Green Red Church

Cities across the United States have begun to recognize the need for environmental policies to address people's growing concerns over climate change, the effects of pollution on air quality, and fresh water usage. Milwaukee is no different. Growing demand for power in the Milwaukee area has prompted the construction of a second coal fired power plant in Oak Creek, WI. The process used to gather electricity from coal has contributed heavily to the buildup of Greenhouse Gasses primarily responsible for Global Warming. Milwaukee also faces a unique challenge in the establishment of more protective polices concerning Lake Michigan. Milwaukee's sewage system, originally designed to handle both storm water and sewage, is often overwhelmed by storm water runoff, which leads to the dumping of sewage directly into Lake Michigan. In recognition of the fact that we are all called to be stewards of God's creation, the members of Calvary Presbyterian Church have adopted a mission project to reduce our impact on the environment. The project, Green Earth's Red Church, encompasses two overall goals to be implemented in three phases. First, the members of Calvary are working to reduce the impact of storm water runoff from the church building on the overburdened Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage system. And secondly, the members are working to reduce or eliminate their dependence on environmentally damaging power sources by increasing their use of regenerative green energy sources.

In each phase of the project, the members of Calvary are attempting to address the problems mentioned above in as practical and cost effective manner as possible. A variety of the solutions seem too simple to be true. For example, part of the first phase of the project, which is nearing completion, involved the planting of new gardens on the north and west sides of the church building. The plants absorb and use rainwater, keeping it from entering the City sewage system. Four rainwater barrels will also be installed. The barrels will be attached to downspouts and will collect rainwater running off the pitched roof of the sanctuary. The water collected will be used to water the plants. The final step of the first phase involved the installation of CFL lighting throughout the building. CFL light bulbs last longer than conventional bulbs while using less energy.

Calvary is currently working to raise funds for the second and third phases of the project. The second phase of the project involves the installation of a green roof. Storm water running from the pitched sanctuary roof would provide water for large trays planted with indigenous grasses and plants on the flat classroom addition of the church. The plants will filter and use the majority of the rainwater before passing the remainder to the rainwater collection barrels. The setting will provide a unique area for worship, as well as additional insulation for the building beneath it. The third and final phase of the project will reduce or eliminate Calvary's dependence on conventional coal fired power sources. Wind turbines installed in the steeples of the building will generate electricity for lighting. Solar panels installed on the roof will provide both heat and ambient lighting for the sanctuary. The panels will collect heat energy for storage. The heat collected will then be released into the building to reduce Calvary's dependence on steam, a byproduct of coal-fired power, for heating.

Anyone can plant a garden, install a rain barrel, or change a light bulb. One of the purposes of this mission project is to raise awareness concerning our environment and the many ways in which we use it. We are all God's people, and each of us has been called to care for His creation. Join Calvary in this mission and help make a difference.

For facts and figures concerning Global Warming, visit climatecrisis.net.