There are economic benefits of these two proposed projects. The 96% efficiency of the new boiler system will save $3,000-$4,000 on gas costs per year. As gas costs rise in the future these savings will increase yearly. The solar panels will generate around 70% of our electric use. Generating our own electricity is an opportunity that will benefit the St Luke's budget in future years. Those savings increasing every year as electric costs continue to rise. The yearly savings from these two projects can be allocated to other ministries at St Luke's.
There are other benefits beyond economic, however. One of the consequences of the pandemic is our inability to gather together. This inability not just affects large groups, but also inhibits casual conversation if we aren't in the same place. It's unfortunate we've not had the opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each project on a more personal level. We have had some opportunity, through the two information sessions that have been held so far, but the format tends to be more question and answer rather than conversational. There is one more information session tomorrow night, Wednesday, 7 PM via Zoom.
The limited conversations I have had have been fruitful. A couple of weeks ago I met with the Stewardship Committee. I think they thought I had gone crazy as I was excitably talking about boilers. The proposed new boiler system will provide backup heating for our building. It will also drastically reduce the continual maintenance Mark Hagelin, our Property Chair, has been doing on the current boiler.
As we look to the future we will need to find alternative energy, including solar
energy. Solar panels are a way for all of us at St Luke's to participate in solar
power even if it's not practical to do so individually. I believe both these projects, by saving energy and using fewer fossil fuels, support our mission at St Luke's by being good stewards.
Another big impact of the current pandemic is of course the delay in our Capital
Campaign. When it resumes this fall I believe these two projects will add to the
impetus and importance of supporting the mission of St Luke's via the revived
Capital Campaign. I believe these projects will provide a springboard for St
Luke's as we prepare for our future. As we move into our 2nd century, our next
100 years!
Thank you, Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Larry Nelson, Congregational President
952 884 2110
lnelsonic@gmail.com
There are other benefits beyond economic, however. One of the consequences of the pandemic is our inability to gather together. This inability not just affects large groups, but also inhibits casual conversation if we aren't in the same place. It's unfortunate we've not had the opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each project on a more personal level. We have had some opportunity, through the two information sessions that have been held so far, but the format tends to be more question and answer rather than conversational. There is one more information session tomorrow night, Wednesday, 7 PM via Zoom.
The limited conversations I have had have been fruitful. A couple of weeks ago I met with the Stewardship Committee. I think they thought I had gone crazy as I was excitably talking about boilers. The proposed new boiler system will provide backup heating for our building. It will also drastically reduce the continual maintenance Mark Hagelin, our Property Chair, has been doing on the current boiler.
As we look to the future we will need to find alternative energy, including solar
energy. Solar panels are a way for all of us at St Luke's to participate in solar
power even if it's not practical to do so individually. I believe both these projects, by saving energy and using fewer fossil fuels, support our mission at St Luke's by being good stewards.
Another big impact of the current pandemic is of course the delay in our Capital
Campaign. When it resumes this fall I believe these two projects will add to the
impetus and importance of supporting the mission of St Luke's via the revived
Capital Campaign. I believe these projects will provide a springboard for St
Luke's as we prepare for our future. As we move into our 2nd century, our next
100 years!
Thank you, Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Larry Nelson, Congregational President
952 884 2110
lnelsonic@gmail.com