Saint John and Saint Philip
Caring for Creation
Caring for Creation is an integral part of our mission as a church. In our teaching and preaching, we aim to focus on themes related to creation and the environment while taking practical steps to care for the world in which we live.
The Church of St. John & St. Philip launched 12 Months of Green in January 2007 with the sale of re-usable cloth shopping bags. In February we looked at reducing paper use in "Print it once!" month, while March served as an information month organized around the film 'An Inconvenient Truth'. In April, people cycled to church during "On yer bike!" month, and in May, we took a closer look around for ecological inspiration in "Look Local!" month. In June we taxed our water use during "Turn off the tap" month and raised 400 euros for a water sanitation project in Luweero. In July and August we raised awareness on how to "Cut the carbon" while travelling during the summer months. In September we attempted to "Reduce the Juice" by cutting back on our electricity usage in our homes, and in October we worked to "Turn down the Temp!" by finding green ways to stay warm during winter. In November, we asked each other to "Think before you shop!" as we considered fair trade shopping and alternative gift giving in preparation for the holidays.
Use this link to download your Responsible Shopper Directory.
In December we made the congregational purchase of a Water Buffalo and calf through Christian Aid. See http://www.presentaid.org/invt/waterbuffalo. We also encouraged the congregation to 'have yourself a green Christmas' by sending ONE Christmas card to the entire congregation, which hung on display in the church hall for all to read and receive.
As we closed our Green Year, the Church of St. John & St. Philip celebrated recognition at the Church Times Green Church Awards Ceremony in London. We tied for first prize in the category "Changing Lifestyles" for our Twelve Months of Green campaign. Check out our photo from the ceremony by clicking on the camera icon above. Congratulations!
Lenten Carbon Fast in 2008
For the season of Lent, we will be participating in Tearfund's Lenten Carbon Fast. Watch for upcoming information in the Newsweek and see http://www.tearfund.org/Churches/Carbon+fast+new/.
