Climate Courage
Change – Mitigation – Hope
How we are responding to the 4 Elements of the UCC Climate Program:
Putting our house in order
The Council at MGUC has made a standing commitment to sustained climate courage and care for creation by working to create climate friendly worship space. Our decisions around the building regularly involved discussion about the environmental impacts of our choices. Recently we have installed film on the large windows to decrease UV rays and reduce pressure on our HVAC system, installed rain barrels, planted trees, replaced our roof and switched to energy efficient LED lighting.
Connecting with the Earth
MGUC has a community garden project in partnership with St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church and Clearview Christian Reformed Church. Planted and harvested by volunteers, crops are rotated and proceeds from the garden are donated to local food banks.
We have two pollinator gardens and are looking to create a third “mini meadow” on the large grass island at the front of our church building. These gardens are filled with native wildflowers and provide a safe and nurturing environment for butterflies and other pollinators. We are partnering with the eco club at Oakville Trafalgar High School for youth to get gardening experience, a new learning opportunity and volunteer hours helping with the planting and care of the gardens.
Raising our Spirited Voices
MGUC supports the activism of our members and participants. Recently we have encouraged Mayor Burton and town council to sign the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to create more spaces to nourish our pollinators. We encourage you to add your voice to ours!
We have also been active in demonstrations against the development of the Greenbelt and other environmental concerns. The next demonstration will be ….
Responding to Climate Impact
MGUC is an active and proud participant in Oakville Ready working to create resiliency hubs, expand community capacity, and strengthen residents’ understanding around how we can work together to support each other during extreme weather events.
Forest bathing – for Earth Week this year we will be engaging in a Forest Bathing walk. This is an opportunity for participants to disconnect with technology, listen to the trees and reduce stress in creation.
Join us for Forest Bathing with Ruth Silver – April 21th 1:00pm – 4:00pm @ Iroquois Shoreline Woods Park
Spring Clean-up 2024 – Sat, April 20th, 9 – 11am, Meet at Maple Grove Arena (at back)
Our area will be the Joshua Valley Creek trails from Constance Dr. to Lakeshore Rd. We supply gloves, garbage bags & garbage removal. All are Welcome! Coffee and donuts will be available as well.
For other cleanup sites, check here: www.oakvillepeacecentre.org
This event is being organized by: Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology & Human Rights. JCRA is sponsoring & participating in the town-wide clean up.