"God answered our prayers," proclaimed Reverend Joyce Redfearn one December day upon receiving the announcement that St. Luke CME had been selected for Sacred Spaces. 

Rev. Redfearn speaking at St. Luke's clean energy program - Biblical Principles for Taking Care of the Earth - September 2024.

"I just began to give God praise right there and then, because I knew [this grant] was for us." - Rev. Joyce Redfearn 

Rev. Joyce Redfearn passed away on January 1, 2025, and St. Luke CME's congregation and trustees are honoring her memory by carrying forward her work with sustainability and caring for the Earth. 

After the toll of the pandemic and as aging systems continued to break down, Rev. Joyce Redfearn explained in an early interview after hearing about the Sacred Spaces opportunity, "In the middle of filling out the application [for Sacred Spaces] I got sick, and all I could say from my hospital bed was ‘get it done.’ We were able to get our heating and air conditioning systems upgraded, new water heater, and brand new windows - we had those old wooden windows - and now we have energy efficient windows. Look how much $100,000 can get you. We would not have been able to do this without this grant.”

Congregants Serina Jones and Eric Braddock in front of new windows; the church’s new lights shine brightly

Still Shining, Still Serving

In early 2025 the church suffered the loss of their beloved minister, Rev. Redfearn. While some past programs—like academic and arts-based summer activities—were paused due to this loss, the pandemic, and the closing of a partner church, St. Luke remains committed to service. They’re slowly transitioning into fresh ministry opportunities while continuing to honor Rev. Redfern’s legacy of care and compassion. They currently serve the community with open arms and a heart for helping others through programs like the new “Helping Hands” ministry, which collects toiletries for local rehab centers and provides much-needed supplies to homeless shelters. The church encourages new members to get involved, whether that’s through worship or community events. Youth activities, like the recent visit to the pumpkin patch, help bring families together.

According to trustee board members, the energy projects completed with Sacred Spaces have made a real difference at St. Luke—not just in the building, but in the community.

By cutting down on energy costs (some months these were as high as $950), the church now has extra funds to put toward things that really matter. That saved money is being redirected into ministries like Helping Hands, and into donations and resources for other local programs. Instead of struggling to pay bills, St. Luke now has more disposable income to directly serve the community and expand its outreach. 

Congregants Serina Jones and Eric Braddock in front of new HVAC system

From Scripture to Sustainability

In celebration of the energy upgrades St. Luke held an energy event titled, “Biblical Principles for Taking Care of the Earth,” on September 15, 2024. The event welcomed members and guests for a presentation by Rev. Redfearn, referencing Genesis 2:15, where she reminded attendees that caring for the earth is a God-given responsibility. She shared simple clean energy practices such as using LED lights, installing solar panels, buying energy-efficient appliances, turning off unused lights, and recycling.

“In this economy, we need to save all the money we can, especially going into the fall and winter months,” Michele Allen, trustee board secretary, explains. She encourages other congregations thinking about saving energy to go for it! It’s not just about lowering bills (though that’s a huge help), it’s about bringing awareness to your members and the wider community.

When churches reduce their energy costs, they free up funds that can go right back into programs that serve others.

Plus, it sets an example. Members can bring what they’ve learned into their own homes. The key is education—spread the word to your family, friends, and even other churches. When people hear about energy efficiency and actually know how to take action, it creates a ripple effect that can benefit entire communities.

Rev. Redfearn at our in-person Sacred Spaces gathering in fall 2023, holding a solar panel charger she won