Eco Events Round up
As we head to the close of the year, we would like to share with you some news from the Diocese and our plans for upcoming workshops! We are looking forward to offering training courses in the new term each looking at a different aspect of our call to care for creation. The Introduction to Eco Church will help describe the aspects of A Rocha’s scheme for a greener church community, beyond just changing the building. The Church of England training: Carbon Literacy Project is a great opportunity to examine some of the theology and science behind the green house gas emissions of the Church and People of God. We also have our monthly Eco Church Surgery happening slightly early this month on the 20th of December at 1pm (full details below).
Team Vicar licensed for St Mary’s Eco Church
The Revd Dr Sharon Moughtin was licensed in the Chapel at Lambeth Palace by the Bishop of Kingston, the Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, as Team Vicar for St Mary’s Eco Church in the North Lambeth Parish on Monday 29 November.
“I am so excited about all the possibilities that St Mary’s Eco Church opens up. This is a wonderful opportunity to take seriously God’s call to safeguard creation, to show our care of the earth, and to model ways of living differently at a crucial time and in such a vibrant location. We’re looking forward to meeting the many different people who will join with us in seeding this new worshipping community,” said Sharon.
You can read more about this story here
Am I my brother’s keeper? A reflection on COP26
The Diocesan Environmental Officer who was present at several activities around the COP negotiations in Glasgow has written a reflection on his experiences. As well as a quick look at the outcome of the negotiations.
You can read a reflection here or brief analysis here.
Environmental courses next term
There is varied offering of training happening next term on an environmental themes:
An introduction to Eco Church
Prayer, community and buildings – an introduction to the A Rocha Eco Church Award. The Eco Church scheme leads you through a series of questionnaires, allowing you to examine where care of creation features in your worship and teaching, management of church buildings, community and global engagement, and lifestyle. Jack Edwards, the Diocesan Environmental Officer, will lead this opportunity to meet churches in Southwark Diocese who have already been given an award for their efforts. The diocese aims for net zero by 2035, so this is the moment to start a conversation about what that will look like in your community.
Thursday 20 January, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm, free to attend on Zoom
To book your place, e-mail [email protected]
The Church of England Carbon Literacy Course
This three-part course is specially tailored for the Church of England by the National Environment team and the Carbon Literacy Project. It provides an opportunity to learn the science of climate change, and how we can respond as people of faith, over three weekly sessions.
Session 1: Why we are here – the theology and science of creation care;
Session 2: Our personal and collective carbon footprints – our individual footprints and the Church of England’s footprint;
Session 3: Taking it wider – How climate change is already affecting us and how can we communicate that.
The course is led by Jack Edwards, the Diocesan Environmental Officer. Although the three sessions stand alone, greatest benefit comes from committing to all three.
Tuesdays 15 February, 22 February, and 1 March, 7.30 pm -9.00 pm, free to attend on Zoom
To book a place please email [email protected], the booking is for all three sessions.
And it was good: Preaching and the Environment
The Revd Raewynne Whiteley, who is the Deputy Director of Discipleship and Lay Ministry, leads a workshop to help us think about how issues of climate crisis, pollution and the integrity of creation can and must increasingly inform the way we preach the Christian Good News. This session is being offered twice so that as many preachers as possible, both lay and ordained, can attend.
Tuesday 29 March, 10.00 am – 12.00 noon, free to attend on Zoom
Tuesday 29 March, 7.30 pm- 9.30 pm, free to attend on Zoom
To book your place, please email [email protected] stating which session you would like to attend.
Eco Church Surgery 1pm, Monday 20th December
Our monthly Eco Church Surgery, usually at lunch time on the last Monday of every month, will be taking place earlier this month. This is a good opportunity to drop in and meet others who are following the Eco Church pathway and ask any questions you may have to the Diocesan Environmental Officer, Jack Edwards, who will either answer or be able to find the right person to ask.
Eco Church Surgery
Time: Dec 20, 2021 01:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85420474150?pwd=dHpOR2sxdU9PazVnbzZFWC92Qk5MUT09
Meeting ID: 854 2047 4150
Passcode: 409077
