Please find a link to our on-line version of the September 2022 magazine. Paper copies can be picked up at either of our two churches and we would love to see you!
This edition includes pieces on Creation Season, 25 years of Margery and Barbara being Readers – and a farewell from Margaret and Michael Ryan. There’s also news and updates from our various groups and organisations along with prayers and reflections. Plus the September 2022 magazine has this letter from Dave…
A positive contribution
Dear Friends, as I write, we are experiencing once again some of the hottest weather in recent years. Earlier in the summer, record breaking temperatures were recorded throughout the country. There is no doubt in my mind that the effects of climate change are being seen in these weather patterns and other environmental issues.
The fifth Mark of Mission states the need “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”. This is more than a commitment to recycling or the like. It is a fundamental change to the way in which we live as we seek to play our part in caring for God’s world. There are many resources available online that help in this campaign.
Eco-church
Eco-church is a project that has developed in recent years to encourage churches to assess their role in this part of our mission. The Eco Church movement encourages and supports churches in their care for God’s creation across five areas of church life:
- worship and teaching
- buildings
- land
- community and global engagement
- lifestyle
Churches are asked to complete an online Eco Survey about how they are caring for God’s earth in different areas of their life and work. The answers provided will collect points towards an Eco Church Award. In this Diocese each church has been asked to assess our Energy Footprint Tool. This enables us to examine how our buildings use energy and find out our “carbon footprint”.
As we enter the season of Creation – which lasts from 1 September to 4 October – it is good to monitor the impact that our lifestyles have on the environment and how we can make a positive contribution to the world that God made.
With best wishes, Dave
Magazine cover and the picture on this post are from https://seasonofcreation.org