Ministry For Earth

We’re trying to pour all of our effort and time and support, everything we have, into this bucket to fix poverty, racism, gender equity, and more. But climate change is the hole in the bottom of the bucket … We have to patch the hole. Climate scientist, Katherine Hayhoe

Our Mission 

To inspire, support and promote our active commitment to stewardship of our planet as expressed in our 7th Principle (Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part) as individuals, as a congregation, and as a part of our community.

Congregational members at UUCville are involved in Environmental issues as individuals, as a congregation and in association with other community groups, both on a local and national level to make our voices stronger. 

The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth
Whatever befalls the Earth
befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth.
We did not weave the web of life,
we are merely strands in it.
Whatever we do to that web, we do to ourselves.

Getting Involved in Ministry for Earth

What does getting involved look like? It can be as simple as attending a Love in Action event, or as involved as leading a workshop or an advocacy initiative. What’s your vision? 

Contact us: Environment@uucharlottesville.org

Here’s What We’re Doing:

Churchwide Actions

Write a Monthly newsletter to share environmental news and tips

Host Sustainable pot lucks

Co-lead Earth Day Service

Advocate for environmentally supportive policy regarding our building and our grounds

Organize tour of Panorama, local natural cemetery

Offer resources to enhance sustainability (green bank and credit card options, vegetarian cookbook, green consumer options)

Coordinate a Social Action Fair with local environmental groups

Compost every Sunday and after every social hall event

Cville Community Actions

Participate in environmental work days with various local organizations

Collaborate with Cville 100 on climate actions

Host UVA Morven Kitchen Gardens Farmers Market on a regular basis

Explore being a CSA distribution site for UVA Moven Kitchen Gardens

National/Global Actions

Organize postcard writing campaigns that support environmentally friendly policies

Purchase Carbon Offsets to help greenhouse gas emissions reduction 

RESOURCES

History of the Environmental Movement at UUCville

This is by no means the only time that UUCville has tackled environmental issues. In 2012, after years of hard work to improve our building and our practices, we were recognized as a Green Sanctuary by the UUA. Also in 2012, the Board decided, in special resonance with our Seventh Principle and guided by our Green Sanctuary work, to invest roughly $40,000 in our building’s sustainability by installing solar panels. In addition to reducing the amount of fossil fuels needed to light, heat, and cool our building, we saved money over the past 11 years on energy costs.

And finally, we honor the work of all of those who are making our grounds so beautiful and follow the best environmental principles while they do so.