Green Sanctuary Congregation
In Feb. 2022, ERUUF received the UUA's Green Sanctuary accreditation to bring our congregation into increased environmental awareness and harmony with our planet. The program, approved by the Board in 2017, provides a pathway for our congregation to examine our current environmental impacts and move towards more sustainable, just, and equitable practices grounded in Unitarian Universalism that make us good stewards of the planet. Learn more - UUA Green Sanctuary
ERUUF Awarded Green Sanctuary Accreditation!
As highlighted last week, members of our Earth Justice Action Group and Green Sanctuary Team are excited to announce that our congregation was awarded UUA Green Sanctuary Accreditation on February 16, 2022! Countless members of the congregation completed 12 UUA-approved projects in four areas of congregational life between October 2018-December 2022! We also agreed to provide more information to those who would like to know more about our collective achievement.
Calling All Vegetable Gardeners
You're invited to share your abundance!
Collection dates and times: Saturday, 8/21/21, 10-2 pm, and Sunday, 8/22/21, 10-1 pm.
In support of our Green Sanctuary Initiative, ERUUFian veggie gardeners are invited to share their produce with people accessing food support from Urban Ministries. Congregational contributions will complement offerings grown and provided by our RE Youth this summer in their stewardship of our community garden (aka, Community Edible Landscape Program or CELP).
Produce grown with sustainable and/or regenerative practices (e.g., pesticide-free) are highly preferred. Collection boxes will be available outside the CARE Bldg. entrances. Please rinse your offerings. Questions? Contact Denise Frizzell.
A heartfelt thanks to RE Director, Julia Tyler, RE youth, parents, and volunteers, and Bo Glenn, the longtime leader of our Homeless Action Group for their support and contributions to this Green Sanctuary-related action.
Summer Religious Education in The Garden!
As part of our Green Sanctuary Accreditation, Religious Education participants and volunteers are caring for the ERUUF community garden beds this summer.
Earth and Climate Justice Month 2021
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” ― Howard Zinn
It may be hard to believe but April is right around the calendar corner, and while we are still living within COVID-19 restrictions, a post-pandemic future is on the horizon! Thus, we carry on in hope, faith, and love for the promise of Beloved Community to include honoring Earth and Climate Justice Month with a variety of virtual events and activities. We invite all members and friends to participate in as many of them as possible!
Solar On at ERUUF!
The era of solar energy at ERUUF begins in August. The installation is now complete and the panels are operational. The 47 kwh system is designed so that any power generated beyond our current usage in the Care Building and the Sanctuary will create credits off our total electric bill. In addition, we expect to receive over $35,000 in solar rebates from Duke Energy for the initial installation. The system is expected to cover almost 40% of typical usage on campus.
Solar Update: June 25, 2020
Announcing Earth & Climate Justice Month 2020
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” ― Howard Zinn
Did you know that April is Earth and Climate Justice Month at ERUUF? Earth & Climate Justice Month is a project of our Green Sanctuary Accreditation, and ERUUF is honoring it this year with a variety of events and activities! We invite all members and friends to participate in as many of them as possible!
Solar at ERUUF
ERUUF is going solar, with plans to install solar panels on the Care Building, allowing us to generate a significant portion of our electrical power.
The solar project is one of twelve projects in the Green Sanctuary Action Plan that will enable the Fellowship to significantly move toward sustainability. You can be a part of this positive story. Please consider contributing to the Solar Campaign!
We are moving quickly to take advantage of Duke Energy rebates, so we ask you to make a gift or pledge that will be paid by the end of February 2020.
You can contribute online to the Solar Campaign fund, or mail or deliver a check to ERUUF. Give Now
Background on Solar Process
In 2017-18, ERUUF’s Earth Justice Team involved the whole congregation in community engagement sessions, questions on the Pulse Survey, and one-on-one conversations. They used the information to apply for Green Sanctuary (GS) Candidacy from the UUA. A GS Action Plan was developed in this process, and includes twelve projects that will enable the fellowship to significantly move toward sustainability. The largest and most involved project involves adding solar panels to our campus, and a commitment to generate at least 20% of our energy from renewable sources by 2021. The Solar Project could help us achieve this goal in significant ways.
