Joining a network of events across the U.S. to bring solar power to the people, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Seattle created a stellar SUN Day community event on September 21.
St. Andrew’s might be the one church in the Diocese of Olympia whose priest is also a knowledgeable solar designer. As part of the day, Father Kendall Haynes offered two well-attended afternoon workshops, “Why Solar Still Makes Sense/Cents in Seattle.” Guests came flowing in with about 80 people for the noon solar energy presentation and 15 for the 1:30 offering.
Co-organizer Kelli Jayn Nichols commented that, “About half of the attendees were community members, half St. Andrew’s. And Father Kendall’s second workshop brought in 15 people, all community members!” She also described how a member of University Presbyterian visited with organizers over refreshments and shared that her church was starting to think about solar.
Sun-themed food, from sunflower seed cookies to Sun chips, was available to all who attended. A craft table where kids and adults made suncatchers was a popular offering, and a group from Citizens’ Climate Lobby attended (one came dressed as a solar panel!) and set up a table with info and a sign-up sheet.
The day, which started with sun- and light-themed hymns in a nave decorated with sunflowers and other bright blossoms, wrapped up with organizers feeling upbeat about the success of their community outreach efforts.
“St. Andrew’s has a long history of Creation Care and solar energy. The church installed solar panels on our building’s roof back in 2015, so we were delighted to bring education on the topic to our Green Lake community at large,” said Megan McInnis, Director of Formation.