HEYSHAM FREE METHODIST CHURCH
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

An Environmentally Friendly Church

 

The Scriptures tell us that God created the earth and all that was in it.

Then God looked over at all that he had made and saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:3)

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all his people belong to him. (Psalm 24 :1)

 

God made us in his image and has entrusted the privilege and responsibility of caring for his creation to his people.

Then God said ‘let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, all the wild animals on the earth and the small animals that scurry along the ground. (Genesis 1:26)

The Lord God placed man in the garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. (Genesis 2:15)

 

In the past we have misused and abused our environment causing serious harm. We want to interact with creation now to preserve its capacity to reveal God; to rehabilitate areas that have been degraded and we want to ensure that no further unnecessary damage is done. As we are challenged and encouraged to do so, we want to be a people who show the following characteristics:

 

1) We aim to stay well informed as to how our actions impact the world around us; to avoid doing further damage to the environment and to be pro-active in trying to restore a healthier ecosystem.

 

2) We want to avoid unnecessary waste and reduce our carbon footprint. We will only buy products that are considered essential for the good management of the church. We will try to cut down on paper correspondence. by emphasising the use of electronic communication where possible. We aim to show wisdom in our use of heating, and electricity.

 

3) We want to reduce pollution and will recycle whatever we can from the waste produced at church, in accordance with the guidelines set out by the local council. When making new purchases we will consider how that product can be recycled after use.

 

4) We will not endorse selfish production of goods and will only buy what has been sustainably sourced.

 

5) We will encourage others, by our teaching and example, to be wise stewards of all our resources. Many, small lifestyle changes by individuals contribute to an important collective effect….eg car sharing, use of public transport, buying local etc will create an awareness of our impact on the environment and show ways of being more mindful of that impact.

 

6) We recognise that we have a valuable resource in our building and property. We want to use this in ways that enhance the environment and benefits the community