Simplify: Videos for the Journey

Story contributed by Christina Edwards-Teope

Massey Community Church did a 4-week Creation Care series a couple of years ago which began our church on the journey towards being more sustainable and regenerative in our practices. Since then we have joined up with Eco Church, attended a few events and formed a Sustainability Group. Our pastoral team was keen to continue to promote discussion around sustainability via our Sunday services, and our Sunday morning 'Simplify' series has been a way to do this.

Our series looked at biblical mandates around principles such as generosity, rest, compassion and thankfulness, and as part of this encouraged people to consider the impact their everyday practices had on themselves, others and the planet. Each week one of the members in our Sustainability Group produced a video about an aspect of their own sustainability journey. There are videos on groceries, transport, clothes shopping, making things at home, being sustainable on a budget, and starting out on the journey. These were posted on our church Facebook group and a highlights video shown in one of our Sunday gatherings to encourage members to view the videos already posted.

Tina gives us an insight into how small changes we make can have a big difference in waste reduction. Plus, an overview of the 'why' behind our sustainability initiatives here at MCC, both personally and collectively.

Let's head out on the road with Chris Lange, as he talks with us about travelling smarter - with the planet, and our health in mind.

Summer walks us through her decision making around buying sustainable clothing - and how she's going years later. If you've been thinking about how you can make more sustainable choices without a huge price tag, this is worth the watch!

We follow on in our series of making conscious, sustainable choices with Sarah, demonstrating and talking through ways that we can make rather than buy. We learn how to make yoghurt from scratch, plus tips on other easy ways to reduce our buying [and waste!].

We know that buying sustainably can mean more expense - so how can we make the first step on a budget? Yvie talks us through how she made the first step and how it's going two years on...

Cathy is a wealth of information when it comes to all things sewing - including where to start. Have a watch a let us know what you think! Are you already sewing or repairing? What are you inspired to make?

Alana chats through the journey of sustainability as we approach Christmas, and the consumerism that often goes along with it. Let's remember the reason for the season, while being mindful of our footprint on the world.

It has been a great next step for our Sustainability Group. It has given more profile to the team and to the message we are trying to promote. It hasn't taken anyone too much time as each person just did their own video and sent it in for uploading. We are keen to have more contributors as the months go by.… even non team members have asked if they can contribute a video!