On April 19, Bishop Bud Shand joined the congregation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia and gave his blessing for the church’s new solar panel project. St. Luke’s rector, the Rev. Nick Hull, welcomed the assembled parishioners from the solar panel array on the church’s main roof. Following the blessing, parishioners were treated to a reception with cake and hors d’oeuvres and special mocktails made with “Sunny D” that were created by Rev. Nick.
Commonwealth of Virginia Delegate Paul Krizek (16th District) – who is also a St. Luke’s parishioner – was on hand to make a brief address. In his remarks, he noted that “At first glance, solar panels might just look like fancy technology: metal, glass, and wires. But what they truly represent is faith in action. They are a living testimony to stewardship, sustainability, and the belief that even small beginnings can have a great impact.”
He added, “We are called to be good stewards, not just of the Word, but of the world. And today, our church is shining a little brighter, not just with sunlight, but with purpose.”
St. Luke’s is currently evaluating other projects that would demonstrate its continuing commitment to Creation Care, in support of the Diocese’s position that “encourages both parishes and individuals to increase energy efficiency of their properties, reclaim and restore the native habitat around them, and consider spiritual resilience in a climate-changed time.”
For more information on St. Luke’s solar panel project or to learn more about creation care, please email St. Luke’s and visit the Diocese’s Creation Care home page.