I come from people who say “uff dah”—a Norwegian American exclamation you might use when finally sitting down to relax after a long day, or when several inches of snow have fallen and you’re imagining the effort it will take to bundle up and shovel. It’s a flexible expression that can be used across a range of circumstances (good and bad), but mostly describes something remarkable, surprising, or overwhelming.

Now that you’ll know what I mean, I’ll begin my year-end reflection in my native parlance:
Uff dah. It’s been quite a year.

We’ve had some setbacks as a nation and as an organization. You might say that Michigan IPL’s setbacks mirror a slice of what our country as a whole is facing. Exciting legislation was passed, funds were appropriated, contracts were signed, and meaningful investments into our communities were promised… then taken away.

The cancellation of federal grants cut Michigan IPL’s budget this year by 40% and prevented us from hiring two additional full-time staff members who would have empowered more congregation partners to better serve their communities—especially those on the margins.

Our financial outlook for next year is even more challenging.

I'm writing this to share the goodness we’re still sowing in the world—in spite of all this—and also to ask: will you consider including Michigan IPL in your year-end giving?

The Trump administration is slashing budgets, clawing back funding for our communities, and taking us backwards on climate action. It is hard to know what to do, and where to begin, in the midst of this chaos. 

Action is an antidote to despair. Here are some things that you can do right now.

Leave us a note if there's an action you'd like us to share. 

Join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 8-8:30pm as we call our lawmakers!  We will NOT be gathering on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. We look forward to being with you again on Tuesday, Sept. 1!   Each month, we choose a timely issue, provide a sample script and lawmaker phone numbers, and Call for Climate Justice. Together!  RSVP here to get the standing Zoom link.

We can't wait to get started!

This historic initiative, in collaboration with EcoWorks Solar Faithful, will help 15 community-serving congregations and food assistance programs in environmental justice neighborhoods become climate resilience hubs.

We hosted an announcement and surprised our community partners with the news at St. Peter's. Joining us were dignitaries including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Regina Strong, the Environmental Justice Public Advocate at EGLE.

Earlier this year, I was mistaken for someone famous. 

A restaurant worker approached me as I waited for lunch: “I just want you to know… I’m such a huge fan," she said, looking at my very intensely. "I love your work." 

For a split second there, I sure did think: “Whoa! Michigan IPL is so much higher profile than I realized! How amazing that our good work is being seen by the public and that faithful climate action is on their radar…” 

Look at our beautiful Board! 

In my hometown of Detroit, everything revolves around the automotive industry—the steel mills, the oil refinery, the plants that create the plastics and the parts to build our cars. Dubbed the "Motor City," the auto industry is woven into Detroit, for better – and for worse – to power American-made automobiles.

Raised as a lifelong Detroiter from zip code 48217, my roots connect back to the auto industry, too. Like many in my community, I worked in the auto industry as a tenured worker at General Motors (GM) for over 15 years.

Unbeknownst to me, as I played my small part in GM's success, my health was deteriorating both physically and mentally.

The dirty, gas-powered cars and trucks popularized by companies like GM pollute our air and greatly contribute to our growing climate crisis. In the United States, the transportation industry is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so it comes as no surprise that 48217 is the most toxic zip code in Michigan. Air pollution is not only a contributing factor to climate change; it is a national public health concern.

When I left GM, I didn't set out to be an environmental advocate. I had been earning a middle-class living, but despite my experience and years of work, at the time, there was little opportunity to grow as a Black woman in the auto industry. I had to continue working in the plants, and eventually I was forced to leave because of my health.

Don't wait to access energy savings and efficiency options for your community of faith! Put your faith into action and take steps today that will benefit your congregation and creation tomorrow!

Top places to start with energy efficiency:

1. Lighting upgrades often pay for themselves in a year or two and result in significant electricity savings. In addition to changing out incandescents for LEDs or fluorescents for T-LEDs, consider motion sensors. 
   
   
2. Weatherization such as caulking and air sealing is relatively low-cost and can reduce drafts, improving comfort and reducing heating costs.
   
   
3. Boiler tune-ups can yield savings with relatively low initial investment, and your utility may offer attractive rebates that cover the majority of the cost (see University Lutheran's story below). 
   
   
4. Wi-Fi thermostats can help you reduce energy waste by increasing your ability to control your building's temperature at a distance and on-demand (through your smart phone).  
   
   

University Lutheran Church, East Lansing accessed huge savings and rebates through their utility.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Detroit found denominational grant funding to replace crumbling, single-paned wood windows in their historic building.  As a result, the congregation has been better equipped to generate revenue by offering more comfortable and functional space to tenants (like Michigan IPL!). 

As 2021 draws to a close, I'm writing this to share with you where our issues stand and what I believe our movement of people of faith and conscience for climate justice must do next.  

The possibility of a world where all beings can thrive has taken some big hits recently.

