St Mark's Harrogate (Diocese of Leeds) have not just cut their own energy use, they've also reached out to engage their community.
As a large church, St Mark's faces high energy demands when in use. Solar panels on the aisle roof help reduce the carbon impact of this, as does switching to renewably sourced electricity and gas for the remaining, purchased energy.
They have reached out to their community to tackle other environmental issues, for example setting up schemes to cut down local clothes and food waste, and a successful bike repair project. Church members were instrumental in setting up Zero Carbon Harrogate.
As a result of this combination of actions, St Mark's were awarded an Eco Church Silver Award.
This page contains a short format video, a written case study, two longer videos and a section with faith-based discussion questions.
Read the Case Study below.
What was done?
Why we acted
Discussion Questions for "Why we acted"
Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
In this video, people are sharing the motivation which led them to get involved with this environmental project. They share lots of ideas, prayers and hopes which you might like to discuss. Here are a few questions to help you think, but you might like to start your discussions by talking about the parts of the video that stood out most to you. This video is part of a set of videos, and there are some common themes across them all, particularly around ‘stewardship’ and caring for creation, and around justice for people in poor countries or for future generations. So other videos might include some interesting questions which relate to this video too. Feel free to explore them all!
- Colossians 1:19 talks about ‘all things’ being reconciled to God. As Jemima asks, what does a redeemed natural world look like?
- Mike talks about being hopeful about the future, and Jemima talks about how she deals with anxiety about environmental issues. When you think about the future which climate scientists and ecologists are predicting, how do you feel? What difference does your faith make to how you feel?
- The poorest people round the world are already suffering the most from climate change. Michelle talks about wealthy countries needing to take responsibility to mitigate these affects. Do you agree?