ECO CHURCH
Christ Church is a member of the Eco Church scheme run by A Rocha UK. We currently hold a silver award, received in April 2022.
This page describes some of the steps we have taken along this journey. We know we have much further to go!
Lent Lifestyle Challenge
The Lent Lifestyle Challenge 2023 is a way of involving the whole congregation in our green journey.
The list of challenges is designed to be wide-ranging so that everyone can try something. During Lent we invite participants to put a bead in a jar for each challenge completed.
A printable version of the full list of challenges can be downloaded here.
Here are the links referenced within the challenges:
Creation Care personal lifestyle audit (households tab)
Lent Lifestyle Challenge: printable version
Greening our site
We’re constantly grateful for our modern building, which brings many environmental advantages such as a high level of insulation. At the same time, our site lacks the wildlife-friendly features of a traditional churchyard.
Improvements made during 2021 include switching to LED lights in both halls, installing a water butt and buying toilet rolls made from bamboo instead of paper.
Outside, our gardening team have worked hard to beautify the space and make it more attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Installing a bird box at the back of the site
Planting during an All-In service
Campaigning: protect our planet!
SOLAR PANELS
A generous legacy enabled us to install solar panels on the roof of our building in 2018. We wanted to use the funds for something that would bring lasting benefit and represent our values.
The panels are rated for 20 kW and, averaged over the year, generate enough electricity to power 3 typical households.
Greening our lives
One of the aims of the Eco Church scheme is to ensure that care for the environment features in our teaching, worship and everyday lives. The Lent Lifestyle Challenge (above) is just one example.
During 2021 we ran One Small Step, a series of events in the week leading up to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference.
One More Step: how can we use less plastic?
Trying out ways of upcycling during One Small Step
Collecting firewood while learning about conservation work in Ten Acres Woods in the company of Sustainable Life
Watch the video
Why should Christians care about creation? Because God does. Our vicar Ben Green explains all in this video.
About Eco Church
Run by A Rocha UK, the Eco Church scheme encourages churches and other Christian organisations to play a full part in caring for creation.
Participants receive accreditation by completing surveys covering buildings and use of land, worship and teaching, community engagement and personal lifestyles. These surveys in turn provide ideas and stimulus for further action to make progress in each area.
Christ Church received a silver award in April 2022