Eco Church worship resources
Eco Church provides a list of worship, preaching and study resources to support those involved in leading services, and other activities.
Worship resources from Yorkshire
The Yorkshire West Methodist District created three worship resources themed around a personal, a Church, and a global response to the climate crisis.
God saw that it was good
A series of 20-30 minute videos that weave visual imagery and narrative to take people deeper into the wonder, mystery and meaning of the world. Produced by the Revd Dr Dave Gregory, in partnership with the Baptist Union Environment Network.
Fragile Earth
Looking at hymns that express the beauty and fragility of earth, and our place as part of creation.
Roots materials
Roots have several services themed around creation, Creation Time and Harvest (subscription needed)
Take Action: Become an Eco church
Eco Church is a free, online, reward scheme designed to equip your church to work towards environmentally friendly practices.
Forest Church
Never heard of Forest Church, or wondered if it might be something to explore? Take a look at the resources below for some insight and inspiration.
Church of England Fresh Expressions
Could now be the moment for 'Forest' churches to grow? | The Church of England
Diocese of Gloucester
Forest-Church-booklet.pdf (anglican.org)
Diocese of Worcester
Forest / Outdoor Church - Diocese of Worcester (cofe-worcester.org.uk)
Roots on the Web
Forest-Church (rootsontheweb.com)
The Methodist Church
Forest Church: another way to engage with God - Methodist Church
Outdoor Worship and Forest Church: Praising God from Within Creation by Siggy Parratt-Halbert, Kevin Pellatt and Sue Pellatt.
Contemplative video clips for church services
These beautiful, very short videos from the BBC Springwatch programme were originally created for encouraging mindfulness during Covid, but they remind us of the beauty of God’s earth.
All around 1min long, they will slot easily into a contemplative time within a church service. They will also make a reasonable alternative to the real outdoors if it isn’t practical, or if you want people to consider a specific part of our world when celebrating Creationtide.
This is just a small selection of what’s on offer, but perhaps there may be another clip that would sing out to you more, so have a rummage: BBC Two - Springwatch - Clips
Further reading
‘Wild Bible Wild Church’ by Philip Eley
Has lots of simple frameworks upon which you can hang a church service, be it indoors or outdoors
‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year’ by Tess Ward
Following the months and the seasons, this book gives suggestions for prayers and blessings through the day
‘Forest Church’ by Bruce Stanley
The person who launched the Forest Church movement, this book explains the thinking behind outdoor worship, ending with a few suggestions for worship
‘Outdoor Church’ by Sally Welch
Following the seasons and the church seasons, this book offers 20 all-age-friendly outdoor sessions that explore one’s relationship with God. Each is rooted in a scripture reading/story.
‘I Love my World’ by Chris Holland
A great book that offers a wealth of activities for children (and adult children!). Takes its lead from First Nations thinking, but it’s still relevant to Christians in the UK
‘Water, Wind, Earth and Fire’ by Christine Valters-Paintner
Based on the four elements, there are points to ponder and contemplative activities, taking its lead from saints and Christian mystics