Rain Gardens and Collaboration with St. Paul’s Christian Church

St. Paul’s Christian Church in Raleigh, NC recently took a big step in the stewardship of God’s creation. The congregation invited the public to a “Creation Celebration” to bless a brightly painted 1100-gallon cistern and two rain gardens that help divert and treat stormwater runoff from its parking lot, sidewalk, and buildings.

St. Pauls’ “Green Team” spearheaded the project and rallied painters of all ages to decorate the 1100 gal cistern that collects rainwater for vegetable gardens cultivated by church members and friends. Cary based mural artist, Arianne Hemlein designed and outlined the mural for volunteers to paint. The addition to the campus will redirect stormwater runoff, eliminate the use of city water for the community gardens and reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff to the Crabtree Creek watershed. The “Green Team” credits Bass Engineering and Whittaker Worx Inc. for their guidance, vision and construction. The City of Raleigh Rainwater Rewards program supported the project by reimbursing almost 75% of the total cost. Details and photos of the project are available at: SPCC Raingarden. Located at 3331 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, St. Paul’s is a mid-size Disciples of Christ congregation. Founded in 1959, it is served by Rev. Diane Faires Beadle and Rev. Amanda Kerr.

Water Cistern and Solar support

Additional information regarding Green Chalice:
St. Paul’s has been a Green Chalice Congregation since 2019. In addition to this raingarden project, the congregation’s Green Team has helped the congregation embrace a number of climate-sustaining practices, including composting, the installation of a 12.2KW solar array, intentional care and celebration of Aunt Alba, its 250+ year old White Oak, and helping lead an Annual Earth Sunday service
of worship. More information and photos are available at: SPCC Green Team