Christ Church Epsom became an Eco Church in 2018. In 2019 they were awarded the Bronze Award and in 2022 the Silver. The church is collectively committed to living in harmony with God’s creation.
The Christ Church Environmental Group have served as a catalyst and inspiration for the rest of the church family to deepen their journey as an Eco Church and carding for God’s creation. It’s really easy to join the group, held once a quarter straight after Sunday worship. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to use their gifts and skills.
Rev Rosemary Donovan, Vicar at Christ Church Epsom, said: “We are very aware that living well means living well with, and for, our fellow creatures. We are based on Epsom Common and seek to be good news to all of creation.
“By joining the ARocha Eco Church Award Scheme we have focused our mind and activities to actions that we know will have the biggest impact. The greatest change we have seen is for our community to recognise creation care as a fundamental part of discipleship.
“We’ve also seen the impact on how the church is viewed in the local community. They see us taking action that makes a real different to the world, and is relevant to them.”
Rosemary shares her advice for anyone thinking about starting a church environmental group of joining the ARocha Eco Church scheme: “Prioritise slow and steady movement. Try to develop a small team to champion ecological issues. It spreads the load and creates space for people to play to their strengths.
“Don't get stuck on the awards. It's not about the big achievements, rather it’s the smaller step changes that benefit our planet. ARocha's website gives lots of great resources and ideas. They also issue monthly newsletters that share good practice.”
Eco Church is a way in which we can turn back, as Christians, to our first task set in scripture. It is an award scheme run by the Christian charity, A Rocha UK, and supported by Christian Aid, The Church of England, The Methodist Church and Tearfund. It encourages us to pursue better environmental stewardship by setting goals that enable congregations to reduce their environmental impact – both as churches, and in private life.