The agreement coming out of COP 26—November’s global climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland—has been called a “death sentence” for the poorest people on our planet. Our nation’s most ambitious investment in climate and communities to date, the Build Back Better Act, is now stalled in the Senate. Meanwhile, earlier this fall, a military budget that dwarfs any proposed climate spending was rubber stamped with bipartisan support and without fanfare.

Thousands of starlings move together as one before resting for the night. Scientists hypothesize that they may do this to confuse predators and minimize individual risk. 

At Haven House, every dollar saved on utilities can be put toward sheltering families and helping them on their paths toward stable homes. 

Founded in 1983, Haven House’s emergency shelter facility was built in the 1950s, which meant there were a lot of opportunities to improve improve comfort and efficiency and lower operating costs.  

If we can save money on our electric bill, then we can spend that money on helping our clients with moving costs.

Representatives from Michigan IPL, the Islamic Center of East Lansing, Haslett Community Church, and University Lutheran Church present Haven House with a donation of $5,500 to be used toward energy improvements. 

With a $5,500 donation from Haslett Community Church, University Lutheran Church, the Islamic Center of East Lansing, and Michigan IPL's Carbon Fund, Haven House made energy upgrades to its facility. They upgraded the lights in their emergency shelter to LEDs, installed energy efficient air conditioning, new windows, and additional insulation. 

I had never thought in depth about my relationship with nature or anything having to do with the environment until the summer of 2013.

At the time, I had just finished my second year of Rabbinic School and was spending the summer working as a Young Adult Interfaith Coordinator at the Chautauqua Institution, an education and arts community in southwestern New York state. Each week, we heard from speakers from around the country, who addressed themes from various religious and scientific perspectives. From clergy and scientists, we learned the creation stories of different cultures and about our roles at this point in the Universe’s history.

One idea changed the trajectory of my life: humanity’s resourcefulness, creativity, and wisdom have not only brought unimaginable blessings to the world, but these same strengths have made us so destructive to other species and our very own habitat that we are unleashing a global extinction.

At Sunnyside UMC, garden manager Rachelle Yeaman tells the story of the Growing Community Garden, a collaboration with Fresh Fire AME Church, as tour-goers gather under the welcome shade of a centrally located maple tree.

Recognizing that, in work at the intersection of racial and environmental justice, trusting and mutually beneficial relationships are key, Hope for Creation (MIIPL’s southwest Michigan affiliate) is building connections around shared interests in working the soil.

With the support of generous grants from the Congregation of St. Joseph and the Mesara Family Foundation, we are engaging master gardeners and other volunteers in our member congregations to develop partnerships in neighborhoods facing food insecurity, with the twin goals of expanding capacity to produce healthy food and safe neighborhoods and of building lasting healing relationships between people of faith from diverse communities. Our focus in 2021 is supporting collaboration in neighborhoods that are environmental hot-spots in Kalamazoo and fostering connections between established and emerging gardening efforts.

What is our response, as people from faith communities, to the challenges of climate change and racial injustice? Individually, our houses of worship have already begun to highlight a path to a renewable future. Together, we can do much more! 

Click to see some of our Past Events & Projects!

Project highlights

The Capital Area Chapter of Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (MIIPL) celebrated the completion of a new rooftop solar installation benefiting Lansing Intentional Communities (LINCS), a nonprofit that provides housing and community support for adults with autism. More than 40 guests representing local houses of worship and community organizations gathered on July 12 to dedicate the 5.7-kilowatt solar system, which was installed on a newly remodeled duplex that is home to two LINCS residents. The project was made possible through a partnership between LINCS and MIIPL's Capital Area Chapter, which together raised more than $23,000 to fund the installation

The new solar system is expected to save LINCS more than $1,000 annually in electricity costs, along with an additional $300 each year in utility meter fees, helping keep housing affordable for residents while protecting the organization from future energy price increases. Beyond the financial benefits, project leaders emphasized that the highly visible solar array serves as a symbol of the growing role renewable energy can play in strengthening Lansing's communities and expanding access to clean energy

Upcoming Events

For houses of worship considering solar energy, there are now several affordable pathways to make the transition. Through 2027, eligible organizations can receive direct federal payments covering up to 30% of project costs, making solar more accessible than ever. Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (Michigan IPL) partners with Solar Faithful to provide financing options and guide congregations through every stage of project development and implementation.

Those interested in learning more are invited to attend Solarize Ingham County, a free informational session sponsored by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA). The event will take place on Thursday, August 20, at 6:00 p.m. at Red Cedar Spirits, 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing. Attendees will learn about group purchasing discounts and other opportunities to reduce the cost of installing solar. For more information, contact Marshall Clabeaux at [email protected]

Want to be updated on the latest issues and stay in touch with Michigan IPL-Capital Area Chapter?

Each month, CAC joins Hope For Creation for Calling for Climate Justice, a virtual action event where community members spend 30 minutes contacting their elected officials about key climate justice issues. Join them the first Tuesday of each month - register here. 

