What is our response, as people from faith communities, to the challenges of climate change and racial injustice? Individually, our houses of worship have already begun to highlight a path to a renewable future. Together, we can do much more!
Project highlights
On April 11, 2026, a record number of volunteers gathered for a two-hour tree planting event at Union Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Lansing. According to Lansing Forestry Supervisor Irene Cahill, the approximately 100 participants marked the largest turnout for a single planting event in her more than 30 years of service.
The effort was coordinated by a broad coalition of organizations, including the City of Lansing Forestry Service, City of Lansing Community Relations and Faith-Based Initiatives, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Michigan State University Community Engaged Learning, Peoples Church Earth Stewardship Ministry, and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light. Pastor Kenneth Craig welcomed volunteers and expressed gratitude for their participation, noting that the tree planting—requested by the City—will provide natural screening along the southern edge of the church property following the recent construction of a detached garage.
Reflecting on the event, Luci Solis, manager of the Mayor’s Community Relations and Faith-Based Initiatives program, described it as a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose, emphasizing that the group not only planted trees but also strengthened community bonds. In total, 15 trees, including City Slicker Birch and Oak Leaf Mountain Ash, were planted along the southern and western boundaries of the church grounds, with additional shrubs planned for the future
Want to be updated on the latest issues and stay in touch with Michigan IPL-Capital Area Chapter?
Each month, CAC joins Hope For Creation for Calling for Climate Justice, a virtual action event where community members spend 30 minutes contacting their elected officials about key climate justice issues. Join them the first Tuesday of each month - register here.
Members of congregations from the Lansing area are joining together to promote transformative climate action in our community. The Capital Area Chapter's efforts currently involve members from:
- Presbyterian Church of Okemos
- Okemos Community Church
- Haslett Community Church UCC, Edgewood United Church (E. Lansing)
- Islamic Center of East Lansing
- First Presbyterian Church of Lansing
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing
- All Saints Episcopal Church (E. Lansing), University Lutheran Church (E. Lansing)
- Kehillat Israel (Lansing)
- Community of Christ (Lansing)
- People's Church (E. Lansing)
- Faith Lutheran (Okemos)
- Charlotte Congregational UCC
New Intern for the Capital Area Chapter!
Hello everyone! My name is Viktoria Petkovich, and I am the new intern at Michigan Interfaith Power & Light. I am currently a student at Michigan State University, and I’m a political science major on a pre-law track. I’m an Orthodox Christian and a member of the St. Stevan Decanski Orthodox Church congregation in the Metro-Detroit area, which is where I’m from.
The Church has been a central part of my life since my childhood, and my faith has guided me through every stage of life, strengthening my connection over time. I’m excited to explore the relationship between religion and climate justice, and the importance of connecting one’s faith with care for the natural world that inspires advocacy organizations like IPL. I look forward to working with Michigan IPL and connecting with the community.
I'm going to be working with Michigan IPL and the Capital Area Chapter as a communications and outreach intern, collaborating with MSU and the surrounding East Lansing community to increase advocacy and engagement!
Interested in supporting CAC’s efforts? Contact David Arnosti ([email protected]) to be added to the email list and get involved! |