The Parish of St Peter and St Margaret, Rochester, is the latest of a number of churches within the Diocese who have decided to work towards becoming an an Eco-Church.
Eco-Church is a national award scheme. It aims to equip churches to express their care for God’s world through some key areas:
- Through their worship and teaching;
- How they look after their buildings and land;
- How they engage with their local community and in global campaigns; and
- In the personal lifestyles of their congregations.
By completing a free online survey, churches can plan and document their actions in order to obtain an Eco Church Award: Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
A series of free online resources are also available on a wide range of topics, from how to care for wildlife in your churchyard, to energy efficient lighting.
The Rev Joel Love, Vicar of St Peter and St Margaret's, says that they are excited to be beginning their Eco-Church journey:
"Our Eco-Church drive actually grew out from a parish vision away day using the diocesan 'Called to Grow' materials.
"We're now excited to begin developing ways to fulfill our obligation to care for God's creation and to transform unjust structures in society. Lofty ambitions but we will try our best!"
A series of environmentally inspired activities and services will take place throughout the season of Creationtide at the church, to help launch their Eco-Church commitment.
Christine Seth-Smith, is the Licensed Lay Minister at the church and has been championing the move. She says that small steps can make a big difference:
"Some people might feel that whatever we do as an individual or a family won't make a difference.
"However, by signing up to Eco-Church, we hope to show that if we share our ideas and talk about what we are doing, we can encourage and inspire others."