A Word from Pastor Nathan

At the 2017 General Assembly of the Christian Church, we adopted a resolution concerning carbon neutrality, in which the denomination committed to reducing our pollution with the goal to become carbon neutral by the year 2030 and climate positive by 2035. Furthermore, our denomination has a movement called Green Chalice, which has as its covenant:

• Worship God with all creation and pray for the healing of the earth.
• Study the climate crisis and engage others in climate solutions.
• Repent and forgive for the harm we have inflicted on the earth that sustains life.
• Advocate for ecojustice public policies and witness by living sustainable lifestyles.
• Rest in God’s good creation and invite others to delight in nature.

WACC’s Justice League (Megan Doan, Debbie Walker, and I) have signed this covenant, and we encourage you to do the same by visiting https://www.greenchalice.org. Climate data can make us feel powerless to effect any change, but take courage, change is possible. Indeed, it’s already happening right here!

Last week, the Property Committee investigated electricity options through Ohio’s Energy Choice website, https://energychoice.ohio.gov. After evaluating past bills, rates, and suppliers, our new agreement ensures that 100% of the electricity needed to operate WACC will be generated from renewable resources. This is a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint. You can use this website to find renewable electric resources for your home, too!

We’ve recently installed LED bulbs in the chancel and for the outdoor sign, and use a standard programmable thermostat model for all seven of WACC’s HVAC units. We may be a small church, but we’re making a big difference in care for the environment.

As a result of the above, we’re now recognized as a Green Chalice Congregation! There’s energy here—pun intended—for making lasting change as we lean into a goal Disciples set forth for the whole Church. Disciple leaders also have a model for us to become a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregation (possibly the first in Ohio). More important, though, than being first is living into the care of God’s exceedingly beautiful creation.

As always, I am eager to share this gospel-good work with you.