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St. Michael’s has a Green Team? Really!

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As God’s children we are tasked with stewardship of our environment. We are all concerned about the catastrophic impact of climate change. This is an issue of environmental justice as well. Climate change has disproportionate effects on the poor and marginalized, leads to increased social disparity and global instability. As a church we can take action. In 2022, the National Church adopted a resolution at the General Convention to commit to goal of Net Carbon Neutrality in operations by 2030. The Diocese of Northern California, at the November 2022 convention, called upon parishes and schools to determine how to become carbon neutral by 2030. The diocese has also provided resources to assist parishes in this endeavor. To that end, the Vestry here at St. Michael’s has formed the Green Team to investigate how we as a church, and as individuals, can become carbon neutral. The committee consists of Rick Larkey, Pat Cole, and Sue Gaston.  We began meeting this fall.

So, what does Carbon Neutral mean? It means having a balance between the carbon emitted by a facility and the amount of carbon that is absorbed or removed from the atmosphere. How does a facility implement this goal? By reducing carbon emissions and providing offsets (trees, solar energy, purchase of offsets) to achieve a balance.

The Green Team is already working with SMUD, the Day School, and the Diocese to assess our current status, and evaluate what changes we could make to move to carbon neutral by 2030. Will this cost money? Yes, but it will also result considerable energy savings. There are also rebates, tax credits, etc. that will help offset the costs.

Stay tuned to the Messenger for updates as this work progresses.

Sanctuary Renovations 2017

The Sanctuary we worship in today was completed in May 1963 and has undergone a renovation that was completed in 2018.  We moved the altar into the center of our worship space to reflect the goal of Christ being in the center of our lives.  We upgraded the lighting, sound, and video capabilities.  Our unique stained glass windows were cared for in the process as well.  We hope you can feel the holiness of our space and can settle into its beauty.

Since we moved back into the classrooms and the Sanctuary, we are enjoying the beauty and enhancements of the newly renovated spaces. It was a great success in all ways! Follow the story of our church renovation.

Follow the Renovation HistoryLooking to Use Our Facilities?

Usage of St. Michael's Facilities

In addition to our own diocesan church groups and organizations, St. Michael’s has traditionally offered its campus facilities to individuals and community groups in an on-going effort to outreach to the community and our surrounding neighbors.  We are proud to share our space with St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School and Troop 802.  It is a busy and well used campus!

Use the Facilities

Emergency Preparedness Disaster Plan

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church has developed a Disaster Preparedness Plan to help mitigate casualty in the event of some catastrophe. Please review and familiarize yourself with this document.

Disaster Preparedness Document

Facilities Usage

Available Space

If you are interested in using our facilities, please contact our office.  To use our facilities, we require you to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement and follow our Alcohol Policy.  Included in the facility Use Policy are a list of our fees.

Available FacilitiesFacilities Use PolicyFacilities Use AgreementPrintable description of the facilitiesFacility Request Form

Available Facilities

Church

The sanctuary will accommodate approximately 300 people and its use is at the discretion of the Rector.

Parish Hall

The Parish Hall is approximately 30 by 60 feet and will accommodate 200 people. The Parish Hall is separated from Johnstone Hall by a collapsible wall. The Parish Hall has some sound system capabilities.

Instructions for Use

Johnstone Hall

This hall is approximately twice the size of the Parish Hall – 46 feet by 60 feet. It is equipped to host community theatre (lights and a limited sound system) with a stage and stage extenders.

Instructions for Use

Friendship Room

This room is approximately 23 by 17 feet. In assembly set up, it has a maximum capacity of 27 people. It regularly has a U-Shape set up that can seat up to 18 people at tables facing the white board and smart TV. This room has a sink in it.  The Friendship Room and The Noel Porter Room can be combined to create space for up to 50 people in assembly set up.

The Noel Porter Room (Classroom)

This room is approximately 23 by 14 1/2 feet. In assembly set up, it has maximum capacity of 22 people. It has a conference type table that can seat 10 comfortably. This room has a sink in it.  The Friendship Room and The Noel Porter Room can be combined to create space for up to 50 people in assembly set up.

Hayden room (conference room)

This room is approximately 16 by 18 1/2 feet. It has a conference table and chairs that will accommodate 8 people. In assembly set up, it has a maximum capacity of 21 people. This room has a smart TV and a white board.

Courtyard

This attractive outside area has garden beds with trees and flowers. It also has a fountain, benches and tables and umbrellas. There is a sound system in the courtyard now.

We also have a lovely labyrinth.  If you would like to use the labyrinth, please schedule a time with the office.  You are welcome to bring a group with you if you would like.

Kitchen

St. Michael’s has a commercial-sized kitchen immediately adjacent to the Parish Hall. It is equipped with a six burner gas range; two large ovens; a large grill; a convection oven, a commercial dishwasher with adjacent large, stainless steel sinks; two commercial refrigerators; a commercial ice machine; a large prep area with a stainless steel prep table and twin sinks. Coffee pots of varying sizes, and serving dishes and utensils are also available.

Instructions for Use