Let There Be (Solar) Light!
St. Luke's Creation Care Mission: A Testament to Faith in Action
The Diocese of Wisconsin rejoices in the strides made by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bay View to bring the Creation Care mission to life in remarkable ways. Their latest milestone—embracing solar energy as a sustainable power source—is a bright example of faithful stewardship over God’s gifts.
Solar Panels Powering a Brighter Future
On January 9th, St. Luke’s solar panels successfully produced power for the first time during a test run conducted by Full Spectrum Solar. This pivotal step marks the culmination of months of preparation and current collaboration. Final touches, such as critter guards to amp up protection for the wiring, are underway, and inspections by city officials and WE Energies will soon follow. In just a few short weeks, the congregation expects to fully transition to solar power as their primary source of light.
This exciting project began with careful discernment and overwhelming congregational support in June 2024. Parishioners generously contributed donations, and an $8,000 grant from Faith in Place, funded by Jeffrey Jens and Ann Boisclair, reduced the remaining costs to under $5,000. Work commenced on December 9th, 2024, and the results already shine with promise.
Living Out the Creation Care Mission
St. Luke’s solar initiative is one piece of a broader commitment to sustainability inspired by the Diocese’s Commission on Creation Care, formed during the 2021 Diocesan Convention. Guided by the belief that “Earth and all life are God’s great gift,” the commission encourages parishes to adopt practices that restore and honor this divine gift without injustice to the vulnerable.
At St. Luke’s, this mission takes tangible form through:
Solar Energy: Installing panels to reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy.
Energy Efficiency: Transitioning to LED lighting and replacing windows to minimize energy waste.
Recycling and Composting: Cultivating sustainability through conscious waste reduction and enriching their Giving Garden.
Beyond their environmental efforts, St. Luke’s embodies the Creation Care mission by fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Their Giving Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Little Free Library—all volunteer-led initiatives—illustrate their commitment to serving both neighbors and the natural world. The simple but powerful hashtag #LoveGrowsHere captures the seed of hope this congregation plants daily.
Celebrate and Learn More
We invite all congregations in the Diocese to celebrate alongside St. Luke’s and draw inspiration from their journey. Visit their Community Engagement page to explore these projects further and witness how God’s call to care for creation transforms lives and communities.
Together, let us honor this faithful witness and commit to walking more gently on God’s earth, always striving to live as stewards of the interconnected web of life.
