Diocesan Environmental Group

Dear Friends in Christ,

Welcome to the inaugural newsletter of the Glasgow and Galloway Diocesan Environmental Group!

We are thrilled to continue this journey with you, dedicated to nurturing a deeper engagement between faith and environmental awareness and action within our Diocese. Here, you'll find inspiring stories, practical tips, and opportunities as we strive to fulfil our duty of caring for God’s creation. Together, let's weave a tapestry of compassion, discipleship, and sustainability, guided by the Holy Spirit and our commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world around us.

Save the Date: Diocesan Eco Pilgrimage to the Cathedral

On Saturday, 24 August, from 10am to 3pm, the Diocese is invited to gather for a day of sharing and learning about our responsibility to protect and care for our natural world.

The day will feature presentations about topics related to reducing our carbon emissions at church and at home, ways to preserve God’s beautiful creation, and ideas for how your church can get involved with the push towards Net Zero.

Congregations will be offered a chance to set up stalls showing more about how they are engaging with climate care in their own communities.

Opportunities for networking, creating partnerships, and obtaining resources will all be available. Lunch will be provided for those who wish or you can plan to enjoy one of the many restaurants or cafés nearby.

A schedule for the day will be released closer to the event and RSVPs will be requested for catering purposes.

You Are Invited: Maybole Eco-Day at St Oswald’s

On Saturday, 11 May, from 11am to 4pm, pop by St Oswald’s, Maybole, KA19 8AF, and celebrate the first Maybole Eco-Day!

St Oswald’s Eco-Group, joined by fellow community champions, groups, and organisations, is gearing up to showcase various ecoideas and initiatives for engaging with the local community. Explore sustainable solutions, dive into interactive eco-activities for all ages, and ignite change for a brighter future.

Eco-Highlights from around the Diocese

Find the full text of the items below on our website: bit.ly/DEGSpring24•

•The Rev Alison Mathew, priest in charge at St Oswald’s, King’s Park, writes about the circular economy achieved at her church via the collaboration of Tales for Tots, a pre-school group offering storytelling and lending library, and Kinder Handl, a community enterprise.

•The Rev Stuart Bain, chair of the Diocesan Environmental Group, writes about setting up a new Eco/Net Zero Group at All Saints, Challoch and working on a plan of action.

•The Rev Kirstin Freeman shares how her church communities engaged with Consider Creation, our Diocesan Environmental Group Lent Resource.

•Work has begun on the Community Garden at St Ninian's, Troon.

•As part of the bicentenary celebrations at St John's, Greenock, young people helped plant an environmental garden. The St John's community hopes to also plant sunflowers and looks forward to their wild garden coming to fruition. Thank you to everyone who helped support this family day!

From the Provincial NZAP Group

Three new additions complete Net Zero Team: bit.ly/3wqeBho

New Net Zero Portal launched: https://netzerochurch.scot

Let us know how your community is engaging with Creation!

You can sign up to receive this newsletter and future updates and resources from our Environmental Group by filling out the form on our website page, here: bit.ly/DEGNewsletter

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Email: digital@glasgow.anglican.org

SPRING 2024United Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, Scottish Episcopal Church

Next edition: SUMMER 2024 early August, contact us with items by 26 July 2024!