CVUUS was honored to host Rev. Fred Small who designed the Green Sanctuary program adopted by the Unitarian Universalist Association and implemented in over 250 congregations, including CVUUS. 

Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Engagement

Several joined us in the Sanctuary on Sunday April 6th 2025 from 12:30-2:30 PM for a heart-centered workshop with Rev. Fred Small. As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it’s easy to become disheartened. How do we maintain equanimity and compassion for ourselves and others while sustaining engagement? In this interactive program, Rev. Fred Small invited us into meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, fortifying our spirits and deepening our resolve as we face the climate emergency. The purpose of this heart-centered experience was not to examine climate science, policy options, or activist strategies (important as these are) but to reflect upon our emotional and spiritual response to change and challenge. See more about the workshop here.

A Green Sanctuary

Being a Green Sanctuary is one of the ways we work toward a vision of a healthier, more sustainable future. As a recognized Green Sanctuary, we live with a deep awareness of our climate crisis and the deep environmental injustices of our time. We commit to four practices, grounded in Unitarian Universalist principles:

• Environmental Justice: We partner with marginalized communities who are hit first and hardest by environmental crisis.  In partnering with these communities we are able to address human and environmental needs at the same time.
• Worship and Celebration: As we work together towards a cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship inspires our work and reminds us of what is most sacred and most true.
• Religious Exploration: Our workshops and programs for all ages shape attitudes and build practices that are sustainable and spiritually-grounded.
• Sustainable Living: We treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being mindful of the choices we make, both as a congregation and as households.

Learn about our journey in constructing CVUUS’ green sanctuary finished in 2009  here: houses-of-worship-tour-2016-cvuus

Citation Award for Excellence in Architecture

The Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Architects issued a Citation Award for Excellence in Architecture to gbA Architecture & Planning for sustainable design of our sanctuary meeting house in Dec 2021. Through a highly reflective, participatory, and open process with the entire congregation, it was decided that the experience of the building must be inspiring, but not in a traditional way, and should not focus on traditional religious forms, icons, or dogma.  Over a year’s time, it was determined that light would be the guiding principle of the design.  Textures, colors, and forms found in and of the space helped to reinforce this aspect.  The white walls, white ceiling, white textured acoustic treatment of varied types all aided in creating shadows and reflecting the color of the light and the colors found just outside – the deep greens in the summer, vibrant autumn colors, and the crisp blues of winter are all visible on the surface of the interior.

CVUUS Installs Cold Climate Heat Pumps

In 2024 we installed cold climate heat pumps in the main level of our sanctuary toward our goal of becoming fossil fuel free. We installed heat pumps in our newly renovated Fenn Chapel in 2025. We continue to look for ways to electrify everything and to seek renewable energy to offset that electric use.

CVUUS Goes Solar! And helps Parent Child Center go solar, too!

In 2018 we joined with seven area other congregations in the Addison County Interfaith Climate Action Network (ICAN) to support the Addison County Renewable Energy Co-op’s (ACORN) plan to develop a solar energy project in Shoreham. The 17 panels we paid for began offsetting our electric bills when the field came on line, and eventually will pay for themselves. We also pledged an additional 10 percent of our investment for ourselves to a fund to get solar energy for the Addison County Parent Child Center — roughly $960.   To celebrate love in action, and to welcome the new light of the winter solstice that will power these new solar panels, we held a special blessing and ceremony of gratitude at the Solar2 construction site in affirming that people of diverse religions and neighbors unaffiliated with any faith community can work together to care for the earth. Location: 869 Watch Point Rd, Shoreham.

CVUUS promotes Bristol Solar Project to help Clemmons Family Farm

Individual CVUUS members and friends were able to buy into the Bristol Community Solar Project, a project of the Acorn Energy Co-op. CVUUS participants were able to designate a part of their purchase to benefit the Clemmons Family Farm in Ferrisburgh due to the efforts of the Addison County Interfaith Climate Action Network (ICAN).  CVUUS was able to cover the “tithe” to the Clemmons Family Farm and led a dedication at the opening of the new array on Jan 8, 2022.

Interested in learning about local climate issues, efforts and successes?

Steve Maier, Richard Hopkins and Jean Terwilliger, who are from this congregation and on the board of the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County (CEAC, www.CEACAC.org) say,

“We do a monthly e-newsletter that many folks find a good way to learn about local climate issues, efforts and successes (and some broader climate news, too, in brief). You may already get the CEAC newsletter. But if you don’t — and would like to — I hope you’ll take a moment to sign up here: http://eepurl.com/dMlCh2. Thanks!