Green Thoughts, Green Prayers

First Congregational Church advocates for Christian environmental stewardship. Members of the staff and church encourage other members and friends to consider the needs of the earth and our mutual role in its care-taking.

What We Do at First Congregational Church

• We have installed LED lighting in our sanctuary and various areas that have high usage, such as offices and hallways. We are still in the process of retrofitting areas in the church. Since we have made the updates, we are seeing energy use savings, and financial savings as well.  Ameren Missouri covers at least half of the replacement costs (of light bulbs) and other various rebates through their Bizsavers program.
  
• We have recently updated our HVAC system and have reconfigured our controls to make it more energy efficient.
• We are systematically replacing our rooftop units with high efficiency units..

• Not only are we seeing energy use savings,  Ameren Missouri covers at least half of the replacement costs through their Bizsavers program.
  

• The church has been involved in cutting down on single use plastics and recycling for many years.
  • We recycle paper, plastics as well as other recyclables
  • We use real glasses, cups and silverware during our Sunday Fellowship and other church events
  • Our communion cups are recycled
• Our property is filled with plants, trees and gardens that add oxygen and remove  CO2 from the atmosphere.
  
• Our Sunday School and Vacation Bible School involve children in vegetable gardening. This not only teaches them to enjoy healthy foods that are grown but connects them to the natural world, which will promote environmental stewardship.
• Members have created a pollinator garden that attract pollinators as well as beneficial insects.