St Columba's Jersey is an Eco Church
Why are we an Eco Church?
As Christians we have a special responsibility to care for the Earth so that human life and all God’s creatures may be sustained in harmony.
“The Church of Scotland is concerned that climate change poses a serious and immediate threat to people everywhere, particularly to the poor of the earth, and that climate change represents a failure in our stewardship of God's creation.” (www.churchofscotland.org)
At St. Columba's church we aim to take the practical steps necessary to realise the Fifth Mark of Mission “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.
As a church community we will take environmental concerns into account in all areas.
· Worship and teaching
· Buildings and management of resources
· Land and nature
· Community and global engagement
· Lifestyle
Our objective is to journey towards net zero carbon in line with the Church of Scotland’s policy and to lead more sustainable lifestyles.
Join us on that journey!
What is A Rocha Eco Church?
A Rocha UK launched Eco Church in 2016. They are a Christian charity committed to equip Christians and churches to bring care for the natural world into the heart of their communities.
Eco Church is a learning community of churches of all shapes and sizes open to all denominations. It provides a framework to support the church and its leadership to take practical action on caring for God's earth.
Over the coming months St Columba’s will be working towards attaining a bronze Eco Church award and taking the practical steps necessary to realise the Fifth Mark of Mission.
What are we doing to help the environment?
This is what we have done so far.
Worship & Teaching Category
Developed our new Noah’s Ark teaching room which will be used by the children at St Columba's and the wider community.
We follow Lectionary Bible readings and regularly focus upon caring for all of God's creation and we celebrate special days e.g. harvest.
Invited guest speakers from Scoop the sustainable co-operative and Town Church which is also an Eco Church.
Church Buildings
LED lighting wherever possible.
We don't have an oil or gas boiler.
A metered water supply.
Installed a water butt to water the garden with rain water.
We use Eco friendly cleaning products and we recycle as much as possible.
We plan to calculate the church's carbon footprint and try to eliminate single use plastic.
Church Land
We don't have much land but we are trying to make what we have wildlife friendly.
Planted pollinator friendly plants and seeds.
Installed a bug hotel, logs and a water source.
We don't use pesticides or herbicides and we do use natural manure.
Community & Global
We plan to take part in Environmental events - 'Big Butterfly Count' in July, a beach clean in September and 'Second Hand September'.
Lifestyle
We'll be encouraging you to join us by sharing tips and advice for a more sustainable lifestyle.
We've installed a bike rack for those members who cycle to church.
We can make a difference!