Conscious Party: Souls for solar

WHAT: Harnessing the Sun for God’s Sake!

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 5-7 p.m.

WHERE: 1735 Fifth Ave. W., Hendersonville

WHY: First Congregational United Church of Christ of Hendersonville’s congregation has an environmental mission: to find a way to get as far off the grid as possible. And to help accomplish this goal, the church is attempting to purchase 137 solar photovoltaic panels. According to solar project facilitator Melissa Melum, “We want to stimulate awareness. Stewardship of the environment is important to us, and we have a responsibility to take care of the environment.”

During the evening, Straight from the Heart will entertain guests with acoustic music, and a PowerPoint presentation detailing the proposed project will be running continually. Key project team members will be mingling with the crowd to have conversations about the project, providing an opportunity for fellowship with people interested in environmental stewardship. Food will be provided by the church, and wine will be available for $2 a glass.

Donations pledged during the event will help purchase solar photovoltaic panels for installation at the church. “It’s almost like fate,” notes Melum. “We have just enough space for panels to completely offset our power consumption. We want to inspire others to replicate these outward signs of commitment.” The overall cost of the project is estimated at $110,000, so everyone’s donation helps get the church closer to its goal.

All donations will be accepted, guest may opt to donate for a quarter-, half- or a full panel. Those guests will be publicly recognized, “probably on a plaque of some sort,” says Melum. For more information, contact the church at 692-8630 or visit fcchendersonville.org. — Michael McDonald

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About Michael McDonald
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