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Dec 2008
Creation Challenge newsletter
Advent is upon us and the road to Christmas lies before us. For many of us this year the road ahead is particularly daunting because of fears raised by the financial crisis. Uncertainties about employment, pensions, savings and mortgages push present buying and festive cheer into the background. We are right to be concerned, but what happens when the expense and excess of Christmas is removed? What is left?
We are left with the story. Left with the birth of a child and parents making the best of the situation they found themselves in. The generosity of strangers providing a roof over their heads, the excluded being welcomed to celebrate a birth, the wise humbling themselves in a stable when they found the palace without a true king, and that central image of a mother caring for her child.
This festive season leaves us all questioning how we should mark it. Questioning how we spend our time and money. Let us pray, speak and act, in ways that help others see the story at the heart of Christmas. The story that shows the depth of love that our Creator God has for us, and for all Creation.
As always the network exists to support the work of individuals and churches throughout our denominations so please share any news, tips, experiences or questions that you have where churches' and your own engagement with the environment are concerned.
Best wishes,
Dave Coaker
Creation Challenge, Coordinator
Actions
Putting the waiting back into wanting with Reclaim Christmas from Operation Noah.
Alternativity - Just God, Simply Christmas www.alternativity.org.uk
Christian Aid www.presentaid.org
Tearfund www.livinggifts.org.uk
Traidcraft - Gifts for Life www.traidcraftshop.co.uk
Copenhagen Climate Talks: Next year, world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree how to tackle climate change. It’s vital an effective deal is done, for the sake of the planet and for the millions in the world’s poorest countries who are suffering from the effects of climate change right now. Help Christian Aid campaign for a fair and just deal in Copenhagen by taking the pledge. Take the pledge
(If you have any other suggestions for actions individuals or groups could take please let us know!)
Church Action
A report on Caring for Creation, this summer’s CWM Window on the World conference.
Romford URC – review their carbon footprints and transform their church garden.
Trinity Methodist / United Reformed church – watches “An inconvenient truth” and meets Hilary Benn.
Queen's Park URC – turns to the sun!
Tips/Resources
"A Present for the Future" -15 minute play for Advent commissioned by Operation Noah by the Ten Ten Theatre Group.
www.onehundredmonths.org is counting down to a point where it is conservatively thought that the earth passes beyond the tipping point beyond which the world will experience run away climate change.
“We’re waiting for Christmas” and “Christmas Tree” – poems for the season.
Reviews
Have you read something you’d like to review for us?
News
Transport - A Journey to a Fairer Future – a report on the CEL conference held on 22nd November.
Read the CEL report on the Climate Change service on Sat 6 December and Stop Climate Chaos report on the National Climate March
Stop Climate Chaos report on the climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland.
Read Christian Aid’s report on the Climate Change Bill
Eco-Congregation to be debated in the chamber of the Scottish Government on 17 December 2008
New Co-ordinator for Eco-congregation sought (England and Wales)
Climate Safety - Independent charity the Public Interest Research Centre has just published its new report on climate change and responses made so far by Government, and where we need to go from here. Called "Climate Safety - in case of emergency" it summarises the science, addresses the current Government targets, identifies potential solutions and suggests action is urgently necessary to address the increasing burden of climate safety.
Archbishop Tutu on Climate Change WDM Youtube video
Events
17th Jan Green Faith Day - Exploring our responsibilities towards God’s creation 10am–4pm Tilehurst Methodist Church, School Road, Tilehurst. (Poster with further details)
20th Jan 10am–4pm, "The Economic Crisis: Towards sustainable economies and livelihoods". Methodist Church House, London. Ann Pettifor and Bob Goudzwaard reflecting theologically on the root causes of the current economic crisis and the response of the churches in terms of their prophetic, pastoral and partnership roles and responsibilities.
20th Jan 'Transport in Herefordshire' by Ben Watts, Senior Transportation Planning Officer for Herefordshire Council – 7.30pm at St John's Methodist Church, St Owen Street, Hereford: HR1 2PR
Sun 8th Feb Education Sunday theme: God's World is a Gift on Trust.
Christian Ecology Link Gathering - 13-15 February 2009 - Ringsfield Hall, nr. Beccles, Suffolk. The theme is 'Welcome to the Banquet'. Looking at what being a 'community' means. For further info contact: info@christian-ecology.org.uk tel. 01524 36241
"Cleaning up your Carbon Footprint" - 24 Feb 2009 - free public lecture by Dr. David Shipworth of the University of Reading. Palmer Lecture Theatre at the University at 8pm; contact: Carol Derham on 0118 378 8004.
The Ebor Lectures on Theology and Public Life: (Admission is free but by ticket only.)
Wed 4th March 2009 - Dr Elaine Storkey, President, Tearfund "Creation, Ecological Crisis and the Global Poor" York St John University, 7.00pm
Wed 25th March - Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury "Renewing the Face of the Earth: Human Responsibility and the Environment" York Minster, 7.30pm
Eco-congregation Awards
St James' URC Buckhurst Hill - 2nd Award
Trinity URC, Leek (http://trinitychurchleek.urc.org.uk/)
Please get in touch if you have material you would like to submit for the next e-newsletter which will be distributed around the beginning of Feb 2009.
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