Members of congregations from the Lansing area are joining together to promote transformative climate action in our community. The Capital Area Chapter's efforts currently involve members from:

• Presbyterian Church of Okemos
• Okemos Community Church
• Haslett Community Church UCC, Edgewood United Church (E. Lansing)
• Islamic Center of East Lansing
• First Presbyterian Church of Lansing
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing
• All Saints Episcopal Church (E. Lansing), University Lutheran Church (E. Lansing)
• Kehillat Israel (Lansing)
• Community of Christ (Lansing)
• People's Church (E. Lansing)
• Faith Lutheran (Okemos)
• Charlotte Congregational UCC

New Intern for the Capital Area Chapter! 

Hello everyone! My name is Viktoria Petkovich, and I am the new intern at Michigan Interfaith Power & Light. I am currently a student at Michigan State University, and I’m a political science major on a pre-law track. I’m an Orthodox Christian and a member of the St. Stevan Decanski Orthodox Church congregation in the Metro-Detroit area, which is where I’m from.

The Church has been a central part of my life since my childhood, and my faith has guided me through every stage of life, strengthening my connection over time. I’m excited to explore the relationship between religion and climate justice, and the importance of connecting one’s faith with care for the natural world that inspires advocacy organizations like IPL. I look forward to working with Michigan IPL and connecting with the community.

I'm going to be working with Michigan IPL and the Capital Area Chapter as a communications and outreach intern, collaborating with MSU and the surrounding East Lansing community to increase advocacy and engagement!

Today, I spoke at an EPA hearing about the draft Clean Car standards proposed earlier this month. This is my testimony:

My name is Leah Wiste, and I’m the Executive Director of Michigan Interfaith Power & Light. We work with over 300 member congregations throughout the state, which comprise thousands of people of faith and conscience committed to bold climate action and protecting our communities.  Thank you for allowing me to offer testimony today.

When President Biden announced the draft tailpipe emissions standards earlier this month, Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee offered a strange kind of praise, saying “This is sort of a Goldilocks goal… Not too much, not too little. It’s just right.” But it’s clear that the time has passed for moderate, “not too much, not too little” policy.

Michigan Interfaith Power & Light is helping congregations who have already received a free Energy Analysis take the next steps in your energy stewardship journey: 

Each month we're spotlighting the story of one congregation that put their faith values into action by reducing energy waste in their building. We hope these stories and the resources our speakers share will help inspire and equip other congregations to continue their own energy stewardship journeys.  

Check this page or sign up for our e-newsletters to learn about upcoming webinars. 

Past Energy Stewardship Webinars

Energy Stewardship with Victorious Believers Ministries, 6/8/21

• how the church upgraded their parking lot lighting and in the gymnasium
• how incentives from Consumers Energy assisted in lowering the project cost
• how they are on track to upgrade the lighting in the sanctuary with LEDs

Slides from this webinar can be viewed here. 

Energy Stewardship: Applying for Rebates 101, 5/6/21

In order to move Michigan to a cleaner energy future, state energy legislation requires our large utilities to help their customers (at home and in their houses of worship and businesses) reduce their energy waste. Less energy waste means less fossil fuel use, cleaner air, and smaller energy bills. In order to achieve this, utilities including Consumers Energy offer discounts and rebates on energy efficiency products and services. 

In this webinar, Mike Olsen, an Energy Advisor with Consumers Energy's Business Energy Efficiency Programs, will walk us through the process-- step-by-step-- of applying for and receiving rebates for energy saving projects at your house of worship. 

Slides from this webinar can be viewed here. 

Energy Stewardship with Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 4/13/21

Royal Oak First United Methodist Church is close to finishing a $4.5 million dollar renovation to their historic building. In the course of this renovation, the church worked hard to reduce the building's reliance on fossil fuels through energy efficiency and solar energy while ensuring a healthful indoor environment and taking advantage of utility discounts and rebates. In this webinar, Bob Prud'homme, LEED AP and Coordinator for Creation Care Ministries, shares about how the church: 

• worked through challenges and opportunities to get the church leadership on board with a green renovation
• upgraded lighting in their historic sanctuary (built in 1917) and throughout their facilities
  
• made their boiler plant and air conditioning systems more efficient
• prepared for the installation of a 20 kW solar array 
  

Slides from this webinar can be viewed here. 

Energy Stewardship with University Lutheran Church, 3/4/21

Pastor Gary Bunge, and Judy Kindel and Dale Romsos the Earthkeeping Team at University Lutheran Church in East Lansing share how their church put their faith into action by upgrading to LED lighting (which reduced their electricity use by 40%) and installing solar. Overall, ULC is now using 56% less fossil fuels than they were in 2016/17. They also share how incentives from Consumers Energy covered over half of the cost of the lighting upgrade. 

This webinar was co-sponsored by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. 

Slides can be viewed here.