Friday 27 May 2011

Solar Panels - will your church take up the challenge?



The feed in tariff for solar photo voltaic systems reduces next April. Systems installed before 1st April 2012 will be locked in at the old, higher, rate.

Solar PV is not appropriate for every situation, but if you have already started looking into it now is the time to act. We can provide some support and advice for churches on this so please do get in touch.

This article on commercial solar power generation in France may also be of interest:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/picture/2011/may/26/solar-photovoltaic-france

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Why should the church respond to climate change?

A short two part telephone interview with Adrian Shaw (climate change officer for the Church of Scotland) about why and how the church should respond to climate change.

Part One:


Part Two:

Cadder Parish Church Photography Competition

Cadder parish Church in Bishopbriggs are having a photography competition to raise funds for their Eco-Congregation activities. The competition is open to anyone, not just those in the local area. For further details please click here to download the poster and entry form.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Volunteers needed

On Sunday 22nd May the Church of Scotland is holding an event for church congregations, and the general public in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh called "Roll Away the Stone" (web site: http://www.rollawaythestone.org.uk/).

Eco-Congregation Scotland will have a presence at this event including an information stall and the building of a church made from plastic bottles. If you are coming to the event please bring a couple of plastic bottles and add them to the building.

The day has been broken down into the following sections and we need two volunteers for each:

10am to 1pm setup* - 1 or 2 volunteers still needed (for this period they will need to be fit)
1pm to 4pm Event - 2 volunteers already come forward so we don't need any more
4pm to 6pm Event - 2 volunteers still needed
6pm to 9pm break down* -  1 or 2 volunteers still needed (for this period they will need to be fit)

*will not take three hours, but this is the window we have in which to get the stuff set up and taken down.

If you can help please contact Gordon at the Eco-Congregation Scotland office.

Contact details here:
http://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/about-us/contact-us/

Tuesday 3 May 2011

An invitation to a Green Day Out

The South Lanarkshire Network of Eco-Congregation Scotland is hosting a “Green Day Out” at the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre on Saturday 4th June and you and your whole church family are invited!

Click Here to view or download the flyer.

The event will run from 11am – 4pm. Come for an hour or two or for the whole day. You can bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds or have your lunch in the centre cafĂ©.

There will be a lot going on all day:
  • Children’s activities
  • Guided walks for all ages
  • Displays and stalls helping you to care better for creation at home and in your daily lives: find out how you can:
  • - respond to climate change and saving your 5% (CO2) at church and at home
  • - get young people involved and what our children want us to do to protect their future
  • - help look after local wildlife
  • How to become an eco-congregation
The South Lanarkshire network of Eco-Congregation have organised the Eco Fair and you will find an exciting range of stalls to answer your questions and provide expert advice. Everyone is welcome and entry to the event and all the activities above is free!

Many Christians are concerned about the environment but don't know what they can do. Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical charity which offers a programme to help congregations and parishes understand environmental issues and make appropriate practical and spiritual responses. There are now over 270 churches across the country helping the church put into practice what it preaches by tackling these key issues of our times. (see www.ecocongregationscotland.org)

The David Livingstone Centre is a National Trust for Scotland property set in 20 acres of parkland with a children's play area. For further information see http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/23/. The address of the centre is 165 Station Road, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire G72 9BY. It is close to Blantyre rail station and accessible from buses, for directions see http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/David-Livingstone-Centre/Getting-there/.

We look forward to seeing you on 4th June. For further information contact Stuart at the David Livingstone Centre: 0844 493 2207 or Margaret at Eco-Congregation Scotland.

Click Here to view or download the flyer.