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.

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.

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.