Notes, links and flyers from Aug 21st Creation Care Ministry meeting

[Susan Meier [she/her]]

Dear Creation Care Supporters,

 

Choose ACTION!

 

 

Meeting summary Quick recap The meeting began with a prayer of confession from the 2025 Season of Creation materials focused on environmental sustainability, followed by updates on various church projects including solar panel installations, pollinator gardens, and rain garden replanting efforts. The group discussed the departure of Bonnie after 11 years of service and announced several upcoming events including information sessions on Trees for Sacred Places and meadows/pollinators. The conversation ended with the launch of a new "Sacred Haste" campaign promoting solar and clean energy initiatives across Maryland, Delaware, and DC, with a goal of engaging 40 congregations in the coming months. Next steps Charlie to compile appreciation notes for Bonnie from the group. Ethan to connect Sis Mydea with Maddie to arrange a solar assessment for her church. Susan to include the link to the Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) bulletin inserts and newsletter content about solar initiatives that highlight both environmental and financial benefits, with these notes. Charlie/Susan to share the solar initiative information with the Synod Newsletter folks. Susan to include the Sep 9th native planting event flyer in the meeting notes. Susan to include Season of Creation resources in the meeting notes. Susan to notify the group about the September meeting date change to the 25th. New Hope Creation Care team to remove daffodil bulbs and begin planting native pollinator gardens. Specifics Faith, Cockeysville - Solar Update - Susan Meier Susan reported they are very close to signing the agreement with Flywheel Development, LLC. New Hope, Columbia - Solar and Native Plants Update - Charlie Bailey Charlie shared updates about his church's solar panel arrangement with Neighborhood Sun, noting that after a summer pause, Maddie had sent a revised proposal that better understood their current electricity situation and offered a discount. Charlie also discussed a new pollinator garden project at New Hope Church, where they plan to replace daffodils with native plants along a stretch of sidewalk. Peoples' Community - Baltimore - Replanting some Native Plants Mydea shared that Blue Water Baltimore is helping to replant their rain garden, which is progressing well. She also asked for assistance in connecting with Maddie Smith of IPL. Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC) - John Collins John announced upcoming events, including an information session on the Trees for Sacred Places program on August 26th and a learning lab titled, "Rewilding Your Yard" on September 4th. Details about all these events can be found here. John also mentioned that grant applications to the Chesapeake Bay Trust have been submitted.  Bonnie's Farewell and New Role - John Collins John announced Bonnie's departure from IPC after 11 years, where she will become the executive director of Serenity Ridge natural burial cemetery and arboretum in Baltimore County. Her last day at IPC will be September 5th, and the organization plans to host a farewell party for her. The group discussed sending a collective note of appreciation to Bonnie, and John confirmed that while IPC deals with the loss of their beloved and longest-serving employee, their operations would continue. Green Burial Practices Discussion - Charlie Bailey The group discussed green burial practices, including the use of biodegradable caskets and the absence of embalming chemicals, as well as the environmental impact of traditional burials and cremations. Charlie mentioned a recent article about aqua cremation, a new option in Maryland, and suggested that we'd be thrilled to hear from Bonnie at a future meeting about green burial practices. "Sacred Haste" Solar Campaign Launch - Ethan Lucas Ethan presented a new campaign called "Sacred Haste" aimed at promoting solar and clean energy initiatives for congregations in Maryland, Delaware, and DC. We watched Joelle's new video introducing the campaign, emphasizing its urgency as federal tax credits for clean energy are set to expire soon. She urged viewers to act quickly. The following website contains many resources, bulletin inserts, and a form for congregations to download and participate. Ethan explained that while congregations have 2 years for solar panel installation, signing a contract now with a 5% deposit would provide safe harbor protection and eligibility for a 30% credit, with an additional Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) grant of at least 10% available on a first-come-first-serve basis starting in September. Ethan highlighted that the Maryland grant can be stacked onto any other grant for additional savings. IPL has set a goal of 40 congregations in the coming months, and requested spreading the word through bulletin inserts by the first weekend in September. Synod Green Energy Initiative Promotion Plan - Charlie and Susan The group agreed that we should promote IPL's initiative through the Synod Newsletter, with IPL's bulletin inserts which highlight the financial savings and environmental benefits, as the basis. Church Creation Care Projects Update Charlie reported that there is still some funding in the Synod's Creation Care budget. Summary - We need to re-up our emphases on planting native plants and installing solar panels - God Bless all your efforts! - Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC) "Rewilding" Learning Lab (Sep 4th) sign-up    - Native planting event in Roland Park on September 9th (attached flyer) and Sign Up here  - Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) "Sacred Haste" Campaign. details at this website                - ThirdAct's Day of Action: Sun-Day, September 21st - see Third Act website