The assessors particularly commended the congregation of Abbotsford Parish Church for the following:
The way in which messages about God’s creation and creation care are integrated into the worship and liturgy of the services. The wealth of eco-liturgy material, which is shared with others all over the world, is a great resource for eco-congregations everywhere.
The church’s outward-orientated approach with many activities aimed at the local community or getting involved with other Christians to engage on the issue of the environment. For example, through hosting an eco-congregations event, organising local arts activities for children in a community day taking over 10 vacant shops in the nearby arcade, and participation in creating an environmental art installation at the Church of Scotland National Gathering.
The highly creative and numerous art/worship installations that the minister and many of the congregation members have created to aid worship and as a reminder of God’s creation and our place in it.
The links made with scientists in the life of the church by providing speakers for the Eco-Congregation workshop, events in schools, and using scientific experiments to illustrate points in the talks/sermons.
The striking example of the whole church’s practical commitment in the project to light the church tower. In using the most energy efficient LED lights and ensuring that that they would only be lit from dusk until midnight, as well as taking steps to offset this additional electricity use from the congregation, great ingenuity and vision was shown.
The considerable effort and dedication that green team have put into all the creation care work within their church, the local Eco-Congregation network and the national movement, which makes Abbottsford a beacon, not only in the local community, but also across Scotland.
Credits The picture of the feather is part of the Sanctuary Art display at Abbotsford Church.
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