What if every congregation in Michigan could multiply its ministry—serving more people, offering more care, and strengthening its community—simply by being better stewards of the spaces they already hold sacred?

In the heart of Detroit’s historic Corktown, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has stood for over 160 years as a beacon of hope—serving hundreds through food programs, shelter, and vital community support amid rapid neighborhood change. But a couple of years ago, they had to come to terms with aging electrical and climate control systems - some of which had not been updated since the 1970’s. 

Ministries Coordinator Kateri Boucher  

Deacon Moore from New Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit said of the church, “There was a time you couldn't sit in the hallway by the doors because the air was blowing in, especially in the winter, it would just chase people right out. Now we can't get them out of the hallway. They’re all sitting out there comfortable, laughing, talking, because of the improvements we made.” A ten plus year vision of becoming a resiliency center led New Mt. Hermon to apply for Sacred Spaces, and later join the Michigan Community Center Grant. Now, thanks to this program and others, the congregation is one step closer. 

Elected officials and community members celebrate the installation of New Mount Hermon’s solar panels, December 2024

Fr. Charles Morris has named Michigan IPL in his bequest, reflecting his commitment to the vision he has nurtured since 1992, when his early efforts to rally faith communities around climate action first began.

Fr. Charles offering a blessing over the solar panel installation he helped bring to life at Madonna University in 2017.

What if flipping a light switch could reflect your values? At The Muslim Center, in Detroit, a wave of clean energy upgrades—powered by the Sacred Spaces Grant and the Michigan Community Center Grant (MCCG)—is doing just that, turning faith into action through smarter, greener spaces.

Abdur Rasheed's dedication to serving others shines through at the Muslim Center

"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.

Every Tuesday, as pastors gather at Holy Trinity Lutheran church in Chassell, Michigan (in the Keweenaw Peninsula) for text study and community reflection, one topic keeps rising alongside scripture: the urgent, undeniable importance of energy conservation in an age of overconsumption.

Pastor Soren, congregants and a new fridge, new heating system and new lights!

What if your church building could do more than just host ministry—what if it could actively strengthen it?

At Trinity Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, described by Pastor Benjamin Bruins as “a place for people to gather, to share and embody the story of God’s love for all of Creation,” simple energy upgrades have become powerful tools for deeper service, faithful stewardship, and lasting impact in the community.

At our recent Witness for Creation event (organized with Creation Justice Ministries), Pastor Sarah Van Zetten Bruins blessed baptized attendees with water from the Grand River (visible in the background). She stood with other leaders, including our director Leah Wiste, to deliver a bold and urgent call to care for Creation.

A simple log church built in the 1840s, surrounded by a beautifully natural open-wooded area, marks the site of a long sacred meeting place, Greensky Hill Indian United Methodist Church. This church was constructed with large hewn logs notched at the corners and laid horizontally over a stone foundation. Although Greensky Hill is a beautiful place to experience the wonder of Creation, the aging facilities often diminished attendees’ comfort and enjoyment—and with limited financial resources, the church had no way to address these challenges on its own.

Greensky Hill pastor Sarah Scheaffer, Jennifer Young from MI IP, and Greensky congregants 

“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

Lord of Lords Christian Ministries’ story isn’t just one about solar panels or energy upgrades—it’s a story about people, faith, and the unexpected doors that open when a community dares to believe in something bigger than their circumstances.

In the heart of a neighborhood long shaped by disinvestment and environmental injustice, what began as an effort to improve air quality and cut energy costs has become a movement that’s energized a congregation, inspired neighboring churches, and positioned the church’s pastor, Calvin Glass, as a powerful local voice for clean energy and equity.

Lord of Lords hosted a Solar Celebration to celebrate the installation of their panels and Michigan IPL's 20th anniversary (May 2024).

At 16, Troy was incarcerated. Released at 28, he was determined to turn his life around. A chance connection through his family's church, Lord of Lords Ministries, led him to the solar industry.

What started as a 30-day trial with Homeland Solar turned into a career in clean energy. With a teachable spirit and a drive to grow, Troy is now part of a mission-driven team bringing solar power to communities across southeast Michigan. 

Troy on the job with Homeland Solar

Established in 1855, Allen Chapel AME is the oldest Black church in Kalamazoo and has a rich history of advocating for social and justice issues. Reverend Millard Southern explains, "since 1855, the members of Allen Chapel have been on the front line of many different community concerns from health and wellness, to arts and humanities, to food insecurity, to housing."

Yet, over the years, the age of the building and its systems has often left members uncomfortable during the hot and cold seasons. This posed a challenge to congregants' willingness to come back to church for services and programs after the early days of COVID.

Thanks to our Sacred Spaces project, the church and its office/classroom space are now MORE comfortable and welcoming and LESS costly to operate!

Pastor Southern shows us one of the four HVAC units that were installed on the exterior walls of the sanctuary.