before and After results of Winchester United Church replacing an old entrance door that was leaking a large amount of heat from its building.
Palmerston United Church replacing windows throughout its building.
Before and After results of Palmerston United Church replacing light fixtures and installing LED lights.
Trinity Providence United Church installing new LED lights throughout its entire building.
Highlight of the Month
This Valentine’s Day, Faithful Footprints encouraged United churches to show their Love for Creation by reducing their building's energy consumption and carbon emissions.
With a very green-conscious community and experience with several renovation projects, Grace United Church, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is showing their love and is ready to embark on a major energy-efficient and decarbonization project with the help of Faithful Footprints funding.
The community and leadership at Grace United Church see updating their facilities to better reflect their values and the reality of climate change, as part of their Christian mission in the city of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Faithful Footprints Maps
Explore The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grants and Energy Data online interactive maps and learn more about the properties that have participated in the Faithful Footprints program as well as the energy data of finished projects.
*Note: These maps are produced in collaboration with EDGE and are updated on a quarterly basis.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blog
Thinking about the opportunity and role your building can play for the greater community? Read our new blog "Our Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement" written by Faithful Footprints building manager Stephen Collette.
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
March 2 - April 14: Give it up for the Earth!
To mark the season of Lent, join Citizens for Public Justice and For the Love of Creation and participate in the faith-in-action climate justice campaign, Give it up for the Earth! To register, click here.
Give it up for the Earth! raises awareness about climate change and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action.
June 7: Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable - Spring 2022
The Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable, co-hosted by The United Church of Canada General Council Office staff and Faith & the Common Good (FCG), is meeting this spring to foster collaborative discussions among UCC Regional Ministers, General Council Office staff and the Faithful Footprints delivery team.
January 2022
Welcome to UCC’s Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to UCC’s Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter
The United Church of Canada (UCC) Faithful Footprints program offers grants, tools, and inspiration to help its congregations live their climate commitments. With UCC’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, this one of a kind program offers up to $30,000 in grants towards energy efficiency and decarbonization projects (conditions apply).
The Faithful Footprints Monthly Newsletter is designed to engage and provide on-going inspiration and support for United Church communities across Canada.
Our monthly newsletter will be released the last Wednesday of every month, and will feature:
New national and regional grants/incentives
Program updates (photos, stories, before/after energy results)
Climate justice and advocacy initiatives
Informative monthly blogs that include stories from our grants manager and program participants highlighting carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and climate justice
Upcoming events and webinars relating to climate action
New resources and tools available
Please feel free to unsubscribe to the mailing list (details at the bottom of this email), if the Faithful Footprints program does not align with your role/position.
Meet Our Team
The UCC’s Faithful Footprints program would not be possible without the outstanding work of our delivery team and program advisors. The Faithful Footprints team comprises staff of United Church of Canada (UCC), delivery partner Faith & the Common Good (FCG), and three regional support centres across Canada; Ecology Action Centre, Purpose Construction, and Newo Energy.
Michelle Singh, Program Manager
Stephen Collette, Building Grants Manager
David Patterson, Benchmark Manager
Aleyxa Gates Julien, PR/Communications Coordinator
Kim Fry, Atlantic Coordinator - Ecology Action Centre
Jill Hisco, Prairies Coordinator - Purpose Construction
Cari Kilmartin, Western Coordinator - Newo Energy
Dr. Lucy Cummings, Senior Advisor
Rev. Christine Boyle, Advisor
Regional Support Centres
Faithful Footprints Regional Support Centres (RSC) offers expertise to United Church of Canada congregations and properties, providing support throughout the entire Faithful Footprints grant and greening program. Ecology Action Centre, Purpose Construction, and Newo Energy can help connect UCC properties with contractors and retrofitters, help with grant applications, and provide any additional assistance that properties might need during their efforts to reduce their faith building’s carbon and energy footprint.
Available Grants and Incentives
There are several provincial and municipal grants and incentives available to find matching funds to support Faithful Footprints applications. Learn more about your specific local and regional resources and eligible incentive programs in the Atlantic, Prairies, and Western Regions.
*Work with your regional support centre coordinator and energy auditor to determine which government incentives might be applicable to your project.
Program Updates
UCC is committed to engaging 500 United Church congregations in the Faithful Footprints program by 2025. To-date, the program has had tremendous success with a total of 242 United churches engaged across the country. To learn more, following are two program tools to explore.
1) Click here to see the UCC Faithful Footprints Grants Map
2) Click here to see the UCC Faithful Footprints Energy Data Map
*Note that these maps are updated on a quarterly basis.
Faithful Footprints and Climate Justice
Climate justice is one of the key areas of UCC advocacy efforts. The Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtables, co-hosted by The United Church of Canada General Council Office staff and Faith & the Common Good (FCG), is a bi-annual event (every fall and spring) fostering collaborative discussions among UCC Regional Ministers, General Council Office staff and the Faithful Footprints delivery team.
During our Fall 2021 Roundtable we identified that:
Communications is the #1 priority for regions.
There is a strong desire to connect, find synergies and effectively work together towards climate justice.
Regional staff portfolios vary greatly - each region has different capacity and needs. There is no one one size fits all model of property/climate justice support for regional ministries.
Collaboration with the Climate Advisory Circle to design future Roundtables will help to address these priorities.
The next Regional Ministers Climate Justice Roundtable is scheduled for June 7, 2022.
For the Love of Creation
United Church of Canada congregations across the country are active members of the For the Love of Creation network, putting their faith into action for climate justice. For the Love of Creation is a coalition of Canadian churches and faith-based organizations working together under a unified banner to educate, reflect, act, and advocate for climate justice. To encourage dialogue on climate change, For the Love of Creation developed Faithful Climate Conversations, a series of guides to facilitate small group conversations on climate change.
Faithful Footprint’s Monthly Blog
Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs come out the 2nd Tuesday of every month and provide knowledge and inspiration to UCC congregations through short and insightful stories from our grants manager and program participants highlighting carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and climate justice.
January Blog
Want to know how working together as a team can lead to incredible energy savings and conservation within your church buildings? Read our January Blog “A Great Team Making Great Decisions - Ralph Connor Memorial United Church” written by Faithful Footprints building manager Stephen Collette.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
FCG Taking Action on Climate Change - An interfaith Conversation
(February 2, 2022)
Join a conversation with FCG on taking action on climate change at their World Interfaith Harmony Week Virtual Event “Taking Action on Climate Change - An Interfaith Conversation”. Hear from several faith leaders and get inspired by faith-based climate action.
UN World Interfaith Harmony Week
(February 1- 7 2022)
Register among the thousands of events organized in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week. UCC congregations can connect with faith groups and other groups of goodwill - bringing awareness of each other, strengthening the movement of ‘Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour’, and building ties and avoiding duplicating each other's efforts. Click here to register for events.
FCG’s Network Study group
(February 1 - July 15 2022)
Join members of the Faithful Footprints delivery team at Faith & Common Good and enroll in the University of Alberta’s free online course ‘Indigenous Canada’. Learn in community, and attend FCG’s Network Study group, for bi-weekly supportive and open discussion. For study group registration, contact Network Coordinator, Elyse at network@faithcommongood.org