Have you heard the great news! … we’re on our way to gaining a Bronze Eco Church Award in (hopefully) 2019!
At the start of Lent we launched our new initiative and mission to ‘Cherish God’s Earth’ by inviting you to join us in our Lent Plastic Challenge. Those of you who are readers of our ‘Do you know?’ regular Newsletter, will already know that we want to express our care for God’s world by being part of something called Eco Church.
What is Eco Church all about? Eco Church is A Rocha UK’s award scheme for churches who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God’s earth. A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world. There are three levels of Eco Church Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold.
How does Eco Church work? We complete a free online Eco Survey to record what we are already doing to care for God’s earth relating to: 1)worship and teaching2) church buildingsandland3) community and global engagement 4) Lifestyle. The survey then tells us how many points we have scored, and whether we qualify for an award.
Where are we up to? Well, the title of this article somewhat gives the game away! Our PCC Vision Groups, alongside the Standing Committee, have been busy completing our Eco Survey. We’ve scored really well in most areas, but the gauge hasn’t quite turned bronze for the ‘lifestyle’ area. We must meet a minimum of bronze in all areas to be able to apply for the award!
Note: St Mary and St Leonard, Wallingford Eco Church survey results May 2019
So, exciting news but what are the next steps? The PCC’s Outreach and Nurture Vision Group, who own the ‘lifestyle’ area of our Eco Church survey, have reflected on what more we can do to improve our lifestyle score. Over the coming months, you’ll be hearing more about some initiatives and ideas to help us to Cherish God’s Earth in the way we live out our daily lives.
How can I help? We’d really love it if you would engage and support the initiatives and ideas that you’ll be hearing about over the coming months. We’d also love to hear your ideas about what lifestyle changes or choices we can make to help us to continue Cherishing God’s Earth.
What to know more? Then have a chat to Emma Cross (01491 837815 or emmarcross@hotmail.com or after church on Sunday morning in St Mary’s) or take a look at our Eco Church web page.