An Earth-Wise Congregation
At Brea Congregational UCC Church, we’re committed to green practices and sustainable stewardship of God’s creation. Cultivating and caring for the land is central to God’s first job description for humans (Genesis 2:15). Just as ancient stewards managed the household resources of their master, we must wisely manage the abundant resources of God’s Earth. Caring for Creation is a core value of the Christian tradition. The many interconnected systems of the natural world allow life on Earth to flourish. The health of humanity hinges on the health of the Earth. Ecosystems are becoming less and less able to provide the things all creatures require to survive: clean water clean air, food sources that are resistant to disease, and stable conditions for growing food and building homes. The members of Brea Congregational UCC Church have committed themselves to discovering new ways to incorporate Creation Care into our homes churches, and communities.
Everyday Stewardship
- Use CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs) to reduce energy use
- Bike or use public transportation to go to work once a week, and to travel to church once a month
- Use water-saving devices in sinks, showers and toilets
- Use reusable shopping bags
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Write, call or visit your elected officials to ask them to strengthen environmental laws.
- Write, call or visit your church leaders to ask them to strengthen environmental standards for the church
Our Showplace Garden is Taking Root!
We’re in the process of transforming the northwest church grounds (at the corner of Imperial Highway and Flower Avenue) into a garden of California Natives and other drought-tolerant plants.
In late January, we began our garden by eliminating the extensive grass in this area, then laying the groundwork for plantings, pathways and other features. To assist with financing the project, trees, plants, and other garden features were offered as sponsorship opportunities, thus allowing members to establish a living legacy for their family, or a tangible remembrance of someone they loved. California oaks, manzanitas, Western redbuds and other shrubs and flowers have now been planted, and will soon invite visitors into a beautiful space we can all share with birds and butterflies. And in exchange for transforming this once grassy area into a drought-tolerant garden, BCUCC expects to curb our water use by as much as 40,000 gallons a year!
We look forward to sharing additional information as our project reaches full bloom.
We look forward to sharing additional information as our project reaches full bloom. To learn more about our garden, please contact Ann Marshall through the church office at (714) 529-3014 or email Dennis Arp.
Inner Coastal Clean-Up Protects Waterways
This year's inner-coastal watershed clean-up day, September 17, 2011, was a huge success in Brea. Each year the City of Brea, and the BCUCC community, join the statewide California Coastal Cleanup day campaign. Volunteers help clear local flood control channels which protects the environment. Miles of streams and beaches are cleared out each year eliminating tons of trash that would pollute the watershed if we did not all help. Thank you to everyone who participated in this worthwhile cause.
Thinking “Green” at BCUCC
- Don’t forget to bring your own mug for coffee hour as part of the “Greening of BCUCC.”
- Presented by Solar Living, the Green Career Conference 2009 will be held Sunday, June 7 at UCLA.
The Green Bible
Check out our pew Bible, The Green Bible.
