July 01, 2023
Congratulations to Grace Pugh Hubbard on being hired as our new part-time Climate Coordinator. Grace will be working 29 hours a week starting July 1. Grace looks forward to working with everyone on helping us fight climate change with life-style changes and good state level advocacy. We are the only Conference to currently have a staff person dedicated to climate work. Grace was introduced at Annual Conference; watch the recording here
Please think about applying to become a United Methodist EarthKeeper. We currently have nine EarthKeepers in our Conference. We would love to have more and have some in every state we serve.
EarthKeeper training will be held in Hartford, CT. The training will begin at 5 pm, Oct. 5 and conclude 1 pm Oct. 8 (local time). Participants must commit to participating in all components of the training. To learn about the training and to apply go to: https://umcmission.org/earthkeepers/
With new point-of-sale rebates for non-profits, financing solar for congregations has changed. Interfaith Power and Light did a webinar just recently on the new situation in June (watch a recording).
Also remember to check in with your local Vermont Interfaith Power and light groups if you are in Vermont, New Hampshire or Massachusetts. These groups know other churches that have gone solar and can advise you on grants, best companies etc. Even if you are in Maine, Rhode Island or Connecticut you can still check in with the Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light group for advice. They may know a good solar company near your state’s border. Find links to each state’s info on our Creation Care page: www.neumc.org/creationcare
This year the NEAC Board of Church and Society recognized two laity with the Bryant Award, Jan Demers (CAP organizations) and David Troughton (JFON). Demers was recognized for her work with the Vermont Community Action Programs (CAP). While she was executive director of Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) she oversaw the excellent free low and moderate income weatherization program for four Vermont Counties. Every state has Community Action Agencies organizations — find the one that covers your area, as they do weatherization and help them promote this in your community. Watch the Bryant award presentations
Please remember that taking the United Methodist Offering for Peace and Justice funds helps our Conference work on justice issues like fighting climate change. Fifty percent of the funds we raise each year stay in our Annual Conference. NEAC Board of Church & Society is offering Peace with Justice grants to all churches of $500-$2,500. For more information and the application, go to the Board of Church & Society page on our website: www.neumc.org/CBCS