September 20 – October 15
During Eco Month here at Toll Gavel we celebrate all that the church does to cherish God’s creation. For over a decade, Toll Gavel has committed to using environmentally friendly cleaning products and 100 percent recycled toilet paper and consciously use recycled office/copier paper. We have gradually replaced many of our old lamps with more efficient LED lamps. In the hall and Centre’s kitchens, bins for recycling are intently used. The garden in the drive has herbs to pick, a bug hotel and benches and picnic tables for people to use and relax. The beautiful Tree of Hope mural reminds everyone that God’s plans include giving us a future and a hope.
The Fairtrade stall is brilliantly stocked with all kinds of treats and staples, and John will gladly place a Traidcraft catalogue order for you.
One church member is involved with intentional tree planting in the community and their care, and along with another does growing work with local Frith Farm in Beverley, 5 acres put into vegetable and honey production. And who can resist Margaret and Andrew’s fabulous jams and chutneys generously donated to the church for church stalls and coffee morning sales. You can’t get more locally grown that that. These, and so very much more, were factored into achieving the Bronze Eco Church Award, now proudly displayed in the Church Centre.
Now we need to move forward and try and achieve the Eco Church silver award. “In God’s hand is the soul of everything and the breath of all humankind.” (Job 12: 7-10) When we intentionally engage in caring for God’s earth—even in what might seem like small, humble ways—these are clear acts of loving our neighbour and saying thank you to God.
The Minster: We have joined forces with Beverley Minster who are just starting their eco journey. They will particularly focus their efforts on their own congregation with 4 Sunday services and material supplied to house groups. There is scope to widen the interest and impact to the wider community as well.
Our plans include promoting and selling some of the environmentally friendly cleaning products produced in Hull by bio-D which we use on the church premises. A selection of these have been available on the church Fairtrade stall for a number of years. Some will be available during eco-month at discounted prices. We would encourage you to try them and hopefully become a regular customer. Refills are available on most products.
Another idea we will have available is containers placed in public places around the church which will contain suggestions for small changes in lifestyle. These tips will be to give ideas and suggestions for lighter living or living more simply. Diane Allen has prepared this for us.
During the month we will make extensive use of publicity with information and ideas. This will include our church website, our noticeboards, and social media.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Methodist Church have declared a climate emergency. This underlines the seriousness of the situation we are now in, and action by businesses, industry and local communities is essential to help mitigate the worst consequences predicted. We can all contribute by making small changes in our lifestyle.
To help progress our eco credentials we would like to form an eco-committee to meet regularly, to suggest and implement new ideas, and to share information. If you would like to join us, please get in touch with Rev Fran or John Turner.
During eco-month we will also be providing additional promotion to the church Fairtrade stall. This is another important dimension to our responsible use of the planet and our choices in purchases we make. Traidcraft catalogues in recent editions have contributed a lot to explaining the ethos and environmental principles behind the running of the business.
Toll Gavel United Church where faith, people and justice matter 