 Dear Kim, When we care for the Earth, we breathe new life into the world for the benefit of all living beings. Has your congregation taken steps to be a good steward of the Earth? Apply for the Cool Congregations Challenge for the chance to win $1,000. There are five entry categories: - Energy Saver: Lighting, Insulation, Windows & Doors, Heating & Cooling Systems
- Renewable Role Model: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Solar Water Heating
- Sacred Grounds: Native landscaping, Organic Gardening, Water Conservation, Bike Racks, Wildlife Habitats, Recycling & Composting
- Community Inspiration: Inspiring Congregants to Reduce at Home, Helping Communities Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy, Helping Communities Prepare for the Impacts of Climate Change
- Cool Congregations Planner: Audits, Planning Reports, Fundraising
- NEW! Electric Vehicle Leader: EVs, Charging Stations, Education, Advocacy, Outreach
Projects can take place inside the worship space or other buildings, on the grounds, in congregants’ homes, or in the community. If your congregation has already taken steps to care for Creation apply for IPL’s Cool Congregations Challenge for the chance to win $1000. IPL recognizes the difficulties caused by COVID -- so once again IPL is expanding the guidelines for the Challenge to make it possible for you to enter for a chance to win $1000. Consider applying for the Cool Planner category if your congregation has made plans that you had hoped to complete this year but were not able to because of COVID. AND for those of you who completed your projects previously… IPL is expanding the window of eligibility to include projects completed in 2019, 2020, and 2021. If you applied before and have not won the Challenge previously, you are eligible to apply again for your projects completed in those three years. The deadline is Dec 15 – enter the Challenge and download your entry guide today. It includes all of the details, as well as a flyer to get your green team excited about entering, inspirational stories of past winners, and links to the entry form. In gratitude for all you do to breathe new life into our world, Sarah Paulos  |
