A Better Understanding

David Morgan, Diocesan Environmental Officer & Chair Environment writes:

"We have been hearing so much about COP26 and our responsibility to play our part in caring for our planet. If you want to take a step in the right direction and promote caring for God’s creation in the diocese, we have the course for you.

‘Caring for God's Creation’ is a six part course starting in January and is designed to equip and encourage ministry in the local church and community, and will inspire participants to facilitate and help their church on a journey towards greater care and concern for God’s wonderful creation.   

Covering the theology, science and practical action aspects of caring for God’s creation, the programme is on six alternate Tuesday evenings spread over the period from mid-January to Easter. There is also an opening session (in person) on Saturday 15th January. To get the most out of your training, it’s best that you commit to being present at every session so that you, and those you are learning with, get the most out of the training.  

Each of the six evenings will involve some pre-session online materials to work through, followed by Zoom sessions with a trainer, one of which will be David Morgan, Chair of our Diocesan Environmental Group. The training will be done with fellow ‘Eco Champions’ in Winchester diocese as part of their Bishop’s Commission for Mission programme. 

The cost is £40 per person and you can find out more here."

The course has run twice before and participants found inspiring and helpful, here are some of their comments:   

“I appreciated the Creation Care programme enormously.”

“It has helped me to understand more about the whole concepts of climate change, global warming, loss of biodiversity, 'Net Zero Carbon' and so much more and to express myself more clearly. It has given me confidence and knowledge in a clear accessible way.”

“I feel I've learnt so much and it was so good to ground it all in the Christian aspect first. I need to keep coming back to that as it's very easy to be all 'doom and gloom' about where we are heading otherwise.”

“I feel even more enthused to talk with people, share ideas and encourage actions. I feel the urge even more and it has increased my passion to do what I can in my lifetime.”

“The course has given me a much better understanding and bigger picture of how our parish fits into the Diocese and wider church.”

“The programme has helped me to have a framework for how to look at Creation Care from God's perspective and it has also helped me to see how other Christians are engaged in caring for God's Creation."       

“A really good opportunity to learn with a biblical focus as well as real life information.”       

“Very encouraging to meet and share with people from other local churches who share

 a concern for the environment and are finding practical ways to make a difference.”          

“Useful to get better theological imperative for caring for our world and to hear experiences and ideas from others trying to promote environmental ideas in their church.”