God's Green Fingers Environment E-news
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Watching the birds fliting from tree to bush out of my window, as I am doing now, is a good reminder that the rest of creation is actively worshiping God all the time, not consciously and out of choice as people do, but in its own way bringing glory to their Creator. The pandemic may have altered how we worship Jesus as Lord and Creator of all, but it has not diminished either, our need to, or our ability to act to cherish and heal the whole community of creation.
This edition of God’s Green Fingers is, as always, packed with stories of local, regional and national initiatives and resources to bring you hope of what a renewed earth could be like. From congregations connecting with nature, to getting to grips with carbon reduction for your church, or taking on the 10 Pledges personally, there are plenty of opportunities to be active in our faith even in these unprecedented times. Read on!
God bless
Jemima Parker,
Diocesan Environment Officer
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How to start the journey to be a net zero carbon church? This is the topic of a series of new webinars laid on by the national C of E Environment Campaign team. These are “technical webinars for non-technical people” giving the real practicalities of taking action. Topics include a range of low carbon solutions including heating, lighting, solar and electric car charging.
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Bradford Cathedral are pulling out all the stops again for another thought provoking and uplifting online event. Following on from the success of their flagship Eco Extravaganza event during the Season of Creation this new Hope on the Edge multimedia service will focus on sources of Community Hope, Future Hope and Hope for the Planet as it tells stories to encourage and inspire prayer in troubled times.
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We are delighted that Rev Dr Jan Goodair is joining Anita Shaw as joint Area Environment Champion for the Leeds Area. Jan brings a wealth of experience and skills to the team including having conducted research into Christian attitudes to ‘other than human’ animals and to the environment.
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The 10 Pledges to reduce your carbon emission have been transformed into a short video for parishes to use on their websites or in services. Bradford Cathedral worked with the Church House team to produce the video. They are now working on a 12 Eco Christmas Tips clip that will be available soon.
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Despite the restrictions associated with the pandemic many churches around the diocese are finding that there are plenty of opportunities to engage in action on the environment. Eco focused services have been held at St Chad’s Far Headingley and St Mark’s Harrogate for example, and others are continuing to work towards their Eco church awards. Congratulations to All Hallows, Bardsey, who have just been awarded a Bronze Eco Church.
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How can your Faith Community Prepare for COP 26? |
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The United Nations 26th conference of parties will take place in Glasgow in November 2021 (COP 26). In preparation for this important global summit Anita Shaw, Joint Leeds Area Environment Champion, attended a series of training events, run by Faith for the Climate to find out what we can do personally and as churches.
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There was a positive reception to definition of net zero carbon for the 2030 target for the C of E from the original General Synod motion proposer, Canon Martin Gainsborough. The Diocese of Leeds already has a working group scoping how this target could be achieved. An update on national progress will be given to the General Synod when it meets later this month.
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Solar panels and other renewable energy generation for church heating and lighting are high on the agenda as the Church of England starts its journey to be carbon neutral by 2030. The DAC has put in place Sustainability Principles that are sympathetic to appropriate faculty applications for solar panels and other renewable energy generation.
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The Methodist Council has voted to support a motion calling for divestment from fossil fuel companies that have ‘not aligned their business investment plans with the Paris Agreement target of a global temperature rise well below 2 degrees’. They agreed further action is needed to fully implement a motion on divestment passed by the 2017 Methodist Conference.
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The Environment Bill is currently working its way through Parliament. It's directly linked to Brexit, with the government required to put in place environmental protections which were previously upheld by the EU. Hope for the Future have written a handy review of the bill to help you contact your MP with any concerns.
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13 November 11.45am. Interested in how your church could engage with the local council on the Climate and Ecological Emergency? Join the Faith Groups webinar at this year's UK Climate and Ecological Emergency Conference.
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14 November 10-11.30am. Dr Tim Gordon speaks at this Harrogate School of Mission and Theology Event. Tim was recently named the Society of Experimental Biology’s ‘Young Scientist of the Year’, and he will explore how Christianity can link us to the natural world, guide our responses to environmental destruction, and provide hope for the future of the planet.
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17 November 7.15pm. A bi-monthly Environmental Book Club where we can read and explore eco fiction and works of environmental non-fiction and their relationship with Christianity in a world which recognises the interconnected nature of God and the world in which we live.
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22 November 6.30pm Community Hope, Future Hope, Hope for the Planet: Stories to inspire and encourage in troubled times. A Hope on the Edge event from Bradford Cathedral.
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24 November 1-2pm. An online webinar for churches to learn how Eco Church actions can help them cut their carbon and care for creation. Hosted by the Dioceses of Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn, Carlisle and Chester together. This will be followed on Saturday April 24th by the North West Eco Church conference.
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1 December 4pm If you have questions and want support taking creation care forward in your church, these drop-in sessions are for you. Simply join the Zoom call.
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3 December 6pm Award-winning climate scientist, Dr Katharine Hayhoe, will discuss how best to prepare for the risks posed by climate change, and how to translate climate science into actionable planning for resilience at the local scale. Professor at Texas Tech University and named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Katharine is an evangelical Christian who has been effective in communicating climate change to the US church.
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Seven-session course facilitated by Rev Ruth Newton. Develop Biblical understanding of the connections between ecological concerns and Christian faith. Taking place on Zoom Thursdays 7.30-9pm, commencing 3rd Nov.
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This series of webinars is designed to support and equip you to reach the Church’s ambitious "net zero carbon" emissions target. Forming your Team, Action Planning, A positive vision of a zero carbon church, Defining and measuring net zero - choose as many topics as you need to help you on this decade-long journey.
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A celebration of all things eco and church, a wealth of informative talks and videos to inspire and equip you and your church for creation care action.
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Videos and more from a weekend of events and inspiration. Speakers include Jonathon Porritt, Melanie Nazareth, Cleo Lake and Bishop James Jones. Highly recommended viewing : “A Better Future: Politics and Practicalities”.
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An exploration of God’s relationship with his creation. A series of three talks by Jemima Parker Diocesan Environment Officer: Created, Covenanted and Commissioned .
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Offers liturgies for all times and occasions when there is a focus on creation - in daily prayer, services of the word, school assemblies, eucharistic celebrations and seasonal services to mark the agricultural year.
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New worship songs bringing creation care theology into our contemporary sung worship. Plus study guide and service plans.
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A Theological Response to the Ecological Crisis: Reflections, Liturgy, Reviews, Comment. Weekly sermon ideas are perfect for preaching through the Lectionary.
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Need funding for an environmental/renewables project?
Read more on the Environment Funding page of the diocesan website here including a list of possible grant funding sources.
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Ready to Print Magazine Article
Hoping for a Green Recovery Ian Fletcher, Bradford Area Environment Champion explores how Covid-19 has changed our relationship with nature.
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Eco Top Tips
Find a weekly top tip here for your parish newsletter:
Or watch the 10 Pledges carbon reduction video here.
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Parish Environment Reps
Are you the environmental enthusiast in your church or do you know the person who is? We are seeking a Rep in each parish to receive information and take up training opportunities.
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Area Environment Champions
Seeking enthusiastic volunteers for Huddersfield and Wakefield Areas to support local churches in their care for creation.
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If we don’t laugh we’ll cry: helping you through the grief of ecocide |
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Please join our discussion group on Facebook by following the below link! |
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