Bishop Blesses Medford Church’s Solar Panels

Bishop Bud Cederholm, retired Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, also know as the “Green Bishop” for his work advocating for environmental causes in Massachusetts and nationally, blessed the new 25 Kw solar array at Grace Episcopal Church.

The installation of the solar array is the result of years of work by the church community and is the culmination of an effort to reduce the church’s carbon footprint as part of the Genesis Covenant for churches to reduce their carbon footprint by 50%. In the last few years Grace Church has installed new LED and compact florescent lighting, new energy efficient appliances, and a high efficiency gas heating system. All of these improvements are meant to reduce the energy use of the church building and be a sign and witness of the parish’s commitment to the environment and care of creation.

The gathering for the blessing service included prayers for the environment, songs, and reflections and culminated in Bishop Bud being raised to the roof in a lift provided by the City of Medford for the occasion for a sprinkling of the solar panels with Holy Water. The blessing was followed by a dinner and a parish “Creation Care” celebration.

– Submitted by The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church