Think global, act local
By Isobel Murdoch, Green Christian’s Local Group Coordinator
As we seek to follow Jesus – against the tide – we need a different world view. Could a local group sow these seeds in your community?
How do you picture a Green Christian local group?
Every group differs in some way, whether in size, purpose or setting. Whether informal – gathering occasionally to talk and pool ideas and news – or more structured, with regular events, groups embody our mission in their communities and allow the ‘storm of hope’ a wider voice.
Would you consider starting a group – as an experiment, with no commitment, just to see what might happen? Your group would be another “living stone” in the new future we are all trying to build:
“As you come to him, the living Stone … you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” … (1 Peter 2.4-5).
Starting a group might be seen as planting a seed. Just as in agroforestry, crops and trees grow together for mutual benefit, so local groups and Green Christian complement one another. In agroforestry trees feed and bind the soil and thus the crops – perhaps as Green Christian might support a group. And agroforestry is know to produce higher combined yields – just as Green Christian is strengthened by a local presence in more communities.
Some groups are ecumenical, some are centred on one church.
You might ask ‘What do groups do?’ You could…
- Join our Way of Life community
- Hold a church service on a green theme
- Try Forest Church, a ‘fresh expression’ of church in the natural world.
- Hold a Green Christian stall at a local event – perhaps a fete or fair, carnival or other event.
- Campaign
- Arrange an outing – maybe to an organic or sustainable farm, a nature reserve, a farmers’ market, a recycling plant, or an environmental event or march. You could also do some conservation work or tree planting, or hold a litter pick.
- Organise a LOAF meal or coffee morning. You could try a bring and share meal, as several groups have done, or a picnic.
- Follow a green theme with your prayer or Bible group.
- Hold a green day or other event.
- Produce a newsletter. This could cover group activities, or just news and ideas – mention a new book or film, or publicise non-Green Christian local initiatives.
- Arrange talks– on themes from different perspectives on climate change to ethical investment and form farming to the RSPB. Or you could screen a film or hold a discussion.
- See how your church or churchyard could be more eco-friendly. Several groups have earned Ecocongregation , Eco church and Live Simply awards. And the Clifton group manage their churchyard for wildlife, with particular emphasis on wild flower species.
- Hold children’s activities – maybe a bio blitz, or bulb-planting, bird box making and willow wreath weaving.
… But you could also just gather to share ideas and support as like-minded “green Christians”. You are free to form a group of any kind – there is no one formula for a local group.
If you are considering starting a group, first have a look at our Local Groups page and read our new Local Groups Briefing, as the way we oversee groups has recently changed. Then ring our Local Groups Contact. She can arrange for you to be sent some free leaflets and magazines, which you could distribute or display.
Ask members of your congregation whether they would like to start a group. You could mention the idea to your minister and write a piece for your church bulletin or newsletter. You could also contact other local churches – some groups work through Churches Together.
Several groups work in with other, secular local groups – Transition Towns, CPRE, Friends of the Earth or your county wildlife trust. You could hold some joint events – and some of their members may be Christians who might join.
Green Christian can supply posters and leaflets: and as a local group you would be sent five copies of each issue of Green Christian magazine. We can also help you find speakers, and advertise any event you arrange on our website.
To find out more contact our Local Groups Contact, Isobel Murdoch, on 01790 763603 or email isobelmurdoch@greenchristian.org.uk.
Could you plant a seed of hope in your community?
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