What was it I said yesterday about the changeability of the weather? Its pouring with rain today although still warm. I wanted to do some gardening after church but was rained off. I have been reading an article today which I thought very appropriate to talk about for a Sunday. Its about Scottish churches going 'green'.
Apparently almost 200 churches throughout Scotland have become eco-congregations encouraging parishioners to reduce, reuse and recycle and trying to ensure that church buildings and grounds are as environmentally responsible as possible. One such church is the Old and Abbey parish church in Arbroath.
The Rev Valerie Allen explained: "An eco-congregation is one that
takes seriously God's imperative to look after the world and all that
is within in.
"So, it's based on our understanding of Genesis chapter one, where God created the world and entrusted it to our care.
"And that includes not just human beings but all living creatures and everything within the eco-system."
Apparently the church is holding an event with an eco village to help to demonstrate to people how to live a greener lifestyle. There will be vendors selling solar powered radios, fair trade crafts,
organic fruit and vegetables - even a jute coffin and a smart car will
be on display.Large TV screens will show the damage being done to the Earth by climate change. There will be stories, dance, crafts and games to get the green message across to children at a young age.
Even worship on Sunday has been changed to feature ecological messages. The church has been seriously looking at ways to ensure that any products that it buys are recyclable and Fairtrade. They have also adopted an area of beach which they undertake to clean four times a year.
The Rev Allen said: "It's about an awareness of how the choices that
we make in terms of our daily lifestyle can directly affect the world
in which we live.
"A lot of churches are now becoming very aware that this is not
just something that affects all people of any religious faith or none,
but it is specifically compatible with our Christian faiths and
beliefs."
I thought this a very positive story, a congregation had tried to take positive and practical steps rather than just talking. Its a way of demonstrating love for the environment and the people . If all churches adopted such a practical and caring approach we could make a difference,
Linda