Award
Hope Park Church, St Andrews
30 August 2009
Congratulations to Hope Park Church, St Andrew's for gaining an Eco-Congregation Award
At Hope Park the church is well signposted with reminders about switching off lights and taps and saving energy, as well as copies of the mission statement about the congregations’s commitment to sustainability:
There is an active Sunday school which is fully involved in the programme and the children produce relevant pictures which are displayed throughout the whole area other than the church. There is also a designated area for young children where the activities relate to caring for creation.
The boiler is regularly serviced for maximum efficiency and a bequest from a congregation member made it possible to change almost all the lights to energy efficient ones some years ago. monthly parish magazine includes at least one eco item in every issue.
The successful cafe attached to the church sourcing supplies based on fair-trade and local wherever possible and cleaning products here, as elsewhere in the church, are environmentally friendly. There is a fair-trade stall and the stock is increased towards Christmas
In the and grounds discussions are taking place about the use of peat based compost for the recycled plants in holders which make the church’s appearance so attractive. There are difficulties at present in using runoff water into butts for watering, but there are ambitious plans to develop access.
The minister regularly preaches on caring for creation as a central aspect of Christian commitment. It has increasingly involved congregation members leading to growing awareness and greater involvement not only in church but also at home and in the wider community.
