Green Committee

Team: Amanda Maclean, Christina Cervantes (Chair), Diana Keohane, Matt Zimmerman, Nancy Kaelin, Rebecca Gore We meet once a month on a Sunday.

Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice

Our first major initiative, launched in October 2023 was beginning participation in the UUA’s Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice program. This ambitious program is designed to be completed in phases, with the ultimate goal of transforming our church into a model of sustainability and an active advocate for climate justice and community resilience by 2030. Charter Statement: “Earth is our home. We are Earth too, but we have forgotten. We cannot tolerate misinformation, despair, and inaction when it comes to the health of our dear planet home. We’ve seen how devastating and unsustainable climate chaos can be and we want to be prepared, to do our part to restore balance with mother Earth, and to foster local resilience. We wish to serve our congregation, community, and future generations by inspiring individual and collective actions, rather than remain comfortable. We are compelled by love and experience to extend our empathy, compassion, and resources especially to those who do not have the income, literacy, and/or fluency in English to prepare.” 2050 Vision: “The First Parish Chelmsford Green Committee wants to feel joyful, safe, and connected by building a thriving, aware, and inclusive community in harmony with Mother Earth by 2050, because we believe everyone deserves to share in Earth’s abundance. This is hard because we must dismantle & reimagine harmful systems quickly while facing political and economic resistance. But if we find a way to do this, it will mean we’ve learned again to live interwoven with our planet’s well-being, and sparked a brighter path for other communities and future generations.”

🌿 Green Committee 2025–2026 Highlights

This year, the Green Committee worked to make First Parish Chelmsford more sustainable, connected, and resilient.

Highlights included:

  • Installing a new bicycle rack
  • Improving heating efficiency with new zones and thermostats
  • Making coffee hour more sustainable and inclusive
  • Supporting local community organizations including Mill City Grows and the Merrimack River Watershed Council
  • Expanding environmental education through worship, youth programs, and community events
  • Distributing native seeds and promoting biodiversity
  • Reviving the Jolene Dubner Park Cleanup Day
  • Identifying five focus areas for our 2030 Green Sanctuary work: Connected Congregation, Greater Lowell Climate Justice, Greener Church, Joyful & Sustainable Events, and Resilience Hub
Thank you to everyone who helped us move toward a more sustainable, just, and resilient future. 🌎💚 Green Tip: Join Us!

Resources and Community Groups we love:

    • Fix-It Clinics in Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, and Westford
    • Mill City Grows: Local vegetables, cooking classes, and more for the Merrimack Valley
    • Beyond Plastics: Grassroots movement of people working to reduce plastic pollution in their own towns and cities.

Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice

If you are interested in being part of the GREEN COMMITTEE or to be added to our mailing list, email: green-committee@uuchelmsford.org Follow us on Facebook