Tips towards gaining an EcoChurch Award 4. What we can learn Thursday 16th February 2017 at St Andrews Churchdown Revd Arthur Champion, Diocesan Environmental Adviser

AGENDA 1.  Why care about the natural environment 2.  What local churches are doing 3.  EcoChurch Award 4.  What we can learn from others

“…having the support of your minister, having a few key individuals who are committed to the process, and identifying the ‘easy wins’ in the survey. I would also recommend choosing one or two bigger projects to do eg. -  raising money to twin your toilets, -  creating an eco garden, -  organising a regular litter pick with

others from your community etc)

that can act as flag-ship projects that get more profile within the church and have a bit of a buzz to them.”

February 2016

4. What we can learn from others…

Dr Ruth Valerio’s top tips:

Lyme Regis Baptist Church gained a Bronze Eco Church Award in February 2016. One of the things they did by way of working towards their Award was to switch to a renewable energy company to supply the electricity and gas used by the church. This has made a big difference to their carbon footprint! However, they also found that smaller things – like using eco-friendly cleaning products – really helped the church family to reflect on the importance of looking after the environment as an expression of their faith.

4. What we can learn from others…

Streetly Methodist Church Having replaced an old heating system with new one fuelled by a biomass boiler, the church began thinking about a 20-year future plan and how caring for the environment might feature in it. They signed up to Eco Church when it launched and began working towards an Award. A particular highlight was working together to plan a big Eco Weekend. The church was also thrilled to see their young people get involved in a range of fantastic eco projects. However, it wasn’t always easy to persuade people of the merits of devoting time and resources to environmental matters and considerable effort had to be made to get sufficient numbers enthusing about this aspect of mission.!

4. What we can learn from others…

The vicar started with the leadership team and PCC - Eco Church brochure - Biblical foundation See who may be interested: - suitable person to lead - involve a cross-section of the congregation Registered and printed off the survey - replaced light bulbs for energy efficient ones, - reduced heating - used environmentally friendly cleaning products, use of recycled paper, eco-gardens and introducing Celtic worship Kick started at Creationtide (pre-Harvest) with a sermon series using invited speakers and a display of Fair Trade products Framed certificate on the wall near our EcoChurch notice board. - local uniformed groups put the raised beds into the front lawn - a local school has a patch in our rear gardens - we are planning the “prayer space” Hosted a diocesan conference on the environment Focus is now on refugees

4. What we can learn from others…

4. What we can learn from others…

EcoChurches in Gloucestershire

Q&A