All Saints Episcopal Church is hosting a Solar Celebration on Saturday, September 27, on the front lawn under its new solar pavilion. All are invited to join at 3847 Terracina, Riverside, 6-8 pm.
The evening will include the dedication and blessing of the new solar power system and thanks to the many people who contributed to making it possible. There will be a taco truck, music, and an opportunity to connect with others dedicated to the care of creation.
Project lead and church member Steve Slaten said “All Saints is proud to be able to produce clean, renewable energy to help mitigate climate change and support our community.” As the new system begins to function at capacity, there is an expectation that extra energy will be shared with neighbors.
In addition, according to church member and buildings and grounds manager Francie Johnson said, “We are thrilled that through our careful planning, our beautiful solar pavilion is well-integrated with the our historic campus,” which is a Riverside landmark. All Saints’ Rector Kelli Grace Kurtz said the church has a longstanding place in the life of the city. Since 1887, she said, All Saints has been a center of spiritual health in Riverside, a place created by the time, talent and treasure of many who came before, and a place where so many can come for respite and renewal, and to glean the strength of the Creator. According to Kurtz, “The people of All Saints believe this solar pavilion continues that good work, at the same time that it addresses a major energy concern facing Riverside today.”
This has been a major project for the congregation. As part of a robust Care of Creation program, solar power was a hope for some years. “We started in earnest in the spring of 2022,” Slaten said, “and spent about $300,000 to bring it to fruition.” In addition, “thanks to donations from Southern California Edison’s Food Service Laboratory, we have already electrified our kitchen. Plus, we’ve replaced all our exterior and interior lighting with LED fixtures which consume less energy, through energy-saving programs offered by RPU.” Looking ahead, All Saints aims to add EV charging stations and become a resiliency resource for their neighbors, according to Slaten.
“Come,” she Kurtz, “Help us celebrate! Join in collaborating on future projects that honor creation and the wellbeing of Riverside.” Please email AllSaintsR@gmail.com to attend.