Spring is coming and with spring will come a project to distribute 480 Earth Worms throughout the community. This project will invite the community to participate in our green energy project and offer an opportunity to make a modest contribution to the solar panels on the roof of the church. The solar panels will provide the energy required to run the three heat pumps we installed to replace two oil burning furnaces, a project that helps clear the air in Annapolis Royal. The earth worms are small crocheted items that will include "worry worms", book mark worms, and pet toys. The earth worms will be made by volunteers throughout the community using donated left over scraps of yarn, and will come packed in a hand-made paper bag using pages from old magazines and seed catalogues. We will be asking a mere $1 for these items to make them affordable for everyone, including children, to give them an opportunity to participate in this environmental project. The cost of each solar panel is $480 and we are setting a goal of selling 480 worms to cover the cost of one panel. If you are interested in getting involved, and spreading our worms throughout the community stay tuned for further details.

1.  All of the old ductwork was removed in the basement and furnace room areas and replaced with new larger capacity ductwork in preparation for the 5 ton heat pump that will be used to heat the sanctuary.
2.  The oil tank was removed from the basement.
3. The 2 oil furnaces were removed.
4.  The oil fired hot water heater was removed and replaced with an electric hot water heater.
5.  Two heat pumps were installed; one to heat the Jim Macintosh Hall and kitchen area and the other to heat the old Sunday School Room/Meeting room/library. A 5 ton Heat Pump was installed to heat the Sanctuary.  A great deal of electrical work was required for the 5 ton heat pump and all systems seem to be working well.
6.  Four new industrial ceiling fans were installed in the Sanctuary as recommended in the Energy Assessment.
7.  We draft-proofed the swinging doors leading into the church from the two foyer areas.
8.  The entire attic insulation has now been upgraded to R60.
9.  The rough in electrical work and new electrical panel have now been installed by Wattsup Solar in the Wheel Chair Ramp foyer in preparation for the Solar Panels being installed and connected.
Work left to be Completed:
10. We are waiting for the Wattsup Solar Limited to install the 44 solar panels and complete all the remaining electrical work necessary to get our solar energy up and running. There have been supply and weather related issues that have caused an installation delay. We are hopeful this work will be completed soon.

For over ten years our community has played with the idea of officially becoming an "Affirming church" registered with Affirm United. We believe that in practice, we are already affirming people in their individual journeys and identities, however becoming officially an Affirming church would make our commitment Public, Intentional and Explicit.  Since in the past the required vote and 75% endorsement by a congregation has led to strife and division in some communities of faith, our church was perhaps (too?) careful and a bit afraid to have that vote earlier. However we have done in the meantime a lot of work, and our "Affirm team" is now ready.  Have a look at our journey below, and pray for a good outcome on May 1st, 2022.