The Eco Churches display will be at Sussex Green Hub, at the United Reformed Church in Horsham on 18th December 10am - 4pm, I'll be there to answer any questions and would love to meet you.
Climate Sunday: What next? Please join me at this free webinar on 20th January at 7pm. We’ll celebrate everything that Climate Sunday has achieved as a project, and look towards the future. We’ll be exploring the best next steps churches and individuals can take to continue to work towards climate justice. Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3416371481178/WN_-e-03k0NQveinOz-l82fOA
I hope to organise an in person Horsham Eco Churches meeting before February half term, to share information from that webinar and discuss how churches of all denominations can work together with local organisations and encourage one another, in this vital year leading up to COP27.
Nearly a fortnight has passed since COP26 ended in Glasgow. And, whilst some welcome agreements were reached, the outcomes of the conference on the whole fell short of what was needed to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.
More than 2,200 churches have held climate focused church services, committed to practical action in their local communities, and speaking up on climate issues over the last year. For many congregations, Climate Sunday represented the first time they had taken action on the climate crisis.
Andy Atkins, Chair of Climate Sunday and CEO of A Rocha UK said:
“It is vital that we see COP26 not as the end of global efforts to avoid climate catastrophe, but as a step along the way, with much more yet to be done. Churches have much to offer to address this challenge, and we must use all of our assets - buildings, land, local influence and national voice - to respond. Collectively, churches participating in Climate Sunday have accomplished much, but we have only just begun.”
Churches can and should keep going on their commitments to environmental action, and to continue to put pressure on the UK government to deliver on its climate responsibilities.
What next? How you can take action
If COP26 is not the end of the journey but simply the next step, how can churches continue to be involved?
It’s crucial that we keep up the pressure on the UK Government to support the aims of limiting global warming to 1.5°c.
The UK government will continue to hold the COP presidency and be stewards of the Glasgow Climate Pact until COP27, and therefore will play a key role in steering nations to meet the targets set at COP26.
2 minutes? Sign the card
Boris Johnson spoke some strong words about climate change at COP26 – but will the UK government follow through? When it comes to climate action, the proof is in the pudding.
Send the Prime Minister a Christmas card this year asking him to ensure that the promises made at COP26 are kept, or increase your impact by adding your name to the giant card which will be delivered to No. 10 Downing Street.
It’s crucial that our MPs know that, as people of faith, we are still energised to push forward to more ambitious change for the climate. Could you write to your MP using the Climate Coalition’s template letter, to ask them to ‘keep 1.5°c alive’?
On Thursday 20 January at 7pm, join the Climate Sunday team for ‘Climate Sunday: What next?’. We’ll celebrate everything that Climate Sunday has achieved as a project, and look towards the future. We’ll be exploring the best next steps churches and individuals can take to continue to work towards climate justice .
A group of Horsham residents currently investigating locations for solar panels on public buildings in Horsham. Then, working with established organisations and structures, we will offer local people the opportunity to invest in them. In addition to providing a return to investors, we anticipate a return to the community in funding for environmental and social projects. It’s working in Lewes and Brighton – why not in Horsham?
Pop-Up Horshamthis new shop in West Street is an exciting mix of start-ups, entrepreneurs and environmental awareness and education provided by Sussex Green Living and Horsham Repair Cafe. Pop in and see the changing environmental displays and some unusual Christmas shopping ideas.
Petitioning - The Time is Now
To bring about climate justice, we need change at all levels: as individuals, churches and societies.
The Time is Now for a healthy, green and fair world. A group of over 140 organisations have drawn up a declaration addressed to the Prime Minister, to send a strong and unified message.
An excellent resource by Tearfund alongside Christian Aid, Church of England, Green Christian, Operation Noah, Hope for the Future, Eco Church, A Rocha UK and other organisations.
Step by step, the Climate Emergency Toolkit guides your church or Christian organisation through simple but powerful actions that have an impact far beyond your own walls or community.
Horsham Eco Churches encourage and inspire other churches on their journey, to share ideas and find out more about caring for God’s world.
The free online survey and resources equip your church to care for God’s world in your worship and teaching, management of buildings and land, community and global engagement and personal lifestyles. Actions taken count towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Eco Church Award. Complete the free survey you may find you already qualify for an Eco Church Award! https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/
Sussex Green Living volunteers collect and hand sort many types of specific single use plastics and other resources for recycling, to avoid landfill or incineration and raise funds for local good causes.
Trafalgar Infant School, Greenway (Junior) Academy and the Holy Trinity Church Community in Horsham together save specific plastics and rubbish from landfill and incineration, while raising money for those communities.
Join the discussion, as we encourage and inspire churches and communities on their Eco journey, to share ideas and find out more about caring for God’s wonderful world.
