“They don’t make those parts anymore,” recalls Michele Westen, a lay leader at Asbury United Methodist Church in Flint, describing the moment they realized their decades-old boiler—essential for surviving harsh winters—was failing. With energy costs rising and a six-figure replacement looming, the church faced a stark reality: without action, this kind of crisis could force a congregation to close its doors.

Youth selling produce at local farmer's market and Asbury's vibrant greenhouse

“We are protecting our Earth and I think that's something that we can share with our community.” - Michele Weston, lay leader with Asbury United Methodist Church

Asbury United Methodist Church recently took a big step toward sustainability and community impact by installing two new 98% efficient boilers, replacing one outdated unit, thanks to support from Sacred Spaces. These upgrades are more than just building improvements—they're helping the church stretch every dollar to better serve its under-resourced neighborhood in Flint. With energy savings now freeing up critical resources, Asbury is better equipped to focus on what it does best: feeding, employing, and uplifting the community.

Growing Hope in Flint Through Food and Opportunity

Asbury United Methodist Church serves an under serviced community in Flint in two big ways. First, they run one of the city’s main food distribution centers, a mission that started in 2014 during the water crisis. What began with handing out water quickly grew into weekly food giveaways, thanks to a partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and many faithful volunteers. Second, Asbury operates one of the largest urban farms in Michigan. 

The farm not only grows fresh produce like spinach and kale, which is included in the weekly food distribution, but also provides summer jobs for local youth—40 were employed last year alone. Even though the congregation is small, and their outreach is mostly volunteer driven, they feel blessed to be able to make a big impact on Flint’s east side through food, work, and care for their neighbors.

“We have 40 youth that applied to come to work for us and they showed up every day. Every year we seem to be growing.” - Michele Weston

Saving Energy and Serving Better

The energy improvements made possible through Sacred Spaces have had a big impact on Asbury’s ability to serve the community. Located in a financially challenged part of Flint, every dollar truly matters—especially since many members of the congregation and those they serve are unable to offer much financial support to the church. With the new boiler and increased energy efficiency, the church has already seen significant savings on utility costs, which are a major part of their budget.

In October of the year prior to the boiler upgrade, the congregation’s energy service provider reported a gas bill of $1,165. In the same month the following year, after the upgrade, the bill had dropped to $349. These savings help keep the building open and the programs running, from food distribution to youth employment. As member Jim Craig put it, even in the past couple of months, the difference in energy use has been clear—”that [cost savings] goes a long way in helping us to serve the community all that much more.”

Asbury's lay leader, Jim Craig, next to the church's new boilers.

Energy Efficiency: A Win for Budget and Earth

Asbury United Methodist Church encourages other congregations to take a serious look at energy savings—not just as an environmental effort, but as a smart financial move. In most churches, utilities are one of the biggest ongoing expenses, right behind staff salaries and basic supplies. Reducing energy costs through more efficient systems, like upgraded boilers or LED lighting, can make a noticeable difference in managing a tight budget.

At Asbury, energy efficiency has become an ongoing project, and they’ve already seen how those savings can free up funds to support ministry and outreach. Beyond the budget, there's also a deeper purpose: caring for God’s creation. By lowering their energy use, they’re not only cutting costs, but also taking small but meaningful steps toward climate justice. Asbury has even begun sharing this message with the wider community, partnering with fellow organizations to help others learn how to make energy-smart choices. It’s about stewardship—of both finances and the Earth.