Steven Neville, Elder & Chair of St James’ Ecological Committee writes:
It all started in 2001 when Eco-Congregation was in its infancy. I attended General Assembly and went to a fringe meeting on Greening your Church. We were helped through an Eco-Audit (Module 1) which I thought was such a good thing that I took it back to St James’ URC, Buckhurst Hill.
The folk at St James’ had a vague concern for God’s creation and how we as a race are desecrating it, but taking part in Eco-Congregation has opened our eyes to what is going on and how we as church can do our bit to improve things.
We got our 1st award in 2006, valid for 3 years, but discovered that renewing it second time around wasn’t as easy. We’ve just received our 2nd Award but had to prove we were still doing the things that got us our 1st award and more! For us this means rooting care of God’s creation in worship, with Eco-Services led by Green team members at St James’ and other churches. We even gave away long-life bags at one service to promote a Christian approach to green living.
Practically we are using low-energy light bulbs, have reduced light usage, use green cleaning products & recycled paper, improved our insulation, undertake recycling and have a green energy supplier. And to spread the word we have regular articles in our magazine and sought to serve the community through litter picks.
Our green committee is now planning a green bible study and have a series of green talks open to everyone inside and outside the church. Our website is to have a green page and we’re thinking about installing solar panels on our roof.
The Eco Congregation award is open to all churches and I recommend you seriously think about going along its route and discover how green you really are! Our award lasts 3 years and so we have to work towards applying again in 2011.