Congregations throughout the Conference demonstrated their commitment to care for God’s Creation through a variety of Earth Day actions and celebrations last weekend (April 22-24).These events included a Saturday action opposing the operation of the new Fore River Compression Station in North Weymouth, Massachusetts. Organizers say the 7,700-horsepower fracked-gas compressor station, threatens the health, safety, environment, and economy of the South Shore. It was constructed by Enbridge, a Canadian energy company. 

Many congregations also hosted special Earth Sunday worship services. Among them were four congregations that were recognized for reaching new levels in the “Green Congregations Challenge” issued by the SNEC’s Environmental Ministries Task Team. Read more below.

And if you missed out on celebrating Earth Day – or want to keep your energy and commitment going – join the Interfaith Summit – Together in Climate Chaos, Interfaith Solidarity for Climate Resilient Communities on Sunday, May 1, 4-6 PM. Attend in person at the North American Indian Center of Boston or online. Here’s a recap of some Earth Day events around the Conference: 

Great Tide Rising – Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) 
Members of six UCC congregations – East Weymouth Congregational, Old South Church, Church of the Covenant, Eliot Church in Newton, First Congregational Shrewsbury, and First Church Cambridge – joined in a rally held at the Weymouth Compressor Station on April 23. The compressor station is a threat to the health of the local community – including over 3,000 children living within one mile of the site – and a threat to a transition away from fossil fuels. Learn more about the compressor station and get involved with the coalition opposing it here: https://www.nocompressor.com/  
Photo: Rev. Gretchen Elmendorf, Pastor of East Weymouth Congregational Church, spoke about the harm to her community that the compressor station causes. 

Celebrating new Green Congregations!

On Earth Sunday, four congregations were recognized for their efforts toward the Green Congregation Challenge, with two churches being recognized for the first time and two achieving the highest level, Level 4 (the first congregations to reach this status)! Join us in celebrating: 

Kensington Congregational Church (CT) – Level 1.
Among the work completed, members of Kensington Congregational Church created a pollinator garden on church grounds, where the emphasis on native plants creates an environment where pollinators can thrive and the KCC community can experience God’s creation on a daily basis.  

United Church of Bernardston (MA) – Level 1.
Their work focused on building upgrades to reduce their carbon footprint: power strips, reducing the settings on the water heater, faucet aerators, LED lights, replacing fluorescent lights and ballasts, cleaning filters, ducts and refrigerator coils. They are beginning an energy audit, adding “green tips” to their publications, using mugs instead of disposables, working with neighboring businesses on recycling best practices, launching a composting program, beginning a discussion series, and exploring the UCC Creation Justice program.   

South Church, Andover (MA) – Level 4.
South Church Andover is leading the way to promote “net zero” energy usage derived from fossil fuels. Among their efforts to promote renewable energy usage, they have installed electric vehicle charging stations at the church. 

Old South Church in Boston – Level 4.
Old South’s environmental actions have included supporting protests of the Weymouth Compressor Station and encouraging members to vote their creation justice values in each and every election through the Creation Care Voter Pledge.  
Congratulations to our newest Green Congregations!