Ringmer Eco-Congregation

What is Eco-Congregation?

Eco-Congregation is a program supported by all the Churches in the UK. It aims to help local congregations show their care for God's creation in spiritual and practical ways. The program comprises a set of modules around four areas: worship and theology; children, young people and house groups; managing the church; personal lifestyles and wider church concerns in the community and overseas. The modules contain information, study material, and ideas and suggestions for action.

Churches firstly fill in an environmental checklist which helps them select the modules they wish to focus on. It is suggested that churches choose at least three modules. They then appoint a team and an organiser to support the work within the church.

After completing the modules, churches may apply for the Eco-Congregation Award. The award is independently assessed. In order to receive an award, churches have to include in their activities a spiritual dimension, a practical dimension, and an activity with a local impact. The award is valid for three years. The scheme is sponsored by ENCAMS, an environmental campaigning group supported by DEFRA.

The benefits

Helping the church to care for the earth.
Realising caring for the earth is a key missionary activity.
Enhancing the life and fellowship of churches.
Encouraging supportive links with local authorities and other community groups.
Promoting a lifestyle for today, that all may enjoy life tomorrow.

Ringmer Eco-Congregation

The church has decided to adopt the following modules:

Worship
Children's work
Adult education
Church land
Personal lifestyle

The church will work with the Parish Council on conservation issues as part of the Village Action Plan.
The church will continue to manage the churchyard to preserve species, and conserve the environment for birds and other wildlife.
The Ringmer Christian Ecology Group will continue to hold meetings on all aspects of the environment.
The Group will publish a quarterly newsletter about Eco-Congregation and other environmental issues.
'Eco-Tips' will be published regularly in the weekly news sheet.
The church will continue its links with Guinea and Kenya.
The church will support the campaigns for Trade Justice and Drop the Debt.
The church will use Eco-Congregation material in the services for Creation Sunday, Harvest Festival and One World Week.
The church will use Eco-Congregation material in the Lent Course 2004 with the Roman Catholics and Baptists.

What you can do

Let us know your comments and suggestions for the future of the project. Contact any member of the Ringmer Christian Ecology Group, or email Geoffrey Cleave, the local organiser for the project, or phone him on 814239.

Support the Fair Trade stall on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.00 am in the Village Hall.

Support the Operation Noah pledge. Operation Noah aims to persuade the Government to take a leading role in combating global warming and climate change. Copies of the pledge are near the RCEG notice board at the back of the church. More details about Operation Noah will be given during the year.

Support the other activities listed in this leaflet.

The Eco-Congregation blessing

Creating God
Bless our Church from
Worship to witness
Community to communion
Learning to living
Caring to sharing
That all may walk gently on the earth with you.

Links

Eco-Congregation

Christian Ecology

Operation Noah