One in three churches in the diocese is now registered on the Eco Church scheme according to recent statistics from A Rocha, the national Christian environmental charity. Over sixty have received an Eco Church award for completing a choice of creation-loving steps including the first Gold Award in the diocese being presented to St Michael's Rushall at the start of this year.
So it was encouraging that the most recent Churchwarden Cafe meeting last week saw the biggest turnout so far to hear about 'Caring for God's creation with Eco Church'.
The lunch’n’learn included a light lunch, a presentation by Jan Firth (Net-zero Carbon Officer for the diocese), a telling of the journey to St Michael's Gold Eco Church award, a tour of the church and grounds, and lots of good conversation.
Jan was (and still is!) keen to explain the step-by-step process of the Eco Church scheme as an accessible, encouraging and attainable way to make our churches healthier environments for people and nature that dovetail well into the national Church of England's Net-zero Carbon goals.
"There's been a lot of interest since I started this role in September" says Jan. "I'm inundated with enquiries at the moment which is really exciting. So many are aware of our responsibility to care for creation and with a little support and encouragement can achive great things locally.
"We had a busy event with Lichfield Churches Together a few weeks back and my diary is beginning to fill with presentations and sessions in other parts of the diocese." though she's quick to reassure that her diary isn't too full yet, so do make contact if you have a deanery, chapter or Churches Together group that would like to hear from Jan.
The Churchwarden Cafe is a new series of meetings, online and in-person, offered by our diocese to provide learning opportunities and support for churchwardens and others responsible for the church buildings and properties in our parishes. Clergy, parish administrators and interested PCC members are all welcome to participate.
"I have found that the work of a churchwarden can be a daunting, but very important responsibility, especially for those new to the role," says Christine Rier, Church Buildings Support Officer (CBSO). "These gatherings provide practical information, mutual support, and shared wisdom and experience.
"I'm very grateful to St Michael’s for their warm welcome and hospitality, and to our guests for joining us for this shared learning experience."
For further information on Eco Church see our Net-zero Carbon and Net-zero Quick Win Grants web pages or email Jan.
For further information on Churchwarden Cafes, contact Christine or look for event on the diocesan calendar. And in a similar role, the diocese has a Facebook Group 'Gifts of Administration' for parish/benefice administrators and PCC secretatries.