The Hawkes Bay Eco church gathering on Saturday 22nd February showed that there’s a whole lot of energy for the Creation Care Kaupapa in the Hawkes Bay! 35 people from 8 different churches gathered to hear from several speakers about conservation and the what/why/how of being an eco church, as well as share with each other the joys and challenges they’re experiencing as they take steps on their eco church journey.

Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Te Taurapa – Southland to connect with churches and individuals passionate about creation care. It was a trip filled with deep conversations, theological reflections, and inspiring stories of churches living out their faith in practical ways. It was an incredible experience to talk about the care of creation while being surrounded by the beauty of God’s good creation. The setting of St Luke’s in the Bush reinforced the message that our faith must be deeply rooted in the land we inhabit.

I had the incredible privilege of being part of Festival One, which is a unique festival that celebrates faith, community, creativity and creation. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to lead two sessions titled “Eco Church – Why We Must.” Alongside these talks, I also led three reflective nature walks, inviting participants to step into creation with fresh eyes. We spent time in the bush, pausing to reflect on Romans 1:15 and considering how creation can reveal the heart of our Creator.

With over 1000 attendees from churches all over the country, it was a privilege to have the opportunity to hold an Eco Church workshop at the New Wine Festival held at Wairarapa College this January. Anna Baird and Steve Thawley from the Tribe Church in Masterton led the workshop with help from Eco Church Regional Coordinator Mo Morgan.

Lots of research, one afternoon, and $70 for timber and bolts resulted in a low-cost bike rack for St Paul’s Church, Kāpiti Anglican Parish.

Holding a photo competition during the Season of Creation this year was a great way for St Matt’s Anglican Church in Taitā to encourage people to explore God’s Creation in their local neighbourhood with new eyes.

At St Heliers Presbyterian Church to help enable their congregation’s Eco Church journey, an Environmental Justice team was formed and one of their first initiatives was hosting The Week. Edina Kuki reflects on The Week - three hour-long documentaries which was followed by a group conversation to debrief and process what’s been heard.

Anne Albers shares her reflections from the Season of Creation Retreats #1 and #2 to mark the beginning and the end of the liturgical season. And Rebecca Webb shares a poem she wrote from the first retreat.

During the Season of Creation, Ruapehu Anglican Parish hosted a successful community working bee, transforming a wetland area adjacent to St. Mary’s Hall on Seddon Street in Raetihi. The initiative, aimed at rehabilitating the local environment, brought together 20 volunteers, including students from Ohakune Primary School’s William Pike Challenge programme.

Onewa Christian Community in Birkenhead hosts Repair Cafés 3-4 times a year, in conjunction with Highbury House, the Birkenhead Community Centre.  They enjoy the camaraderie and great atmosphere when mixing with the public. Most of the volunteers come back time and time again. Repairs are free but a koha is accepted for the morning tea, the proceeds of which are given to De Paul House in Northcote.

Floral arrangements have long been an important expression in many churches, but in recent years, there has been an increase in using materials and techniques that contribute to waste, such as floral foam, plastic packaging, and chemically treated plants. Knowing that floral foam bricks take time to decompose, the florists from St Paul’s Presbyterian in Napier were keen to look at alternatives.

Waitakere Salvation Army shares with us what took place during their Eco Church launch service in September during Season of Creation and how the church is tackling the issue of food waste as their first Eco Church initiative.