1. Church of the Ascension Seattle, WA
Making Disciples Creative Stewards in collaboration with GreenFaith.org
Good evening from Church of the Ascension Seattle! I am the Rector, or Pastor, of this Christian congregation that belongs to the Episcopalian denomination.
Almost 2 years ago we began our collaboration with GreenFaith. In order to give you an idea of what we have accomplished together, I’d like to begin by giving you a bit of context. [NEXT SLIDE]

2. Church of the Ascension
Starting point:
All electric facility; 11,600 sq. ft.
Partially renovated physical plant; installation of programmable thermostats, energy efficient lighting, low flow toilets; completed in 2011
No Green Team
Composting of garden waste
Recycling of clean paper, cans and glass
Certification start date January 2012
Church of the Ascension has about 150 households mighty in faith, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. We are an urban congregation, with a 60 yr old physical plant (church, parish hall and office space) of about 11.5 K sq ft.
Ascension completed a partial renovation of its buildings in 2011, including a new roof (no insulation!) and energy efficient fixtures where possible given the budget.
When I became Rector in mid-2010, there was no Green Team or any collective effort to address climate issues, even though almost all households (and the church) participated in composting, recycling, because hey, this is Seattle!
Two or 3 parishioners who had been most active in recycling efforts at Ascension were excited to learn about GF.org and convinced the governing board of the church to apply for the certification program, which we started in Jan Looking back, we sort of went from 0 to 60 in terms of our efforts in this area. I believe any success we have had is because the HS has been with us!! [NEXT SLIDE]

3. Stewardship Bike to Church Waste processing From paper to ceramics
Classes and resources
CSA drop off
This slide shows just a few photos of some of the ways we address the Stewardship requirements for certification.
A key to successful efforts has been planning strategically with key leaders with a passion for Creation care and including as many people as possible in our various events. For example,
Recycled glass
mosaics class

4. Spirit Eucharist in the Park Easter Vigil Ecumenical Eucharist
Friday Night
Films
Confirmation Class
on Hood Canal
Interfaith Collaboration

5. Justice Local Regional International Duwamish River
Eco-justice & Racism
Water for the World Act
legislation advocacy
Harvest for
local Food Bank
Legislation: Toxic-free Kids Act

6. Highlights of Certification Process to date:
Total kWh Energy use Jan 2010 – through Jun 2013

7. Highlights of Certification Process to date:
Increased understanding of Biblical imperative for Creation care
Eco-theological formation for all ages
“Environmental Justice” becoming part of lexicon
Curbside composting of kitchen & garden waste, recycling of paper, cans, glass and plastics
Formation of Green Team & Dishwashing Team
Use of 100% recycled paper in all publications
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partnerships

8. Elements of Success Education: theological foundation
Partnership: ecumenical and interfaith
Action: learning by doing; building on church’s spiritual gifts (e.g., outreach efforts focus on food and water)
Support: collaboration and resources from Green Faith