Across the country, United Churches are doing their part to address the climate crisis by getting their own house in order by working to reduce their own carbon emissions. Through a partnership with Faith & the Common Good, the United Church of Canada is offering grants and support for churches to measure their energy use and reduce their climate pollution, in ways that save money and strengthen congregational renewal.

Our 2017 Annual Report captures the diverse ways in which the network lived out the Green Rule and made good use of our many programs last year. We looked at regenerating places of worship to better serve our communities, and exploring how, as faith communities, we can be resilience hubs in readying ourselves for extreme weather events before disaster strikes. Our network members grew communities by planting and tending gardens in cities and towns and participating in the Faith Commuter Challenge to get to worship without cars. Many of us accompanied Indigenous groups as allies, in protecting the life-giving waters of the land’s Great Lakes. Together, we came closer to the goal of a healthy, sustainable future for the common good of all people.

Iris, Vivian, and June enjoy the social aspect of carpooling, the most popular mode of transportation to church.

submitted by Maureen Peniuk, Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, Winnipeg

We improved our Faith Commuter Challenge participation rate to 80%! Last year it was 70%. What a fun way to celebrate the sustainable ways that we commute to church and “Live with Respect in Creation”. Carpooling (51%) is our preferred “green’ form of transportation to church. Walking (18%) is the second most popular mode, with transit (8%) and cycling (3%) much less common. The remaining 20% drive alone.