Eco Church

St Mary the Virgin, Horne is working to become a gold status Eco Church. Below, the church Eco Group explains about the scheme, while you can click on the headings here to find out the latest news on events and progres

At St Mary’s Eco Group we are committed to work towards a greener and healthier future for all. We want to make a long-term change for better through individual and community actions.

We are stronger together, and working together we can make a positive change in our local area and beyond.

Climate change, pollution and resource over-consumptions affect us all.

Eco Church provides tools to help our church to weave our response to environmental issues into all we do.

What is it?
Eco Church is a scheme run by A Rocha UK equipping churches to care for God’s creation through their:

  • Worship and teaching
  • Management of church buildings
  • Management of church land
  • Community and global engagement
  • Lifestyle

By completing an online survey, churches can be considered for an Eco Church Award at either Bronze, Silver, or Gold level.

We want St Mary to become an Eco Church. This requires an assessment of what we currently do and what needs to be done achieve the Gold Status.

Our Eco Church activities will contribute towards Eco Deanery and Eco Diocese.

Eco Journey
We are starting our eco journey one action, prayer and hymn at a time.

There are many things we already are doing right e.g. using reusable cups and plates; energy saving light bulbs; litter picks by individual members and rewilding.

We have used the eco church self assessment form recently and identified a number of areas where St Mary’s can become greener and more ecologically friendly.

Some changes will take a bit longer than others to be fully implemented, but we will get there. Every small action counts, and even the smallest of steps will mark a clear path over time.

First projects

  • Clearing the heap, removing old waste and creating a composting area
  • Rewilding selected graves and banks
  • Building hedgehog houses and bug hotels
  • Establishing bird feeding areas
  • Getting our first bike rack
  • Sharing green lifestyle tips
  • Organising an Eco Quiz

Get involved
Become a Church Eco Champion for one of the many activities and projects we need to complete to achieve the Gold Status.

Join our meetings to have a chat about Eco Church and other green topics.

Speak to Sue Wates, Gill and Steve Robinson or Lauma Kazusa at St Mary’s Church to find out more.

Heavenly Father,
That all creation is your handiwork.
Grant us your grace that we may
Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;
Tread lightly upon it;
And cherish its resources;
That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,
And your name be glorified through all that you have made.
Amen.

Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester