We have now applied for a Silver award under the Eco church scheme and that feels like quite a milestone after reaching bronze back in 2019 It does not mean we can sit back though! There is lots to do and the eco church team will continue to seek your support for various initiatives including the communal Christmas card scheme, purchasing fairtrade products, recycling blister packs and generally treading more lightly on the earth. Did you have a go at your carbon footprint?
With the fires, floods and extreme heat that has occurred this year, I have been encouraged to read from A Rocha international in Australia and the US, that after fires, there are tiny pockets of life within the landscape and regeneration happens more quickly than the scientists expected. They talk of the “life inside” and our need to look up to God rather than looking down at the destruction. Life after death - sound familiar? Yes, it is devastating but they remain full of hope if we take the time to look, care and act. Please do include A Rocha in your prayers - they are a Christian environmental charity that works in the UK and across the world, to engage local communities in caring for their local areas and mitigating the effects of climate change.
If you are keen to find out more about Leeds Diocese and environmental matters you can sign up to their newsletter called, “God’s Green Fingers” https://www.leeds.anglican.org/our-faith/environment/news-events-and-training/gods-green-fingers-newsletter/
Jemima Parker, the Diocesan Environmental Officer will be speaking at the Deanery Synod meeting on Thursday 5th October at 7 for 7.30 pm at St Margaret’s Church hall in Ilkley. She will be focussing on the challenge of reaching net zero by 2030 for the Church of England and for Leeds Diocese in particular. Anyone interested is welcome i.e. you do not have to be a member of Deanery Synod to attend!
If you would like to join our local eco church group, currently comprising Jen, Sally , Matthew, Catherine,Jeanne - Claire and Marilyn,, do get in touch.
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