ST MICHAEL’S PARISH CHURCH  • LINLITHGOW  •   EH49 7AL

tel - 01506 842188   e-mail - info@stmichaels-parish.org.uk

MINISTER:  REV DR STEWART GILLAN  BSc MDiv PhD

St Michael’s Parish Church is recognised as a Scottish Charity  No SCO16185

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‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters’ –  Psalm 24:1-2

Recently the words ‘climate change’, ‘greenhouse effect’ and ‘global warming’ have been prominent.  In December there was the United Nations conference in Bali which established ‘a road map’ towards cutting carbon emissions. In the 24th Psalm we are reminded that God created the earth and everything (including man) in it. What is man’s responsibility in God’s creation?   In Genesis 2 v 15 God charges man to be stewards of creation. So what is St Michael’s Parish Church doing about its responsibilities?

In January 2007 a small group of interested members of St Michael’s met with Rev Mark Davidson to discuss what might/could be done to make St Michael’s an eco-friendly church.  Over the past year we have meet on several occasions.  Reflecting back on the year we have looked at the use of resources within the church, made recommendations on insulation against heat loss, the use of low energy lighting, ways to ensure economic use of water, the use of environmentally friendly cleaning materials, and achieved the acquisition of a Council ‘blue bin’ for Cross House.  In September a special breakfast with a specialist speaker allowing people to raise issues and discussion. We are planning a special Evening Service in May.

We used as our guide ecumenical material published by Eco-Congregation Scotland – material produced to encourage and equip churches (of what ever denomination) to weave environmental issues into our church life.  

Eco-Congregation Scotland – what is it?

This programme has developed a number of modules to help congregations:

• Grow in faith and understanding linking environmental issues and our Christian faith
• Put God’s house in green order – taking practical action within the church
• Change lives, change communities – influencing attitudes and taking action within the local community and global community

Churches can register to obtain certification as an Eco-congregation involving an audit of the church’s current environmental practice, deciding on priorities for action and then taking action.  We are at present looking at possible registration for St Michael’s in the future. 56 congregations have already gained an award including Kingscavil Pardovan and Winchburgh Church and Torphichen Church.

How can YOU raise awareness of ecological issues in St Michael’s?

• We would be delighted to have new members join our group – the membership is open to any interested person
• Come to the special evening service on Sunday 4 May
• Look out for the eco-tips in Crosswind and act on them – e.g. did you know you can recycle batteries?

You can contact the group through the Church Office.

AN ECO-CONGREGATION?

by Fiona Duke