"In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to your life's span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." Matthew 6:26-29

"We see the despoiling of the environment as nothing less than the degradation of God's gracious gift of creation."

ELCA Statement “Caring for Creation”
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Energy Stewards Initiative

Energy Stewards Initiative

An LRC Program for ELCA Congregations and Camps

We are recruiting congregations and camps to begin the program in February, 2013.

Late registrations will be accepted from March through May. Join now.

 

See below for all the information you need to learn about the program and join.

For questions and steps to join, contact Director, Peter Bakken pwbakken@gmail.com.

 

WHAT IS ENERGY STEWARDS INITIATIVE?
Energy Stewards Initiative (ESI) is a two-year LRC program for ELCA congregations and Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites designed to:
  • reduce your energy use and costs
  • lower your carbon footprint
  • save money for other expressions of mission.
This initiaitve is an online program carried out in cooperation with Rapid-Improvement of Madison, WI. Participants
  • track your energy and water use online
  • follow an action plan
    Warren Gaskill
    ESI Co-Director


  • engage in bi-monthly webinars
  • benefit from the wisdom of program leaders and participating congregations.
Each congregation and camp appoints an Energy Steward to be the point person to

participate in the program and work with their property team.

See What is Energy Stewards for examples of the online resources and information available to each congregation and camp.
 
 
 
 
 
HOME ENERGY SAVING RESOURCES
For ideas to bring energy savings into the home, check out these resources
 

The webinars allow participants to learn from each other by providing for sharing of specific experiences and best practices that are relevant for other congregations.


Sharon Hardy, Energy Steward. University Lutheran, East Lansing, MI.


FLASH! ESI congregation given award at the White House.

On September 13, 2012, First English Lutheran Church in Columbus Ohio, a participant in LRC's Energy Stewards Initiative, was honored at the White House as one of the first 28 congregations to attain EPA’s ENERGY STAR® rating. 

Sara Ward was there to accept the award. See an article in the Living Lutheran about how the congregation is cutting its energy while caring for creation: "Tracking Our Carbon Footprint" 

Three other ELCA congregations were also honored. Four ESI congregations qualify for Energy Star rating.  More info
THE ELCA/LRC CHALLENGE

Lutherans Restoring Creation is dedicated to lowering our collective ELCA "carbon footprint" throughout the institutions of the ELCA, and to encourage similar steps by members in their homes. Climate change is seen by many as one of the defining issues of our time. We might think of it as our "21st century Deuteronomy 30:19 moment" ... 
 
"I call heaven and Earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendents may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)

 

We believe we need to act significantly, cooperatively, and urgently to take steps to address this problem, which so threatens creation and is also already affecting many human communities least able to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Vision & Mission Statement for the Lutherans Restoring Creation states our commitment to reduce energy use.

 

There are currently a number of efforts underway to both challenge, and assist, ELCA members in this endeavor. The Energy Stewards Initiative is one.  Other ideas and resources can be found on the Energy Stewards Initiative History and Resources Page, and throughout this website.

 

 

ESI have helped us bring things into focus and to celebrate victories, large and small!

Connie Barclay, Energy Steward 

First Lutheran Church, Decorah, IA


 JOIN THE NEXT ESI GROUP STARTING IN 2013

Application Deadline is February, 2013 (late applications accepted into May)

Peter Bakken
ESI Co-Director


Contact co-director Peter Bakken at pwbakken@gmail.com to let us know of your interest. 

There was a webinar explaining the program on Tuesday January 22 at 7:00 CT.  You can obtain a recording of this webinar.

ESI has completed one year of the two-year program for 10 churches.
 
ESI is now taking requests for a new group to begin in 2013
How does the application process work?
    This is a practical and effective resource for congregations to exercise better financial and environmental stewardship of their facilities. It really is something all of our congregations should be doing.

    James Martin-Schramm, 

    member of First Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa

  • Get church council or LOM board approval for participation
  • Sign and send the agreement with a check for the first year ($120) by January 31.
  • Let us know if you need financial assistance.

How does the program work?

  • Identify an Energy Steward for your congregation
  • Enter your building and energy data into the online platform (there is help for this)
  • Participate in the bi-monthlywebinars with guidance and sharing
  • Follow the action tables and make changes as time and money allow
  • Save on your energy and water bills
How has this helped participating congregations? Click here to see testimonials from congregations who have been participating in the first round.
 
Do you worry that you will have trouble doing the online parts of the program? Not to worry! From our experience with the first group, we are developing an easy step-by-step manual for your use. It will be ready for the new group that begins in February 2013.

See What is Energy Stewards for examples of the online resources and information available to each congregation.
 
ESI has helped our congregation focus on energy and water use in a systematic, organized way. ESI gives us important tools to quantify how we are doing and how we can improve.

Ken Westlake, Energy Steward
Our Saviour Lutheran, Arlington Heights, IL
Are you concerned about cost? It is only $10.00 a month. And if this cost prevents your congregati
on from participating, ESI has a limited number of grants available to assist you. And we hope you will save a significant amount form the reduction in your energy and water bills from the program.
 
Is there someone you can speak with about the program to get more information and to answer your questions? Absolutely.
Contact the Co-Director of the program, Peter Bakken, at pwbakken@gmail.com or call 608-235-1557.

Or contact Warren Gaskill, ESI Co-Director and Director of Rapid Improvement Associates, the energy-reduction company partnering in this initiative with LRC, at wgaskill@rapid-improvement.com or call 608-852-9191.

It is amazing what difference a number of small actions can make. We now qualify for Energy Star certification with a rating above 90%.


David Rhoads, Energy Steward 

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Racine, WI