Creation Challenge

Bethesda Methodist Church in Cheltenham has been granted its third national Eco-award and become only the 3rd church in England to receive this honour. Since collecting its first award in 2003, followed by a 2nd in 2008 the church has continued to develop its environmental programme and is widely known as an “eco-church”. The independent assessment was carried out by Climate Change & Transition Town campaigner Jerry Barr and Rev Dr Simon Topping – founder and director of the Green Cross Coop. Simon will present the award plaque at a special service on October 10th. (more…)

Redland Park United Reformed Church in Bristol has such strong eco-credentials that politicians are flocking there to see how it’s done. Read more

Work commenced in September on the installation of a major photovoltaic array on the south facing roof of Bethesda Methodist Church in Cheltenham. Though scarcely visible from the street, the 32 solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels are expected to generate upwards of 7,000 kW hrs of electricity annually for most of their 25-yr life span. The project is the result of almost two years of intensive planning and fund-raising by a church which has already received two national eco-awards for its environmental stewardship programme. (more…)

New toolkits and resources with energy saving tips and guidance for the CofE’s churches, cathedrals, schools and clergy homes are now available at www.shrinkingthefootprint.org.

These include downloadable action plans and checklists along with advice on considering the appropriate use of renewable energy in church buildings.

The centenary of a church is a significant anniversary. Tracey Lewis, Minister of Trinity-Henleaze URC tells the story of their celebrations and where it has led them:

2007 was the year we turned 100 and we wanted to celebrate. The church was planted amongst fields and park land, before neighbouring houses were built to form what is now the community of Henleaze. So, 100 year later, we thought we should celebrate with our long-standing neighbours.

We arranged four ‘Community Conversation Evenings’ and issued an open invitation, well advertised, to the first evening asking “Is God Green?”

(more…)