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November 2007
Creation Challenge newsletter
Welcome to the November edition of Creation Challenge!
Now winter is finally with us we begin to wrap up warm and think about switching our heating on – but for how long, and at what temperature? Do we need to be able to comfortably wear a t-shirt inside and then look like an Eskimo outside – jumpers are for indoors too! Now is the time for examining thermostats and timers and seeing what you can do to save energy.
Many thanks to all those that have contributed to this edition and as always we want to hear any other news, tips, experiences or questions that you would like to share where churches' and your own engagement with the environment are concerned.
Best wishes,
Dave Coaker
Creation Challenge, Coordinator
Actions
Here’s ten top tips from Faiths4Change incorporating Operation Eden who are based in the North West of England.
(If you have any other suggestions for actions individuals or groups could take please let us know!)
Network
We hope to shortly be able to share news about how, after both the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church passed environmental resolutions at General Assembly and Conference, these will be implemented. This will form a special edition of the e-newsletter in the next couple of weeks.
Church Action
GLOBAL WARMING – WHAT UPTON CAN DO John Hainsworth reflects on a public meeting at Upton URC.
Redhill Methodist Church has gained an eco-congregation award.
Baildon Methodist Church - Judith Allinson tells us about their work.
St David’s Eastham URC successfully applied for an eco-congregation award. Read their application and get some ideas for your own!
Tips/Resources
Use MRDF’s Bible study pack on climate change in your Lent group, housegroup or youth group - and don’t just change your light bulbs – change your life!
Reviews
Christianity, climate change and sustainable living; by Nick Spencer and Robert White SPCK, 2007
A Moral Climate - the ethics of global warming is the latest book by Michael S. Northcott, Professor of Ethics at the University of Edinburgh and a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church. Darton, Longman and Todd. Read this review by Jo Rathbone, coordinator of Eco-Congregation.
Have you read something you’d like to review for us?
News
The Green Standard: Tests for environmental leadership is a joint initiative by nine of the UK’s leading environmental groups.
The 11th Hour: the film is released in the UK on 15th Feb but watch the trailer and read reviews here.
Keeping the Ark Afloat: All Hands on Deck – look at pictures from the conference on Environmental Justice that was held on Sat 3 Nov in Lancaster. It was organised for all by: Christian Ecology Link and the Lancaster Diocesan Faith and Justice Commission with over 100 people in attendance.
Events
Born in 1987, Pilgrim Adventure’s original vision was to take folk off the beaten track to experience God in the space and among creation. It was natural that the early Celtic saints quickly made their presence felt and their influence still pervades our travelling today.
Buy Nothing Day Saturday 24th November 2007
CAMPAIGN AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE – 8th December 2007 National Climate March, Global Day of Action Join people all around the world to demand that world leaders take the urgent action we need to prevent the catastrophic destabilisation of global climate. The National Demo in London will be one of many demonstrations on climate taking place all around the world on the same day, midway through the UN Climate Talks in Bali . 10:00 am Cycle Protest assembles at Lincoln 's Inn Fields. More details here. 12:00 noon Assemble Millbank for main march [Westminster Tube] 2:30 pm Rally at US embassy. Speakers include George Monbiot and Caroline Lucas MEP.
What is the world coming to? Ecological crisis and Christian hope. 19th Jan 2008 in Gloucester. Redcliffe/JRI annual conference, In recent Christian history, the expectation that Christ will return soon and reconstruct the earth has been used as a reason for not living as if resources need to last. Another view is that the Kingdom extends not just to reclaiming lives, but also to abused ecologies, the whole fabric of life. In this conference, we will seek a greater understanding of our part in God's plan, and a vision of Christ's return that stimulates creation-care. The day will be held at Redcliffe College, Gloucester. All welcome, booking required to bookings@redcliffe.org.uk or phone 01452 308097.
'A Time There Was' 23rd Feb at Hereford St John's Methodist Church - readings and west gallery music with Vital Spark by Hereford Christian Ecology Link 7.00pm.
Touching Creation … (Climate Change and Migration) to be held on Saturday 1 March 2008 at Leytonstone United Free Church (Thames North Synod United Reformed Church) - 10.00 Arrivals and Coffee Start 10.30 through to 16.30 Key Speakers: Ann Pettifor Campaign Director – Operation Noah Revd Dr Nicholas Sagovsky Canon Theologian Westminster Abbey Member of the Independent Asylum Commission There will be a panel when questions and discussion can take place regarding climate change and migration. This is the annual Church and Society and World Church Day 020 7799 5000 world.churchandsociety@urcthamesnorth.org.uk
Christian Aid 'Cut the Carbon' 11th March St John's Methodist Church, Hereford,7.30pm. Merryn Hellier will speak about the march - organised by Hereford Christian Ecology Link 01432 279740
Please get in touch if you have material you would like to submit for the next e-newsletter which will be distributed around the end of Jan 2008.
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