Energy from above - solar panels on a church?

Jasper

Our congregation is meeting over a bag lunch today to decide whether or not to pursue the possibility of covering the south-facing roof with solar panels. Obviously, the work and expense that that would take, the possible compromise to the roof, the appearance of the structure as it is mean that there needs to be a compelling reason to proceed with such a project beyond saving money. It would take years of reduced power bills to recoup the cost of such a project.

The compelling reason for considering the solar-panel proposal must link to our overall convictions regarding our calling as a congregation. Whether or not that calling includes earth care will certainly weigh in on the discussion. It’s possible that some of us will see environmental concerns to be overblown, their urgency exaggerated in comparison to, say, economic challenges. Some will probably express the view that climate change is potentially so great a threat to human, animal and plant life that to do nothing to alleviate EMC’s carbon footprint would constitute reckless unconcern for the welfare of the vulnerable. Some may even find passages in their Bibles that seem to reinforce one or the other viewpoint.

I’m encouraged by the fact that we’re even discussing the possibility. Although Christian congregations see themselves as integral to a “church universal,” to a conference or diocese of like-minded Christians—with some reservations—local Mennonite churches tend to function as independent fellowships. They respond to local conditions, are influenced by the conversations that surround them, are limited or not by economic considerations unique to their current memberships. In our case, it’s not a directive from a conference that determines whether or not we do the solar panel thing; it will be decided by us, paid for by us, maintained by us.

Saskatchewan is largely dependent on fossil fuels for generating electrical energy; our solar panels would reduce that dependency by a tiny, tiny amount. “All this effort to make so negligible a difference” must obviously cross people’s minds as it does in the Canadian population generally. The fact that we’re considering it speaks volumes about the obvious though: many, many entities doing their little bit makes for a “big bit” and, possibly, our faith compels us to risk doing at least our tiny bit.

We used to sing from gospel hymnbooks emphasizing the transitory nature of our lives on earth. “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” If life on earth is nothing more than a burden to be borne while awaiting life in heaven, Jesus probably wouldn’t have done so much physical healing, wouldn’t have told the parable of the good Samaritan, would probably not have insisted that we feed the hungry, etc. There is only one place and time for us to make a difference, and that’s in the short span of our lives on earth. And making a difference is at the core of Christian religion, isn’t it? And the beneficiaries of the difference we make are our neighbours, aren’t they?

As you may have guessed, I’m in favour of the solar panels, and of planting more trees on church property, and of using compostable or reusable utensils at pot lucks, and of cremation instead of burial, and of turning our surplus land into gardens and orchards, and in organic agriculture. I hope I’m also prepared to sacrifice what’s needed to help all of us transition to a greener economy in a just and merciful way.