“Here Comes the Sun” at Lexington Park UMC
By Katherine Dibbern
LPUMC Solar Team
In November 2024, Lexington Park United Methodist Church made a decision rooted in prayer, faithfulness, and obedience to God. As God's children, we are called to “keep the Earth” (Genesis 2:15), and one way we can do that is by ensuring we use natural resources responsibly, conservatively, and with an eye to the health and well-being of future generations. With this in mind, the United Leadership Board voted to install 138 solar panels on the roof of the church building, with installation scheduled for the summer of 2025. Through the spring, preparatory work was undertaken, and by September 15, the solar panels were turned on, producing power and even selling excess back to the local utility company, SMECO.
The goal of this project is two-fold:
- To care for God’s creation as we feel called to do as God's faithful Children, and
- To divert monthly utility cost savings created by this change to fund other missional opportunities.
The project was not without its challenges, mainly involving the large upfront cost of the installation. In total, the project cost $189,000 with approximately $75,000 in various tax credits available, bringing the church’s cost to $114,000. The decision was made to pay this amount from available reserves and then fundraise to replenish those funds. This felt like the best choice to get the contract in place while tax credits were still available.
Over the last six months, LPUMC has undertaken various fundraising efforts to replenish these funds. The “Sonshine Solar Fund” committee has planned, promoted, and hosted events to raise funds for this project outside of regular tithing. The most successful of these has been the “Sponsor a Panel” program, which allows church members to “buy” a quarter, half, or whole panel. This effort has raised approximately $38,000 so far, with several families eager to create a legacy in the church. In November, the committee will host a charity auction featuring assorted items and services donated by local businesses and church members.
We are thankful to our generous church family for supporting this effort, and we are confident that God will provide the remaining funding needed as we obey God's command to care for the Earth.
If you would like to contribute to this effort, contact Karen Mumbert.