I started this blog in November 2007 as a resource and a record of our church's journey towards becoming an EcoCongregation.
We had been inspired to act because members of the congregation were increasingly concerned about the impact of Climate Change on the developing world. Some of us were trying to make changes at home, but working together as a church meant we could achieve so much more.
In May 2009 we were assessed for the award and passed. The scheme was later re-launched as EcoChurch, so we got round to applying for their Bronze award in 2016. In 2019 we made it to silver. And in June 2024 became Oxford Diocese's first Gold Eco Church (the 50th church in the country to receive the award). Our next challenge is to bring to fruition our plans for solar panels and a heat pump, and to make this a greener and more wildlife-friendly space.
The church of St John and St Stephen in Newtown, Reading, is attached to St John's School who use our church space during the week. The Sunday morning congregation (about 65 with an electoral roll of just over 90) includes a wide range of ages and backgrounds, some from the local parish and others from further afield. You can find out more about the church by clicking on the photo of the church above.
The views expressed in this blog are my own, and not necessarily shared by all of the congregation.
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