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

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

We were thrilled to attend the "Blessing of the Boilers" event at St. Suzanne Our Lady Gate of Heaven early this year. This event celebrated the installation of two 98% efficient boilers at the church, made possible through our Sacred Spaces Clean Energy Grant Program. Thanks to this program, St. Suzanne’s has taken a major step toward reducing their extremely high utility costs, which last winter topped $15,000 a month on several occasions.

St. Suzanne's Cody Rouge Community Resource Center, an arm of the parish, is the heart of the neighborhood, offering programs and support for everyone from infants to seniors. Rooted in the parish’s mission to serve both faith and local communities, the center's director, Steve Wasko, explains that the center empowers children, families, and youth with hope through education, social services, and development programs. Last year alone, over 67,000 people came through its doors to access these vital resources.

Director at St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center, Steve Wasko, in front of community food distribution. In April 2025, 300 individuals received food services at St. Suzanne. 

Each week, Pilgrim Baptist Church in Detroit provides support to hundreds of community members. They distribute food through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, offer hot breakfast sandwiches, supply warm coats, and ensure local elementary students have the uniforms they need for school. In all they do, Pilgrim is truly "shining the light" for their community.

"Shining the Light for 99 years" was the theme of Pilgrim Baptist Church's 99-year anniversary celebration in October 2024. Now the church can shine the lights brighter and more efficiently with upgrades made possible by our Sacred Spaces Clean Energy Grant program. Through the program the congregation has saved 58% on energy consumption and nearly $5,000 annually in energy costs.

Rev. Dr. Yvette Griffin is excited about the church's new LED lights and improved air ventilation system.