First Parish Bedford UU

The GSC  is  a  coordinating  body for the congregation’s  efforts,  helping  us  all  to work  cooperatively  and  efficiently,  and  enhancing  communication  about  green  efforts (individual/family, congregational, community). Any actions taken as a part of the Green Sanctuary Program will arise  from the congregation’s  interests  and  passions, not  some  pre-determined agenda, and will be affordable.

We  welcome  anyone  who  wishes  to  help  in  our work. Membership  in  this  committee  is open  to  all. We share  the load so that no one person is overloaded and all talents are utilized.

Chair: Marge Heckman

The GSC has  formed  a  plan  and  rough  timetable for the 2009-10 church year: complete the personal and congregational assessments, prepare an action plan,  and  then implement  that  plan.

We  will  begin  by  taking  a  snapshot  of  current (including  the  last  3  years)  individual/family  and  congregational practices. Our aim is to establish a baseline, so we will later be able to  assess  the  effectiveness  of  the  actions we  undertake  next  year.

We will  be  distributing  a  survey  for  individuals/families  to  complete  in order  to  help  us better  understand what  folks  are  already doing  in  terms of sustainable  living and environmental  issues and the  areas with which  they may want  further  help. Look  for more information  about  that  survey  in  the  announcement  listserv  and future Parishioner issues.

We will also undertake an extensive congregational  assessment  that  includes not only an energy audit (already commissioned by  the Physical Plant Committee) but also the following areas: worship and other spiritual practices; religious education and lifespan learning; environmental justice; unique congregational  interests  and  commitments; water  resources;  facilities condition, management, and operations. The key is to find out what we are already doing and discover gaps and opportunities.