Promote Climate Solutions
One focus Midway Christian Church creation care efforts is to promote climate solutions. In 2017, Pastor McColl was interviewed by ecoAmerica, a non-profit working to do just that, about Midway Christian’s efforts in this cause.
The article appeared in the 2017 Let’s Lead on Climate guide, which features stories from organizations and communities across America that have successfully engaged their constituents in programs and initiatives to elevate climate leadership, action, and solutions.
Midway Christian, and our efforts to live out “God’s call to love our neighbors and care for creation…”, was featured in ecoAmerica’s “Faith in Action: Caring for Community and Creation” promotional video.
Go Carbon Neutral
In 2018, Midway Christian Church became the first Disciples of Christ church to commit to going Carbon Neutral by 2030. The first step was to invite Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, Lexington Theological Seminary Assistant Professor, to help us plan. On Earth Sunday Dr. Schade led Sunday School and later delivered the sermon which challenged the congregation to be bold in their commitment by focusing more time on advocacy and activism. Also in 2018, we partnered with KIPL to begin the process to purchase and install two arrays of solar panels on the Fellowship Hall roof. Dr. Schade’s summary of her visit with us was published in the April 25, 2018 edition of ecoPreacher. As a way to provide information and to raise awareness about timely topics relating to Care of Creation and the Midway Green Chalice’s work toward becoming carbon neutral, we observe a monthly “Moment for Creation” during our worship service.
Rain Garden
MCC’s Rain Garden was featured July 4, 2015 Lexington Herald-Leader as one of the stops on a three day eco-friendly tour in July. And, in 2019, Winter 2019 Religion magazine published an article on food sustainability and creation care efforts.
Creation Keeper Partner
We are proud of our association with Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light and its other partners in working toward their mission: “Through education, advocacy and action, Kentucky IPL mobilizes a religious response to climate change and the social injustices it creates.” In 2016, MCC was honored to place 2nd in the Sacred Grounds category of KIPL’s Cool Congregations Challenge. Two years later we proudly received the Hope in Action award and joined KIPL at the Earth Steward level. MCC was welcomed as a Creation Keeper Partner in 2020.