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Eco-Congregation an environmental toolkit for churches What are your environmental concerns? • climate change ? • traffic congestion and air pollution ? • waste and landfill sites • rainforest destruction ? • housing built on green field sites ? • litter on your streets Christian Perspectives 1. 2. 3. 4. Belief in God as Creator Stewardship of the good things entrusted to us Justice for the poor and the land Our mission to proclaim repentance and hope Aim Eco-Congregation aims to encourage Churches and their members to celebrate the gift of creation and care for it in appropriate practical and spiritual ways Eco-Congregation - the toolkit 1. Resources 12 written modules 2. Support • • • • • web site: www.ecocongregation.org/scotland newsletters links to other organisations support and advice networks of local churches 3. Award scheme Module 1 – The Church Check-Up A simple environmental audit to: • identify and affirm current good practice • prioritise your next initiatives In your Church’s prayer life, do you: Praise God the creator Say sorry for the harm done to the environment Give thanks to God Pray for the healing for the gift of creation of creation In your church grounds, do you have native plant species and plants that benefit wildlife? Present Potential to develop Growing in Faith and Understanding Module 2 Celebrating creation Resources for worship Module 3 Creation and Christianity Overview of ‘green theology’ Module 4 Acorns to oaks Ideas and suggestions for children’s work Module 5 Tread gently – go green Activities for environmental youth work Module 6 How Green is God’s word Bible studies for House Groups and leaders Putting God’s House in Green Order Module 7 Greening the cornerstone Guidelines on caring for church premises Module 8 Greening the purse strings Stewardship of financial, catering & purchasing matters Module 9 Planting and conserving Eden Ideas to care for church grounds and land Changing Lives: Changing Communities Module 10 Green choices Tips for greening personal lifestyles Module 11 Community matters Ideas to help churches work with and through their local community Module 12 Global neighbours Sources and resources for churches to think globally and act locally. Module 13 Climate Change Information and tools on managing and reducing your carbon footprint What are churches doing? Holding special “Creation Care” services . ← Environmental pledge tree altar frontal → Teaching their young people environmental awareness . Undertaking an energy audit and implementing the . recommendations e.g. using energyefficient light bulbs e.g. making the church self-sufficient in renewable energy! Promoting recycling of cans Christmas cards . And also: • paper • milk cartons • printer cartridges • spectacles... Cleaning up their neighbourhood . Improving their grounds for wildlife and community . before and after… . Making and installing bird boxes Installing environmental notice boards . Encouraging “Green . Lifestyles” through articles in the parish magazine and local papers Helping countryside rangers with local wildlife conservation projects . . Promoting and selling Fair Trade goods and Eco-friendly products How to get going 1. Download or request an introduction pack (www.ecocongregation/scotland.org.uk) and get together a ‘Green Team’ 2. Fill in the environmental check-up 3. Get the support of a church meeting 4. Order the free resource modules of your choice 5. Dip into the toolkit and get going! Eco-Congregation - the Award given in recognition of • linking environmental issues to the Christian faith • practical work in the church/churchyard • having a positive impact on the wider community 74 Scottish churches have gained the award!