Envisioning a world in which we all value and protect the environment on which our lives and communities depend.

The Green Sanctuary Committee encourages awareness, appreciation and action in support of the environment on which we all depend. We promote worship that deepens our connection to the natural world, educational programs for all ages, and service projects that benefit our local area and beyond.

We post periodic Green News and information here.

We meet the 2nd Sunday of each month following the worship service. Please join us! To contact the committee co-chairs, send an email to greensanctuary@ccuu.org.

Do you share our vision?

Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist achieved accreditation as a Green Sanctuary in 2012. This program of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) encourages our congregation to grow in appreciation and care for the natural world and all who depend upon it.

Accreditation was the first step in our work to create a sustainable and environmentally sound society.  The Committee continues to champion and guide the process by creating and supporting programs and activities in four areas:

• Worship and Celebration
• Religious Education
• Sustainable Living
• Environmental Justice

Our ongoing programs and activities include screenings of environmental films; an organic vegetable garden and donations of garden produce to the Palatine Food Pantry; educational events and lectures; support for Earth Day celebrations; celebration of the Summer and Winter Solstices; and much more.  We also support other groups in their environmental programming.

Countryside Garden

To further strengthen the connection between our spiritual practices, the earth, our green sanctuary effort, and our social action commitment, Countryside gardeners plant and tend garden plots located on the church campus. Among other uses, the fruits (and vegetables!) of our labors are donated to the Palatine Township Food Pantry. For more info, email Mike at Gardens@ccuu.org.

Solar Panels

Solar Panels were installed and put into service on the roof of our church building in December 2017. The investment in this renewable energy source demonstrates one of the congregation’s commitments to sustainable living. Real-time indicators of both the solar generation and consumption of electrical power at the church can be seen here.