Sustainability efforts are gaining momentum across La Grange—and one local congregation is being recognized at a national level for its leadership.
First Presbyterian Church of La Grange (FPCLG) has been officially certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)—a distinction awarded to churches demonstrating a deep, ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Notably, only about 5% of Presbyterian congregations across the country have achieved this recognition.
The certification reflects meaningful action across four key areas of church life: facilities, worship, education, and community outreach. At FPCLG, that commitment shows up in both visible upgrades and community-facing initiatives.
Recent efforts include:
- Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting
- Incorporating solar electricity into operations
- Maintaining a community garden, with produce supporting local food pantries
- Supporting clean water initiatives in El Salvador through its Living Waters program
- Offering environmental programming for children and youth
- Hosting a monthly Earth Care discussion group covering topics like food waste, microplastics, and climate change
Together, these initiatives reflect a thoughtful, long-term approach to sustainability—one that extends beyond the church walls and into the broader community.
“We are extremely proud to receive this certification and look forward to expanding our environmental care initiatives in the future,” shared Greg Beglen, who leads FPCLG’s Earth Care Committee.
The Earth Care Congregation program recognizes churches that not only commit to caring for the environment, but also actively integrate those values into everyday practice. As Jessica Maudlin, Associate for Sustainable Living and Earth Care Concerns for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), noted, these congregations serve as “vital parts of their communities and inspirational witnesses” for environmental responsibility.
For La Grange, it’s another example of how local organizations—across all sectors—are contributing to a stronger, more sustainable community.
To learn more about First Presbyterian Church of La Grange’s Earth Care initiatives, visit their http://www.fpclg.org/welcome#earth-care.