Weekly Update – 3rd August

Eco Church at St Nic’s

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it: for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
— Psalm 24:1-2

What Is Eco Church?

Eco Church is a national initiative helping churches like ours take practical steps to care for God’s creation. It’s about weaving environmental care into different parts of church life, for example in worship and teaching in our buildings, and our gardens.

At its heart, Eco Church is a response to the climate and ecological crisis, rooted in faith and hope. It’s a way for us to live out our calling to be good stewards of the earth.

Becoming an Eco Church means looking at five key areas:

  1. Worship and Teaching– Including creation care in prayers, sermons, and services.
  2. Buildings– for example using energy wisely.
  3. Land– Managing church grounds in a wildlife-friendly way.
  4. Community and Global Engagement– Supporting environmental justice.
  5. Lifestyle– Encouraging greener choices in church activities.

The Church of England’s Commitment

In 2019, the Church of England recognised the climate emergency and committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In our Diocese a resolution was passed which will:

  • Learn the facts about climate change and environmental degradation
  • Speak the truth about the crisis and the changes needed
  • Take action to reduce emissions and protect creation
  • Fight the social injustices caused by environmental harm
  • Implement the Diocesan Environment Policy and Action Plan
  • Embed care for creation in our diocesan strategy

Eco Diocese & A Rocha UK

The Diocese of Canterbury is now officially an Eco Diocese, working closely with the Christian environmental charity A Rocha UK, which runs the Eco Church programme. To maintain this status, churches across the diocese—including ours—are encouraged to register and work towards Eco Church awards (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).

What’s Happening at St Nic’s?

Here at St Nic’s, we’re on our own Eco Church journey.  I am going to continue the work on our Eco Church survey, aiming first for Bronze status, then looking at ways to move towards Silver.

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, it would be great if as many people as possible could take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (18 July – 10 August). This nationwide survey helps track the health of our environment through butterfly populations. It’s easy, fun, and a great way to connect with nature.

Why butterflies? Because insects like butterflies and moths are vital to our ecosystems – however, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and climate change.  They are an important part of the food chain and are indicators of a healthy environment.  Their disappearance could have serious consequences for food production and biodiversity.

What’s Next?

I will be putting together some ideas to present to the PCC for more ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and demonstrate good environmental practice. From switching to eco-friendly cleaning products to managing our church grounds for wildlife – every action counts!

Together, we can show that St Nic’s is serious about caring for God’s Earth.