We believe that caring for God’s creation should be an integral part of our discipleship – part of how we fulfil the ‘greatest commandments’ (Matthew 22:37-40).
- If we love God with everything we have, this will include respecting what he has created.
- If we love our neighbours as ourselves, this will include doing our part to reduce climate change and environmental degradation. These are having a negative impact on people in every part of the world, especially those who are living in poverty and vulnerable situations.
This is why we are part of the Arocha UK Eco-Church initiative. This initiative aims to help churches of all denominations care for creation as an integral part of loving our neighbours and following God faithfully in all aspects of church life:
- worship and teaching
- looking after church buildings
- engaging with the surrounding community
- engaging with global environmental issues
- personal lifestyles
We have developed an Eco Church plan and have started to take action, including:
- calculating our building’s carbon footprint and finding ways to reduce our use of electricity and gas
- replacing old-style inefficient light bulbs with LEDs
- moving to 100% recycled paper products
- more intentionally including teaching about creation care in our children and youth work
As a result of these and other activities, we achieved an Eco Church ’bronze award’ in July 2024.
Please think about how you can take small, practical steps to care for God’s amazing creation in your daily lives, and let us know about any changes you make or creative ideas you have.
If you want to know more, contact Steve Collins or Sophie Mogford-Revess (from our Creation Care Group) via office@farnhamvineyard.org.uk.
