Faith

Many groups working to tackle climate change in Davis are inspired by their spiritual traditions.

In Davis, various faith organizations have pioneered work on sustainability and care of God’s creation. Below are details of the activities of different faith groups who are currently partners in Cool Davis. In mid August 2011, Cool Davis organized a sustainable living workshop on the theme “How much is enough” which was co-sponsored by a number of churches. If you would like more details on how to link your faith group up with Cool Davis or would like to list your faith group’s activities, please email jemoores AT aol.com. Cool Davis welcomes the involvement of people of all faiths and none.

Davis Community Church: Stewards of God’s Creation Group 

Diane Colborn says that the Stewards of God’s Creation Group, “in response to God’s love for us and for all creation, seek to live out our calling, both as a community and as individuals, to restore creation and to live in balance and harmony with the earth and all living creatures.”

The group has spear-headed efforts at the DCC to complete an environmental and energy audit of their church facilities, and have taken steps to implement the results of the audit, such as, using green building materials for renovations, building a 3-bin compost bin, and planting a community organic garden on church property. Other efforts include co-sponsoring the formation of a Davis chapter of the Voluntary Gas Tax Initiative and giving a number of educational classes on environmental stewardship and conservation including Low Carbon Diet classes.

Davis United Methodist Church: Church & Society Committee

If we approach the climate crisis from a place of deep reverence for the diversity of life on this earth, we understand why so many faith groups are realizing that they must join the groundswell movement now gathering to take action.

The Church & Society Committee actively pursues social justice and environmental sustainability for the “transformation of the world.” Jim Cramer, past chair, reports, “The C & S Committee members are proud that their committee and church have helped found numerous Davis community organizations such as Suicide Prevention, Davis Community Meals, Interfaith Rotating Winter Shelter, and Grace House.  In addition, the committee has initiated and implemented various energy conservation measures at the church, created Grace Garden to grow food for low-income populations, and led 6 Low Carbon Diet groups.”

Currently, church members are investigating the installation of solar panels to supply nearly all of the electricity for the church buildings. Finances are a challenge, and they would like to see the city of Davis and state of California pass bonds to help finance solar energy for nonprofits that cannot benefit from tax incentives.  The church co-hosted with Cool Davis Initiative a sustainability living workshop, How Much is Enough!, in mid August 2011 led by authors William Powers and Spring Warren.

Green Sanctuary, Unitarian Church of Davis

The Unitarian Church in Davis has put its faith into practice on sustainability for many years – and is an active member of the Cool Davis initiative. In 2007, the church became a Green Sanctuary, a program sponsored by the national Unitarian Universalist Association, which required the church to form an on-going oversight committee, do an extensive audit of the church’s buildings, grounds, and practices, and develop twelve projects including the subject areas of worship, religious education, sustainability and eco-justice. In spring of 2007, the City of Davis recognized the pioneering environmental work of our church with an Environmental Award to the church. > Read more

Unity Center of Davis

Members of the Unity Center of Davis seek to honor the divine in all and expresses it in loving service. With regard to Earth, the church seeks “to create a spiritual awareness of our oneness with all life” and by offering practical ways to care for the planet.

The church makes a point of using place settings of “greenware” for UCOD potlucks and dinners. They also offer “Green Aware” action displays with ideas on such topics, as green gardening and E-waste recycling. Yearly, the congregation has an annual CareFree, CarFree Month in May encouraging all to bike, walk, carpool, take transit, or work at home.

Rev. Larry Schellink, Spiritual Leader of Unity Center, finds raising awareness and encouraging people to participate in planet friendly lifestyle takes time and repetition. He believes that working with Cool Davis will bring a broader foundation and credibility to the church’s efforts and activities inside and outside of the organization. Already, members of the congregation have formed a Community Team to sew veggie bags for the Cool Davis Festival.