Taking Steps for God's Earth 

'Taking Steps for God's Earth' is the environmental policy of our Diocese. Like other parishes, in Marshfield we have been asked to develop our own written policy, to agree actions, and to put a summary of our progress into our annual report. To discourage slacking, we are reminded that 'all actions need to have targets, be challenging and measurable'. Having to record our progress will be a reminder that bringing about positive environmental change is about action and not words.

The PCC set up a small sub-group to get the ball rolling. The group used a 'Church Check Up' as the basis for developing early ideas (EcoCongregation Environmental Toolkit for Churches, A Rocha UK). This was a straightforward way of looking at St Mary's current environmental practice, highlighting areas where we might set priorities for future action. It covered an enormous range of topics - worship, theology, children's work, youth work, all-age education, church property, church management, church land, personal lifestyles and overseas concerns.

We worked right through the Check Up. There is no shortage of directions to go in and actions we could take. But it was also a confidence builder in that we are already doing some of the 'quick wins' (like energy saving bulbs and timers on central heating systems).

We were strongly of a mind to take forward only a small number of things to start off with, and to focus on areas where we can get going. Three things emerged strongly, and these were put to the PCC meeting on 9th April. They were :
 involving the Ministry team in the EcoCongregation work, with the aim of exploring ways for the environment to be part of our worship
 running a bible study which focuses on the environment, with the aim of extending our understanding of God's creation and of the responsibilities we have for its care
 working with Kids Club and Bunch, to think about new ways of engaging young people in environmental action.

All these things will help build a platform for future action. There is support material available for parishes, and the PCC agreed that we should get the relevant modules so that we can see how feasible the ideas are.

If you want to know more, or share your ideas about Christian perspectives on environmental action, please get in touch with Sally Kerr (892126) Meanwhile, we will keep Cotswold Edge readers up to date with developments when we know more.

Sally Kerr                                                                                                           May 2008