Eco-Congregation
The St Andrew's congregation has been awarded their second three-year award for 2009-2011 as an eco-ongregation. This follows a recent assessment as part of a national environmental scheme. St Andrew's was commended because, among other things, it has: recently installed an efficient new heating system; adopted an environmental policy; held eco-events; encouraged members of the congregation to grow food in their gardens locally; and been an active member of Transition Worcester. The congregation were given the award as part of the Harvest Festival service on Sunday 27 September 2009. Rev Anne Smith and eco-congregation coordinator, Robert Lewin-Jones, accepted the award on behalf of the congregation, which was presented by Robert Wilkins of the Transition Worcester group.Eco-Congregation: Award Application
As many of you will know, at St. Andrew’s we have now been following the Eco-congregation programme for a number of years, and were successful in gaining our Eco-congregation award towards the end of 2006. This award ran for three years from 2006-2008, so it is now time to re-apply for the award. At the next Church Council meeting, we will propose that we submit our application form describing the actions we have taken as a church in the last two years, including:
- The outcomes of the Pilgrim’s Way process
- The services we have held on environmental themes
- Special speakers on themes like ‘Islam and Environment’ and ‘Solar Energy’
- The coverage of environmental issues on our website
- The investment to improve the efficiency of the church heating
- Hosting the play ‘Another Kind of Silence’ about Rachel Carson
- Our links with One Planet Worcester.
Once the application is made, we hope then that an assessor will be appointed to come and meet with us. A copy of the application form is available here and will be available to view on our noticeboard and at the Church Council meeting.
Robert Lewin-Jones (February 2009)
What follows is a transcript of the application that has been prepared.
Building a resilient local community
What would Worcester be like if it was less dependent on oil and had a strong local economy?
This was the question explored at a One Planet Worcester workshop on Saturday 8 November 2008 at St Andrew’s Methodist Church. Members of this eco-congregation were joined by folk from the Worcester Volunteer Centre, Worcester Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.
Eco-congregation at St Andrew’s
What is the aim of Eco-congregation?
Eco-congregation is an ecumenical programme and award scheme helping churches make the link between environmental issues and Christian faith, and respond in practical action in the church, in the lives of individuals, and in the local and global community.
Who are the partners?
Workshop Day
Faith in a Greener Future
Peak Oil and Climate Change – Our Community in Transition
Saturday 8 November 2008 at St. Andrew’s
9.30 am – 2.30 pm (please bring a packed lunch)
